Automation Process Specialist (Port Elizabeth) needed at Aspen Pharma Group

Description
Overview:

• Process and application owner for Automation and Manufacturing systems across site.
• Manage, plan & execute CI projects as well as provide required support as SME.

Responsibilities:

Support and Reliability

• Application owner for all Manufacturing systems and software packages.
• Responsible for Automation Architecture design and site standards for automation.
• Implement corrections, corrective actions, and countermeasures arising from CAPA’s.
• Develop scope for capital projects targeted at both short and longer term needs.
• Act as user representative for capital projects or delivery agent for local projects.
• Understand equipment reliability issues with the objective of improvement.
• Provide technical expertise of equipment and processes in area of responsibility. This includes clear understanding of equipment flow chart/process flow document, critical process parameters, and master formula instructions for the process.
• Monitor/trend control systems as tool for verifying and optimizing equipment performance.
• Lead troubleshooting efforts to resolve more complex process and software problems.
• The Maintenance Tech/Electronics Tech is the first line of support in troubleshooting but will involve the Automation Process Specialist as needed.
• Utilize formal problem solving techniques, including Root Cause Analysis, FMEA to resolve equipment issues related to Automated systems
• Respond to and initiate OEM requests related to complex Technical/software issues.
• Communicate effectively with others, especially process team members, customers, engineering, and production personnel , providing technical insight.
• Provide Application systems oversight to Electronics Tech(s) that support the area.
• Evaluate all activities for impact on qualified state of applications/servers where application changes or software changes are requested.
• Participate in Periodic Reviews for industrial network performance
• Lead or participate in IQ/OQ/PQ and commissioning activities for software upgrades or implementation of new applications in the Virtual Environment.
• Coordinate with asset management personnel to align on improvements and assure alignment of useful lifecycle of hardware and related software to build risk register and submit Capex requests
• Identify and drive improvement opportunities (procedural changes, upgrades, projects, etc.) associated with equipment within the area.
• Goals/objectives should target world-class levels of operation for safety, quality and customer service

Continuous Improvement & Projects

• Work with production supervisors and managers for optimal efficiency to meet the needs of internal and external customers
• Communicate regarding schedule adjustments
• Develop and manage project plans for software upgrades
• Lead automation equipment lifecycle upgrade projects across site
• Provide input to project User Requirements Specifications as per developed standards
• Develop obsolescence plan for installed automation equipment.
• Assist CI team on OEE process improvements
• Ensure change controls are actioned appropriately

Risk management

• Communicate automation and application risks to HOD and production departments.
• Lead risk assessments for IT related security patch updates or network outages related to manufacturing systems.
• Lead risk assessments for automation failures that have resulted in deviations or CAPA’s
• Review CPP and CQA’s for critical manufacturing processes

Operational Input

• Provide technical and operational input for manufacturing investigations
• Provide technical reports and feedback as required for Automation/application related queries.
• Effectiveness reviews of CAPA’s implemented.

Requirements:

Background/ experience

• N6 or equivalent NQF level certificate (e.g. Electronic or Electrical Engineering) in Electronics or similar with 3 yrs experience in an Electronics Technician role OR High School diploma with 5+ yrs experience in an Electronics Technician Role within a pharmaceutical manufacturing facility.
• Siemens Accredited Training
• Proficient in PLC programming, Networking and IT systems (Virtual Environments)
• Siemens Step7, Siemens TIA, Siemens WinCC, Versiondog, Wonderware system Platform, Metasys Building Management, Vshpere Virtual Environments, Pharmagraph
• Electronics experience in a pharmaceutical sterile manufacturing environment
• Computer literacy: proficiency in Excel, Word, Power point and ERP system

Competencies

• Complex pharmaceutical process experience
• Problem solving techniques
• Project management
• Risk Assessment
• Planning and Organising