at Asahi Kasei America in Glenview, Illinois, United States
Job Description
The Asahi Kasei Group operates with a commitment of creating for tomorrow. Our business sectors, Material, Homes, and Health Care, contribute to the development of society by anticipating the changing needs of those around the world. We look for candidates that offer a fresh perspective and a variety of skills to help us achieve our commitment.We are currently seeking applications to fill the following job opening at Asahi Kasei Bioprocess where we sell Planova® virus removal filters and develops and manufactures related bioprocess equipment.
Company:
Asahi Kasei Bioprocess America, Inc.
Job Description:
Asahi Kasei Bioprocess (AKB) provides pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical manufacturers with a comprehensive suite of tools to maximize safety and improve yields of biotherapeutics during research, clinical and commercial-scale production. Planova ™ virus-removal filters anchor a diverse product portfolio defined by quality, consistency and scalability. Additional areas of expertise include liquid chromatography, inline buffer dilution and oligonucleotide synthesis.
We are a growing team (140+) of professionals excited about what we do and our ability to impact healthcare delivery systems worldwide. We offer a "big company" benefits package and a "small company" culture and work environment. Every employee at Asahi Kasei Bioprocess America can impact our future.
As an Asahi Kasei Bioprocess America employee, you will enjoy:
- Strong company culture
- Competitive Compensation with Bonuses
- Great health benefits with the company paying over 80% of insurance premiums
- Wellness Program
- Paid Time Off
- Strong company match to 401(k) contributions
- Tuition reimbursement program
- Giving Program
- Paid Parental Leave
Position Summary:
We are currently looking for an Automation Technician to join our team at AKBA! This individual, under limited supervision, will be responsible for installing, testing, and troubleshooting automation software and hardware components for custom and standard capital equipment used for pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical product manufacturing (example equipment types include chromatography, buffer formulation, virus filtration, oligonucleotide synthesis). This individual will be interfacing effectively with project stakeholders. The Automation Technician will be configuring and troubleshooting automation hardware and peripheral devices. Performing testing/confirmation of system performance against design.
Duties/Responsibilities:
- Project Automation/Production:
- Configure device-level networks (set IP addresses, confirm connection, etc.), including: Variable frequency drives, Solenoid Valve blocks, and Various analytical sensors
- Configure PLC hardwar - IO Card configuration, IO/Valve mapping based on electrical schematics, and Network device configuration
- Support device commissioning - Configure individual device/transmitter parameters, Testing/Checkout of IO, Valve Mapping, Electrical signal troubleshooting, and Confirm high-level operation before handoff to engineering
- Configure system PCs and VMs - Deploy template windows images to physical hardware
- Connect PCs to corporate network and device network to manage remote access software, rename PCs per customer request - uninstall and reinstall key applications
- Support automation project documentation by managing production license certificates from vendors and generating project-specific test certificates
- Confirm system readiness by managing pre-shipment backups of key configurations, performing system quality checks to support final shipment clearance and documenting "as-shipped" software versions and status.
- Travel to customer site for supervision of installation, testing of installed equipment, and integration to peripherals
- Configure device-level networks (set IP addresses, confirm connection, etc.), including: Variable frequency drives, Solenoid Valve blocks, and Various analytical sensors
- Customer Support:
- Address customer issues for installed equipment in person, over the phone, or via web-based tools by effectively communicating solutions to customer and providing effective training to relevant personnel
- Address customer issues for installed equipment in person, over the phone, or via web-based tools by effectively communicating solutions to customer and providing effective training to relevant personnel
- Internal Projects:
- Contribute to new product designs with innovative ideas, practical design feedback, and product risk/benefit analyses
- Research technology, components, companies, or solutions that strengthen our current and future product offerings
- Propose and direct improvements to automation internal and interdepartmental processes.
- Contribute to new product designs with innovative ideas, practical design feedback, and product risk/benefit analyses
- Additional Duties and Responsibilities:
- Seek and participate in current, relevant technical training as well as non-technical training opportunities
- Provide subject matter training to colleagues and customers
- Contribute technical support to Quality for addressing customer feedback and supplier issues
- Seek and participate in current, relevant technical training as well as non-technical training opportunities
Qualifications/Requirements:
- Associate degree in Mechatronics, Electronics, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science or IT
- Strong electrical troubleshooting/maintenance ability
- 1-3 years' experience with PLC-based equipment is preferred
- Experience with Allen Bradley/Rockwell PLCs is preferred
- Ability to edit/make minor changes to PLC programs (Allen Bradley) is preferred
- Proficiency with basic IT concepts (IP addresses, basic OS configuration, etc.) is preferred
- Familiarity with Quality Management Systems (ISO 9001:2015 preferred) and current Good Manufacturing Practices is preferred
- Awareness of personal strengths, weaknesses, and impact of decisions on wider team, department, and company
- Eagerness to learn new technical information, new processes, and new skills
- Willingness to assist outside of everyday responsibilities when required
- Possess these qualities: energetic, positive, strong interpersonal communicator, detail-oriented, ethics-minded, problem-solver, adaptable, team-oriented, customer-focused, and self-motivated
Physical Demands/Environmental Conditions:
- On-site presence in Glenview, IL
- Travel 3 to 6 weeks in a year to visit domestic and international customer sites for equipment installations or other activities (depending on individual assignments and quantity and scope of active projects)
- Regular exposure to pressurized liquids, live electrical circuits, and/or chemical solutions requiring proper personal protective equipment (provided)
#LI-BJ1
As an equal opportunity employer, Asahi Kasei believes a diverse workforce will provide us with the ability to continuously support the changes in the economy, society, and environment.
