Automated Controls Technician (Overnight Shift)

Lonza - Houston, TX

Full-time

Houston, TX

Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

About the position

The Automated Controls Technician is responsible for providing technical support for manufacturing and process automation systems at Lonza. This role involves troubleshooting equipment and systems, ensuring operational technology (OT) systems meet production needs, and supporting continuous improvement initiatives. The technician will work on an overnight shift and provide on-call support as needed, contributing to the overall efficiency and effectiveness of manufacturing operations.

Responsibilities

• Deliver 24x7x365 support to manufacturing operations by troubleshooting equipment, systems, instrumentation, servers, and processes.
• Provide process automation support for ongoing production operations and new equipment/process introductions.
• Provide off-shift and on-call support when necessary.
• Provide on-the-floor operational support as needed.
• Assist other departments in evaluating historical process/equipment data.
• Monitor and troubleshoot daily system backups.
• Train users in the basic operation and maintenance of computers and related components.
• Effectively communicate progress and opportunities to stakeholders.
• Perform as owner for F&E equipment and systems.
• Act as system administrator for manufacturing equipment and systems.
• Conduct periodic reviews of the OT systems.
• Ensure appropriate training and authorization for access to F&E managed computer systems.
• Backup, archive, and restore OT configuration and batch/recipe/methods.
• Support or maintain the OT network, control, and I/O level networks.
• Increase process control by utilizing automation concepts and solutions.
• Review and improve site OT standards for hardware and software.
• Support projects and ensure site OT standards are followed.
• Support review of Qualification/Validation protocols and related documentation.
• Support internal and external audits and regulatory inspections.
• Ensure compliance of new and legacy systems with IT/OT security policies and regulations.
• Evaluate and utilize technology to incorporate innovation into process and equipment designs.
• Interact with internal/external customers to evaluate process requirements.

Requirements

• Associate degree in mechanical, electronic, instrumentation, or electrical fields, or at least 6 years of industry experience.
• Effective communication skills.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Outlook, Word, and Excel.
• Ability to think critically and logically.
• Excellent troubleshooting skills.
• Deep understanding of GEP/cGMP/GDP principles and their relation to maintenance and documentation.
• Ability to work with minimum supervision.
• Accurate record-keeping and official document writing skills.
• Ability to perform procedures according to written guidelines and recognize deviations from accepted practices.
• Proficient in using spreadsheets, databases, and word processing software.
• Effective verbal and written communication with peers and supervisors.
• Ability to multi-task and manage projects effectively.
• Self-motivated and able to work independently as well as part of a team.

Nice-to-haves

• Hands-on experience with Unicorn OSIsoft PI, Vaisala viewLinc, Rockwell software suite, Automated Logic WebCTRL, Wonderware System Platform, Windows OS, DCS, and industrial communication networks.