About Careertakes

👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Engineering.

Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.

---

Role Overview

This is an operations-focused, shop-floor automation support role for a Confidential Client manufacturing campus in Elkton, VA. The Associate Specialist, Manufacturing Automation provides first-line, hands-on technical support for automated manufacturing systems in a regulated, 24/7 cGMP manufacturing environment. This role works 12-hour rotating shifts (days/nights; weekends and holidays as required) and will be expected to work onsite.

---

What You’ll Do

• Provide hands-on automation technical support across the manufacturing site while working 12-hour rotating shifts (days/nights, weekends, and holidays as required)
• Serve as the initial point of contact for shop-floor automation support calls
• Troubleshoot and support automation systems, including:
  • Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs)
  • Distributed Control Systems (DCS)
  • OEM automation platforms
• Diagnose and resolve automation and equipment issues impacting yield, cycle time, reliability, and uptime
• Maintain automation systems in compliance with current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMPs)
• Lead investigations of automation anomalies and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence
• Develop solutions for recurring automation problems and support continuous improvement initiatives
• Provide automation-related training and technical guidance to operations and technical staff
• Write, review, and improve procedures for system administration and process operation
• Participate in process and equipment safety reviews and promote a safe work environment
• Support an empowered, diverse, and inclusive team culture

---

Minimum Education

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, Science, or Business

---

Required Qualifications

• Strong technical and analytical problem-solving skills with a hands-on, field-first mindset
• Ability to evaluate issues from multiple perspectives: safety, compliance, maintenance, automation, equipment, process, and people
• Self-starter attitude with a strong desire for continuous learning
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability and expectation to work onsite in an operational manufacturing setting (Elkton, VA)

---

Preferred Experience & Technical Skills

• Degree focus in mechanical, electrical, chemical engineering, computer science, integrated science, or physics
• Prior experience in manufacturing, engineering, science, or military environments
• Familiarity with automated manufacturing systems and control platforms
• Exposure to:
  • Emerson DeltaV
  • Allen‑Bradley PLCs
  • OSI‑PI
  • SQL
  • Infobatch
• Knowledge of Batch Processing and S88 standards; awareness of GAMP
• Interest in a long-term career on an active manufacturing campus

---

Key Skills (examples)

• Automation, PLC troubleshooting, DCS support
• cGMP-compliant system maintenance
• Control logic, real-time programming, data management
• Process safety, reliability improvement, technical training

---

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary range: $71,900 - $113,200 per year (this is the good-faith range for this role at time of posting)
• Eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive (if applicable)
• Comprehensive benefits package: medical, dental, vision, retirement (401(k)), paid holidays, vacation, and sick/compassionate leave
• No relocation assistance; no visa sponsorship for this role

---

Additional Details

• Employment type: Full-time
• Shift: 1st - Day, 2nd - Evening, 3rd - Night (12-hour rotating)
• Travel: No travel required
• Valid driving license: No
• Job open to U.S. and Puerto Rico residents; onsite work expectation in Elkton, VA
• Confidential Client is committed to reasonable accommodations during the application and hiring process—applicants needing accommodations should notify the employer as directed in the application process
• Confidential Client is an Equal Opportunity Employer and follows applicable federal and state non-discrimination laws

---

Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency

Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.

If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.