Automation Controls Engineer

The Opportunity

QuidelOrtho unites the strengths of Quidel Corporation and Ortho Clinical Diagnostics, creating a world-leading in vitro diagnostics company with award-winning expertise in immunoassay and molecular testing, clinical chemistry and transfusion medicine. We are more than 6,000 strong and do business in over 130 countries, providing answers with fast, accurate and consistent testing where and when they are needed most – home to hospital, lab to clinic.

Our culture puts our team members first and prioritizes actions that support happiness, inspiration and engagement. We strive to build meaningful connections with each other as we believe that employee happiness and business success are linked. Join us in our mission to transform the power of diagnostics into a healthier future for all.

The Role

The Automation Controls Engineer will assist in the design, implementation, and support of continuous improvements of high-capacity processes to produce multiple device platforms within QuidelOrtho. The role will help lead the implementation, validation, and operation for new and existing automated production lines. This includes interfacing with suppliers’ technical teams and outside contractors to oversee project design and work implementation. The Automation Controls Engineer will be a critical role among the site engineering team and will provide ongoing support to manufacturing: improving process performance, mitigation of equipment downtime, and continuous improvement.

This position will be located onsite in Athens, Ohio, but may require travel up to 30% overall.

The Responsibilities 

• Troubleshoots automated equipment, provides programing for new and renovated automation, and works with other departments to identify root cause(s) and implement(s) corrective actions as needed.

• Explores and implements new capabilities into manufacturing process and maximizes process and equipment availability/performance/quality (OEE) to support continuous improvement and business objectives.

• Determines design and performance parameters, establishes scopes of work, develops feasibility studies, creates cost and capital budgets, defines, and executes to project timelines, provides direction and support through construction process, and leads control system commissioning for new assets.

• Participate in product design efforts to ensure that design for manufacturability is incorporated into platform consumables and that selected raw materials are compatible with proposed manufacturing processes.

• Collaborates with R&D to develop appropriate process and equipment specifications and assures that proper specifications are implemented throughout the life cycle of process/product.

• Works with equipment suppliers to design, build, and qualify right-sized manufacturing equipment.

• Generates protocols and support documentation for validations (IQ, OQ and PQ).

• Develops training protocols and conducts operator and maintenance training on new processes and equipment.

• Performs duties in compliance with established quality, regulatory, and business policies.

• Performs other work-related duties as assigned.

The Individual

Required:

• B.S. (EE or ME) or related field

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in programming/commissioning automation process equipment

• Excellent problem-solving skills and knowledge of machine vision systems and common automation platforms

• Thorough understanding of electro/mechanical equipment, process controls, and system integration.

• Proficient in designing, interfacing with, and troubleshooting PLC ladder logic.

• Excellent organizational and prioritization skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and lead strategic projects simultaneously and be able to react/change directions quickly and efficiently.

• Knowledge and ability to use computer applications that include MS Word, MS Excel, and MS Project

• Must take a proactive approach to the performance of job assignments with input from management and peers. Requires decision making to a level that can affect overall manufacturing efficiency with limited supervision.

• Knowledge of the budgeting process, project planning, and the ability to lead work groups as needed.

• Experience with designing and executing technical experiments, verification, and validation protocols governing medical device design and manufacturing.

• This position is not currently eligible for visa sponsorship. 

Preferred:

• 5+ years’ experience in an FDA high-volume Medical Device manufacturing environment or similar environment

• Allen-Bradley PLC knowledge

• Experience using AutoCAD, Lab View and/or statistical analysis software

The Key Working Relationships

Internal Partners:

Production, Research & Development, Quality, Regulatory, Supply Chain, Project Management, Marketing/Product Management

External Partners:

External contractors and vendors

The Work Environment

Must be able to walk, climb ladders, stoop, kneel, and crawl as needed. Must have adequate vision correctable by regular corrective lenses to perform tasks related to color coded electrical wiring and/or troubleshooting. Must be able to lift 50 lbs. from the ground to 4 feet. Must be willing to travel occasionally as needed for training and/or development opportunities.

Equal Employment Opportunity

QuidelOrtho believes in Equal Opportunity for all and is committed to ensuring all individuals, including individuals with disabilities, have an opportunity to apply for those positions that they are interested in and qualify for without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic. QuidelOrtho is also committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals so that an individual can perform their duties. If you are interested in applying for an employment opportunity and require special assistance or an accommodation to apply due to a disability, please contact us at [email protected].

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