SPO Mechanical Technician
Job description
Job Description
The Sterile and Packaging Operations Technician is accountable for performing all preventative and corrective maintenance support for formulation, primary filling, inspection, and/or packaging equipment within their area of assignment for the start-up vaccine manufacturing facility at the West Point, Pa Site. This position will also be accountable for providing shop floor operations and environmental monitoring support to their area of assignment. This position will be an individual contributor and member of the Operations team within the Vaccines integrated process team.
This will be a hybrid role focused on startup and future routine operation of the pod vaccine manufacturing facility. The role will be accountable for ensuring that Environmental Health and Safety and GMP compliance is maintained for their area of assignment.
This role will also be accountable for troubleshooting and problem-solving equipment related issues and ensuring 100% PM compliance within their area of assignment.
Responsibilities
Delivery
Set up, adjust, repair, and maintain vaccines formulation, primary filling, inspection, and packaging equipment within the pod vaccine manufacturing facility
Execute and develop preventative maintenance for vaccine processing and packaging equipment
Conduct corrective maintenance and troubleshooting for vaccine processing and packaging equipment utilizing diagnostic equipment and programmable logic controllers as necessary
Partner with operators to execute manufacturing operations tasks within the pod vaccine manufacturing facility
Use technical information, drawings, diagrams, and schematics to aid in equipment maintenance troubleshooting and repairs
Disassemble and inspect parts and equipment to determine the cause of improper operation | Make repairs using replacement parts and machine fabrications | Reassemble equipment with new or repaired parts
Minor and major overhauls to vaccine processing equipment by completely disassembling, repairing, and reassembling equipment to proper operation condition
Assemble and millwright functions in the receipt and installation of new equipment
Compliance
Accountable for performing work in a safe manner, following identified safety procedures (hazardous work permitting, and using applicable safety equipment/personnel protective equipment
Implement maintenance and operations functions in accordance with current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMPs)
Complete documentation in batch record and/or computerized maintenance management system in accordance with site procedure
Maintain good housekeeping and 5S in assigned work area
Adhere to the highest level of data integrity while performing maintenance and operations duties
Ensure that work and adjustments performed within the pods is properly documented and executed in alignment with change management procedures
Assist in the investigation, root cause determination, and Corrective Action and Preventive Action implementation for equipment or personnel related compliance discrepancies noted during day to day activities and/or audits | Escalate as per IPT management processes
Cost
Participate in new equipment installations by interfacing with equipment vendors, recommending spare parts, selecting lubrication, assisting process-project engineers, assisting qualification, and performing initial de-bug for vaccines processing and packaging equipment
Ensure that startup activities for area of assignment are managed such that project deliverables and timelines are well defined in advance and met
Closely monitor equipment performance and improve reliability through problem solving and continuous improvement
Clean and lubricate equipment periodically and perform other maintenance work required to ensure efficient equipment operation
Determine proper equipment settings, clearances, and set-up standard work and respond effectively to equipment malfunctions to promote optimal productivity with minimal delays or discards
Recommend continuous improvement, productivity, and capital projects for the IPT
Team
Assist engineers and equipment vendors in new equipment installation including completion of qualification documentation
Provide technical and GMP guidance to outside contractors when they are performing work on process equipment
Act as liaison to the Utilities maintenance and Calibration teams
Maintain a culture of continuous improvement and focused on standard work, making problems visible, minimizing waste, reducing process variability, and problem solving
Education Requirements
High School diploma or equivalent and five (5) years of industrial maintenance experience or two (2) year technical degree with three (3) years of maintenance experience or equivalent
Experience and Skills
Required
Demonstrated industrial maintenance, mechanical, and electrical skills
Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot equipment utilizing a systematic approach to understand problems and determine appropriate solutions
Ability to read and understand electrical prints, P&IDs, and control loop diagrams
Demonstrated ability to work independently as team member
Ability to gown and work in an aseptic environment
Willing to work irregular hours to support multi-shift operation
Preferred
Maintenance experience within a vaccine, pharmaceutical, or GMP regulated environment
Aseptic filling, qualified inspection processes, systems, pharmaceutical packaging and serialization/aggregation
Working in a regulated environment (FDA, etc.) and basic knowledge of cGMPs as they apply to the vaccine/pharmaceutical industry
Continuous Improvement, Lean Manufacturing, Problem Solving, and Right First-Time methodologies
Systems Applications and Products / Manufacturing Execution System basic knowledge from either or production execution perspective
Working knowledge of machine shop equipment (lathe, drill press, grinder, milling equipment, welding, power cutting tools, etc.)
Ability to perform or support technical writing of documents such as preventive maintenance procedures (PMs) and standard operating procedures (SOPs)
Demonstrated ability and drive to work autonomously and help organize priorities and work for other team members
Outstanding communication skills both within direct team and across multiple shifts to ensure success of overall team
#MSJR
VETJOBS
Required Skills:
Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)
Preferred Skills:
Packaging Equipment, Process Equipment
Current Employees apply HERE
Current Contingent Workers apply HERE
US and Puerto Rico Residents Only:
Our company is committed to inclusion, ensuring that candidates can engage in a hiring process that exhibits their true capabilities. Please click here if you need an accommodation during the application or hiring process.
As an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, we provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. As a federal contractor, we comply with all affirmative action requirements for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. For more information about personal rights under the U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment laws, visit:
We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing together, talented, and committed people with diverse experiences, perspectives, skills and backgrounds. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when people with diverse ideas, broad experiences, backgrounds, and skills come together in an inclusive environment. We encourage our colleagues to respectfully challenge one another’s thinking and approach problems collectively.
Learn more about your rights, including under California, Colorado and other US State Acts
San Francisco Residents Only: We will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment in compliance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance
Los Angeles Residents Only: We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance
Search Firm Representatives Please Read Carefully
Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, also known as Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, Rahway, NJ, USA, does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. All CVs / resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at our company without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of our company. No fee will be paid in the event a candidate is hired by our company as a result of an agency referral where no pre-existing agreement is in place. Where agency agreements are in place, introductions are position specific. Please, no phone calls or emails.
Employee Status:
Regular
Relocation:
No relocation
VISA Sponsorship:
No
Travel Requirements:
No Travel Required
Flexible Work Arrangements:
Not Applicable
Shift:
2nd - Evening, 3rd - Night
Valid Driving License:
No
Hazardous Material(s):
n/a
Job Posting End Date:
09/30/2026
*A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFORE the listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date.