We’re seeking a Junior Automation Specialist to support automation projects and day-to-day manufacturing operations within the pharmaceutical industry. The selected candidate will work closely with experienced automation professionals, engineering teams, manufacturing personnel, and other technical resources to support automated systems, manufacturing applications, and associated equipment.

The ideal candidate should have approximately 1–2 years of relevant experience, preferably within a pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device, or other regulated manufacturing environment. Candidates with strong technical backgrounds and relevant academic or internship experience may also be considered.

• Job Type: Regular / Contractor
• Work Location: Puerto Rico (Northeast)
• Schedule: Rotating Shifts (Day, Night, Weekend coverage as needed)
• Duration: 12 months (for contractor)
• Openings: Several positions available

Job Description:

• Support the installation, setup, configuration, testing, and troubleshooting of scales, communication devices, and other manufacturing equipment.
• Assist in the development and maintenance of system configuration and technical documentation.
• Update, review, and verify automation-related documents to ensure accuracy and compliance with applicable procedures.
• Support electronic configuration activities within Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), such as PharmaSuite, PMX, Tulip, or similar platforms.
• Provide on-site and on-call technical support for day-to-day manufacturing activities, including troubleshooting of devices, servers, applications, and system interfaces.
• Assist senior resources with system administration activities, including hot fixes, security administration, user access management, server upgrades, and system maintenance.
• Support Annual Access Roster Reviews, Business Continuity Plan (BCP) activities, Disaster Recovery (DR) exercises, and associated documentation and reports.
• Participate in System Life Cycle Management activities, including software upgrades, patches, testing, and implementation support.
• Troubleshoot basic to moderately complex production issues involving PLC, SCADA, HMI, MES, and control-system interfaces, with guidance from senior team members as required.
• Participate in Automation and Controls maintenance activities, including software and firmware updates, system backups, configuration verification, and calibration-related support.
• Assist with root cause investigations and implementation of corrective and preventive actions related to PLC, SCADA, MES, and other automation platforms.
• Provide day-to-day technical assistance to manufacturing operators, maintenance personnel, engineers, and technicians.
• Support testing, commissioning, qualification, and validation activities associated with automation and manufacturing systems.
• Escalate complex technical issues to senior automation resources and actively participate in troubleshooting and resolution activities.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Automation/Controls, or a related technical field.
• Approximately 1-2 years of relevant automation or manufacturing systems experience; experience in a pharmaceutical or other regulated manufacturing environment is preferred.
• Basic knowledge or hands-on exposure to PLC-based control systems, preferably Allen-Bradley/Rockwell Automation.
• Exposure to HMI and/or SCADA systems in an automated manufacturing environment.
• Exposure to MES platforms such as **PharmaSuite, PMX, Tulip, or similar systems** is preferred.
• Basic understanding of industrial communication networks, instrumentation, servers, and manufacturing system interfaces is desirable.
• Basic understanding of GMP requirements, data integrity principles, and FDA 21 CFR Part 11, or demonstrated willingness to learn.
• Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to develop and maintain clear and accurate technical documentation.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team and communicate with manufacturing, engineering, quality, and technical personnel.
• Willingness to continuously learn and develop technical skills in automation, controls, and manufacturing systems.