Associate Director, Automation

Job Description

Position Description:

Associate Director, Automation

This position will primarily be responsible for ensuring reliability and efficiency of site operations through data analytics.  This role will assess current state analytics and collaborate with COE's to develop a digital strategy for Rahway and support the regional portfolio. 

This role will develop a plan to utilize data visualization, data analysis, data monitoring and data modeling to enable better business decisions.  Through analysis of equipment history, process data, operating procedures and Failure Modes Effect Analysis and many other data streams, the incumbent will integrate statistical data into visual dashboards information into insight and business decisions.   

Primary Activities: 

• Interfaces with internal and external groups, gains consensus and contributes to reliable and effective teamwork 

• Data interpretation through statistical techniques 

• Developing and implementing data analyses, data collection systems and other strategies that optimize statistical efficiency and quality 

• Develop and maintain Site Facility Energy Regression models 

• Work with Operations and Maintenance teams to develop Data Visualization applications to improve their performance and responses. 

• Locate and define new process improvement opportunities. 

• Aid Operations in identifying and managing asset reliability risks and could impact utility and facility operations. 

• Monitor the performance of maintenance metrics, investigate variance from targets and implement action items to improve performance. 

• Apply technical skills and ingenuity to correct equipment and system problems that result in downtime or consume excessive maintenance resources or energy. 

• Support Life Cycle Asset Management to utility and facility system owners.  Develop with PM team maintenance and asset costs to support business decisions regarding repair vs. replacement. 

Position Qualifications:

Education Minimum Requirement:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or science technology related field, Automation, Mathematics, or Statistical analysis with 3 years relevant experience

Required Experience and Skills:

• Automation 

• Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC) 

• Digital Transformation, MES, Dashboards, Smart Devices,  

• Historian, OPC Servers,  

• Equipment Analytics, OSI PI,  

• Process/ Equipment Trending  

• Building Management & Building Automation Systems 

• Leading Automation Integration Projects 

• Developing team, and building team self-sufficiency, Automation, OT/IT 

• Tracking/Trending KPI’s & Metrics 

• Wiring diagrams, Single lines & PLC communication protocols 

• Allen Bradely, Siemens, Controllers, VFD’s, I/O’s 

• 3-5 years Leading multiple Site-Wide Automation Initiatives (Team leader) 

• Documented experience as a strong performer in current and past positions 

• Ability to handle and prioritize many simultaneous assignments 

• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills 

• Technical problem-solving skills 

• Strategic thinker 

• Business ownership and personal accountability 

• Builds teamwork and partnerships 

• Portfolio Management Experience and ability to manage and prioritize multiple projects and activities across multiple sites. 

• 3 years’ experience in Data Management and Data Governance 

Preferred Experience and Skills:

• Experience in using the following software: Allen Bradley, Siemen, HMI’s, Historians, OPC Servers, OSI PI, Process analytics & Reliability trending SAP, Maximo, MathLab 

• Experience in Facility and/or Utility Systems 

• Operational and/or Maintenance Experience 

NOTICE FOR INTERNAL APPLICANTS

In accordance with Managers' Policy - Job Posting and Employee Placement, all employees subject to this policy are required to have a minimum of twelve (12) months of service in current position prior to applying for open positions.

If you have been offered a separation benefits package, but have not yet reached your separation date and are offered a position within the salary and geographical parameters as set forth in the Summary Plan Description (SPD) of your separation package, then you are no longer eligible for your separation benefits package. To discuss in more detail, please contact your HRBP or Talent Acquisition Advisor.

Employees working in roles that the Company determines require routine collaboration with external stakeholders, such as customer-facing commercial, or research-based roles, will be expected to comply not only with Company policy but also with policies established by such external stakeholders (for example, a requirement to be vaccinated against COVID-19 in order to access a facility or meet with stakeholders).  Please understand that, as permitted by applicable law, if you have not been vaccinated against COVID-19 and an essential function of your job is to call on external stakeholders who require vaccination to enter their premises or engage in face-to-face meetings, then your employment may pose an undue burden to business operations, in which case you may not be offered employment, or your employment could be terminated. Please also note that, where permitted by applicable law, the Company reserves the right to require COVID-19 vaccinations for positions, such as in Global Employee Health, where the Company determines in its discretion that the nature of the role presents an increased risk of disease transmission.

Current Employees apply HERE

Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

US and Puerto Rico Residents Only:

Our company is committed to inclusion, ensuring that candidates can engage in a hiring process that exhibits their true capabilities. Please click here if you need an accommodation during the application or hiring process.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.  For more information about personal rights under the U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment laws, visit:

EEOC Know Your Rights

EEOC GINA Supplement​

Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination

We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing diverse, talented, and committed people together. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when diverse ideas come together in an inclusive environment. We encourage our colleagues to respectfully challenge one another’s thinking and approach problems collectively.

Learn more about your rights, including under California, Colorado and other US State Acts

U.S. Hybrid Work Model

Effective September 5, 2023, employees in office-based positions in the U.S. will be working a Hybrid work consisting of three total days on-site per week, generally Tuesday, Wednesday and either Monday or Thursday, although the specific days may vary by site or organization, with Friday designated as a remote-working day, unless business critical tasks require an on-site presence.  This Hybrid work model does not apply to, and daily in-person attendance is required for, field-based positions; facility-based, manufacturing-based, or research-based positions where the work to be performed is located at a Company site; positions covered by a collective-bargaining agreement (unless the agreement provides for hybrid work); or any other position for which the Company has determined the job requirements cannot be reasonably met working remotely. Please note, this Hybrid work model guidance also does not apply to roles that have been designated as “remote”.

The Company is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the salary range for this job in certain states and cities within the United States. Final determinations with respect to salary will take into account a number of factors, which may include, but not be limited to the primary work location and the chosen candidate’s relevant skills, experience, and education.

Expected US salary range:

Available benefits include bonus eligibility, long term incentive if applicable, health care and other insurance benefits (for employee and family), retirement benefits, paid holidays, vacation, and sick days. A summary of benefits is listed here.

Search Firm Representatives Please Read Carefully 
Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, also known as Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, Rahway, NJ, USA, does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. All CVs / resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at our company without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of our company.  No fee will be paid in the event a candidate is hired by our company as a result of an agency referral where no pre-existing agreement is in place. Where agency agreements are in place, introductions are position specific. Please, no phone calls or emails. 

Employee Status:

Relocation:

VISA Sponsorship:

Travel Requirements:

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Shift:

Valid Driving License:

Hazardous Material(s):

Job Posting End Date:

*A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFORE the listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date.