Associate Director - Automation Leader

Job Description

Job Description

The Equipment Development & Maintenance (EDM) group within the Chemical Engineering Research & Development (CERD) Department is seeking a highly motivated individual to work in a fast-paced job that provides a high degree of technical and project management responsibility. The Automation Leader will report directly to the Director of Engineering, Equipment Development and Maintenance / Capital Coordinator. EDM is responsible for development of new technologies and capabilities, execution of capital and non-capital improvement projects, and the optimization and reliability of equipment, facility and automation system assets spanning production, utility systems and associated infrastructure. The Automation Leader is a member of the EDM leadership team and as such is expected to contribute to the overall management of the group. The Automation Leader is also a member of the Chemical Engineering Research & Development (CERD) Extended Leadership Team (XLT), and a key contributor to the overall department strategy. The Automation Leader will manage a team of engineers that administer automation systems residing in both our Research & Development Division API Operations and RY Site Operations. Responsibilities include:

• Providing strategic direction and technical oversight to teams that manage and maintain Automation systems in the following API Operations areas:
• Pilot Plant : The Small Scale Organics (SSO) Pilot Plant, or Bldg. 814, uses an Emerson DeltaV Distributed Control System. The SSO is a Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) manufacturing facility in the Process Research and Development (PR&D) organization. The pilot plant’s mission is to serve as PR&D’s internal node for small molecule drug substance clinical manufacture, and as preferred site for first pilot of commercial small molecule processes, enabling gain of critical internal experience with scale-up of manufacturing GMP steps, demonstration of new manufacturing technology/processes, training opportunities for improved manufacturing process development and seamless tech transfer to commercial sites.
• High Pressure Lab (HPL) : The High Pressure Lab (HPL), or Bldg. 801, uses GE PLC 90-30 processors and Genius I/O blocks. The Graphical interface is an Intellution iFix platform run on redundant SCADAS and seven workstations, with historical data collected on a local historian as well as OSI PI. The B801 High Pressure Lab and Low Pressure Lab Systems supports Hydrogenation reactions using a wide variety of vessels and equipment. The High Pressure Barricades Cells are divided up into ten cells with 2-3 manifolds in each cell. Each cell is electrically classified as Class 1 Division 2 Hazardous Area, Group B.
• Providing strategic direction and technical oversight to teams that manage and maintain Automation systems in the following Site Operations areas:
• ABB 800xA Distributed Control System (DCS) for the Powerhouse Utilities and Environmental Area serving the entire RY Site (e.g., boilers, turbines, compressors, potable water distribution, cooling towers).
• REES: Environmental Monitoring System (e.g., Temperature, RH) used for various buildings at both the Rahway and Kenilworth sites.
• MITS-GMPCOS - Material Inventory Tracking System (RY 28) and Compound Ordering System (RY 28). Used for global tracking and custodial handling of pre-clinical research samples.
• Data Acquisition System (DAS 7.0): Honeywell Experion platform used for particulate emissions for Powerhouse (NJ EPA reportable system).
• PowerRich (ClearSCADA): Schneider Electric software vendor used to monitor RY Site electrical substation power usage.
• IceTec: Used for energy demand and metering in the Powerhouse
• Managing/Prioritizing a portfolio of automation improvement projects (capital/non-capital) supporting API Operations and the Rahway Powerhouse/Utilities/Environmental Operations space, interfacing with key partners and area leadership to ensure delivery of business objectives, including operational efficiencies, compliance, energy savings initiatives, improved reliability, operability and maintainability.
• Committed to continuously improving and optimizing Automation system performance, ensuring staff identify and propose opportunities with input from key stakeholders
• Sourcing of contract automation engineers and outside contractors/vendors supervised by staff
• Collaborating effectively with partner groups including IT, EHS, Quality, Site facilities and end users.
• Committed to improving the IT service model for the RY Site, maintaining close interfaces with our Research & Development Division IT.
• Ensuring staff maintain compliance with, and administration of, Automation SOPs, SDLC requirements, and execution of automation change controls and quality investigations.
• Providing oversight to ensure development and implementation of maintenance strategies for GMP and non-GMP automation systems.
• Actively participating in departmental strategy including defining future facility and equipment technologies/innovation, capabilities and business models.

Qualifications

Education Minimum Requirement:

• Bachelor’s degree in Automation, Engineering, Science, or Computer-Programming related degree

Required Experience and Skills:

• A minimum of ten (10) years’ experience in an Automation Engineering field.
• Pharmaceutical Operations experience, in a Pilot Plant, Manufacturing environment or related industry.
• General Power Plant and/or related utilities experience, interfacing with Plant/Operations personnel
• Experienced problem solver, skilled in root cause analysis.
• Strong Project Management skills with ability to manage a portfolio of automation projects and deliver results across multiple priorities.
• Excellent leadership and influence skills including business case development, facilitative leadership and collaboration, interpersonal and conflict resolution, and oral/written communication skills.
• A high level of innovation, creativity, and self-initiative along with ability to plan and organize activities is expected.
• Experience directly leading a team of technical experts in a dynamic work environment.
• Experience collaborating and teaming with all levels of the organization.
• Working knowledge of cGMP’s and regulatory requirements
• Skilled in developing, mentoring and retaining talent

Preferred Experience and Skills:

• Lean Six Sigma Problem Solving methodology (training/Certification)
• Strong background in IT systems; specifically, integration of Automation systems with IT systems
• Working knowledge of Enterprise Networking and local control networks
• Knowledge of SAP Plant Maintenance systems

PRandD

We are a research-driven biopharmaceutical company. Our mission is built on the simple premise that if we “follow the science” that great medicines can make a significant impact to our world. We believe that a research-driven enterprise dedicated to world-class science can succeed by inventing medicine and vaccine innovations that make a difference for patients across the globe.

Who we are ...

We are known as Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, New Jersey, USA in the United States and Canada and MSD everywhere else. For more than a century, we have been inventing for life, bringing forward medicines and vaccines for many of the world's most challenging diseases. Today, our company continues to be at the forefront of research to deliver innovative health solutions and advance the prevention and treatment of diseases that threaten people and animals around the world.

What we look for ...

In a world of rapid innovation, we seek brave Inventors who want to make an Impact in all aspects of our business, enabling breakthroughs that will affect generations to come. We encourage you to bring your disruptive thinking, collaborative spirit and diverse perspective to our organization. Together we will continue Inventing For Life, Impacting Lives while Inspiring Your Career Growth.

INVENT.

IMPACT.

INSPIRE.

NOTICE FOR INTERNAL APPLICANTS

In accordance with Managers' Policy - Job Posting and Employee Placement, all employees subject to this policy are required to have a minimum of twelve (12) months of service in current position prior to applying for open positions.

If you have been offered a separation benefits package but have not yet reached your separation date and are offered a position within the salary and geographical parameters as set forth in the Summary Plan Description (SPD) of your separation package, then you are no longer eligible for your separation benefits package. To discuss in more detail, please contact your HRBP or Talent Acquisition Advisor.

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Employee Status:

Relocation:

VISA Sponsorship:

Travel Requirements:

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Shift:

Valid Driving License:

Hazardous Material(s):

Number of Openings:

Requisition ID:R91298