Senior Specialist, Process Automation

Working with Us
Challenging. Meaningful. Life-changing. Those aren’t words that are usually associated with a job. But working at Bristol Myers Squibb is anything but usual. Here, uniquely interesting work happens every day, in every department. From optimizing a production line to the latest breakthroughs in cell therapy, this is work that transforms the lives of patients, and the careers of those who do it. You’ll get the chance to grow and thrive through opportunities uncommon in scale and scope, alongside high-achieving teams rich in diversity. Take your career farther than you thought possible.

Bristol Myers Squibb recognizes the importance of balance and flexibility in our work environment. We offer a wide variety of competitive benefits, services and programs that provide our employees with the resources to pursue their goals, both at work and in their personal lives. Read more: careers.bms.com/working-with-us

PRINCIPAL OBJECTIVE OF POSITION:

Incumbent is expected to provide technical support to Manufacturing/Packaging/Facilities/Utilities operations in troubleshoot and resolve all automated, electronic, computerized systems and programmable logic-controlled equipment in a timely manner and take proactive, predictive, and preventive measures to assure proper functioning and equipment/systems reliability. This position must comply with all Security guidelines, Environmental Health and safety regulations and the current Good Manufacturing Practices required by the job function.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Performs preventive/corrective maintenance to all facilities, utilities, and operations equipment automated and computerized systems, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), ladder logic programs, drives, motion systems, pneumatic, electric, and smart electronic devices.

2. Provides technical support during installation, configuration, integration, troubleshooting, maintenance, qualification, and upgrade for new and existing computerized systems in Manufacturing and Utilities Areas (systems include and not limited to PLCs, HMI, Delta V, Factory Talk, SCADA, DCS/BAS, communication interfaces, networking, printers, report engines, databases and MES system).

3. Maintains all computer base software of all automated facilities/utilities/operations equipment updated and other tasks related with Automation System.

4. Execute backups, restore and/or disaster recovery process to automated systems in accordance with establish procedures.

5. Develops and/or revises maintenance activities plans and spare parts lists for automated equipment to be added into the Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS).

6. Writes and reviews operational and safety SOPs or work instructions for automated equipment and systems; improves and/or develops procedures based on observations and experiences.

7. Prepares reports, fill out records to comply with internal and external regulations.

8. Provides sound problem solving techniques to resolve technical issues and qualification problems.

9. Attends to all mandatory training meetings for cGMP’s, EHS and Company Policies.

10. Performs process equipment analysis and recommends improvements to existing processes using state-of-the-art computer technology and participates proactively as a team member of implementation projects for new integrated business application and process automation, providing consulting advice in the use and management of technology.

11. Reviews and tests programs to ensure that they meet manufacturers recommend requirements for hardware and software at the personal computer and/or host computer system level.

12. Contacts hardware or software vendors (if applicable) to report problems and, coordinates and implements vendor recommendations when approved or accepted by the functional area owners and change management process.

13. Assures reported problems are solved by implementing corrective actions like (but not limited) users retraining, changes to existing SOPs, applying software fixes or hardware fixes, information resources colleagues’ recommendations, etc. These activities must comply with current applicable change control procedures.

Supervision Exercise

No Direct Reports.

DECISION MAKING

• Take key and timely decisions on Automation and Reliability maintenance activities that would have a direct impact in the Manufacturing and Facility Operations.

• Decisions will require taking immediate actions, prioritizing, negotiation, independent judgment, resources allocation and development of future corrective actions to avoid recurrent events.

• Delayed decisions may cause:

- A potential loss of the batch and millions of dollars during a lyophilization process.

- A potential loss of the batch and millions of dollars during a fill performed within an isolator or aseptic environment.

- Additional manufacturing time, packaging rework, overtime and an increase in product cost.

• Will work under minimum supervision and will report in a daily manner to his/her supervisor daily events and situations beyond his/her control.

• Notify immediate supervisor of any inconsistencies or violations to Company operation procedures and policies.

CONTACTS

• Inside the Company – Contacts with site and/or regional management, corporate and local manufacturing plant managers, Department Managers, Supervisors, Technical Services group, Product Transfer, Reliability Engineer and Peers, and other Bristol-Myers Squibb personnel.

• External Contact – with suppliers of hardware, software and services to obtain quotations, ordering parts and repairs. Local (PR) and external (USA) consultants and suppliers. Federal agencies such as Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), Pharmaceuticals Manufacturers Association and others to stay updated on current information

KNOWLEDGE/SKILL:

• BS in Engineering, Electronics or Computer Science.

• Three (3) years of working experience within an industrial environment with at least two (2) years of relevant combined experience in programmable logic controllers and production maintenance function within a pharmaceutical manufacturing plant.

• Preferred experience with Allen Bradley controllers and/or Rockwell Automation platforms.

• Proven knowledge in process control and automation systems used in the pharmaceutical industry (not limited to): PLCs, SCADAs/HMIs, microcontrollers, single loop controllers, DCS, interfaces and report development.

• Strong Databases and networking knowledge.

• Able to read, interpret, and understands electrical/mechanical drawings, P&IDs and electrical one-line diagrams.

• Ability to troubleshoot problems for highly technical equipment and smart devices.

• Knowledge of mechanical concepts, electrical controls theory and electronic circuitry.

• Strong analytical and mathematical calculations skill plus understanding of instrumentation calibration process.

• Broad knowledge of cGMPs and guidelines pertaining to a biopharmaceutical manufacturing plant.

• Good technical writing skills and ability to review SOPs and work instructions.

• Effective written and oral communication skills both Spanish and English.

• Capable to interact with external vendors/customers.

• Capable to plan work schedules and set priorities with a sense of urgency and meet deadlines.

• Customer service oriented.

• Availability to work irregular hours, rotative shifts, weekends and holidays when required due to business needs.

• Able to plan and prioritize multiple activities simultaneously.

• Self-starter and well organized.

• Ability to keep work pace and/or meet deadlines.

• Ability to exercise good judgment.

WORKING CONDITIONS

A. Describe exposure to any hazards/disagreeable in the work environment:

• Intermittent exposure to potential hazardous conditions.

• Occasional exposure to extreme temperature and excessive noise

• Frequent walking (30%) and occasionally sitting (30%) and standing (30%)

• Occasionally Light material handling (up to 16-20lbs)

• Frequent writing and use of keyboard

• Minimum personal protective equipment (safety shoes, safety glasses, hard hat) required

• Special gowning as defined and required in the Manufacturing areas.

B. Travel required (describe nature and frequency):

• Some travel required to perform manufacturing equipment/systems inspection, acceptance and/or technical training

C. Overnight absences requires (per typical month):

• Average absence from home of three to five nights per month not due to shift work

If you come across a role that intrigues you but doesn’t perfectly line up with your resume, we encourage you to apply anyway. You could be one step away from work that will transform your life and career.

Uniquely Interesting Work, Life-changing Careers
With a single vision as inspiring as “Transforming patients’ lives through science™ ”, every BMS employee plays an integral role in work that goes far beyond ordinary. Each of us is empowered to apply our individual talents and unique perspectives in an inclusive culture, promoting diversity in clinical trials, while our shared values of passion, innovation, urgency, accountability, inclusion and integrity bring out the highest potential of each of our colleagues.

On-site Protocol
Physical presence at the BMS worksite or physical presence in the field is a necessary job function of this role, which the Company deems critical to collaboration, innovation, productivity, employee well-being and engagement, and it enhances the Company culture.

COVID-19 Information
To protect the safety of our workforce, customers, patients and communities, the policy of the Company requires all employees and workers in the U.S. and Puerto Rico to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, unless they have received an exception based on an approved request for a medical or religious reasonable accommodation. Therefore, all BMS applicants seeking a role located in the U.S. and Puerto Rico must confirm that they have already received or are willing to receive the full COVID-19 vaccination by their start date as a qualification of the role and condition of employment. This requirement is subject to state and local law restrictions and may not be applicable to employees working in certain jurisdictions such as Montana. This requirement is also subject to discussions with collective bargaining representatives in the U.S.

BMS is dedicated to ensuring that people with disabilities can perform complex functions through a transparent recruitment process, reasonable workplace adjustments and ongoing support in their roles. Applicants can request an accommodation prior to accepting a job offer. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, or in any part of the recruitment process, direct your inquiries to adastaffingsupport@bms.com. Visit careers.bms.com/eeo-accessibility to access our complete Equal Employment Opportunity statement.

BMS will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records, pursuant to applicable laws in your area.

Any data processed in connection with role applications will be treated in accordance with applicable data privacy policies and regulations.