Senior Automation Engineering Intern

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:

Summary of Position

Under limited supervision, the Senior Automation Engineering Intern designs, documents, tests, and assists with the delivery of PLC, SCADA, and bespoke software 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).

· interfacing effectively with project stakeholders

· designing and building components for user interaction with recipe editing and data analysis tools

· participating in software development, testing, and training

· configuring and troubleshooting automation hardware and peripheral devices

· performing testing/confirmation of system performance against design specs

· applying customer-focused mindset

· pursuing continual improvement

Building on prior relevant experience, the Senior Automation Intern is expected to demonstrate increasing independence, technical proficiency, and ownership of assigned deliverables.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

Project Automation/Production (40-50%)

• Relevant Technologies: Rockwell Automation Suite (FactoryTalk View SE, Logix/Studio5000), Windows/OS-level installation and scripting.
• Independently manage assigned technical tasks, coordinating with project stakeholders to ensure timely delivery, effective troubleshooting, and appropriate documentation.
• Interpret design requirements based on internal specifications, customer specifications, and knowledge of the product application
• Design and write Unit-level PLC code for batch process control according to the ANSI/ISA-88 (S88) standard, including:
  • Signal Processing Routines
  • Control Modules
  • Equipment Modules
  • Process Phases
  • Reporting/Monitoring Phases
  • Supervisory Phases
  • Unit Operation/Batch Management Routines
• Design and configure a SCADA application, including:
  • Installation of software(s)
  • Configuration and management of SQL database
  • Configuration and management of historian software and collectors
  • Configuration of HMI screens
  • Configuration of HMI tags (including linking to PLC tags)
  • Configuration of OPC servers
  • Configuration of Alarms, Events, and Audit Trail
  • Configuration of tiered privilege/access
  • Basic scripting for custom HMI functions
  • Integration of/Handshaking with bespoke software applications
• Design and configure recipe parameters based on project requirements
• Support engineering commissioning, responding to bugs and requests via issue-tracking software.
• Configure device-level networks (set IP addresses, confirm connection, etc.), including:
  • Variable frequency drives
  • Solenoid Valve blocks
  • Various analytical sensors
• Configure PLC hardware:
  • IO Card configuration
  • IO/Valve mapping based on electrical schematics
  • Network device configuration
• Support device commissioning
  • Configure individual device/transmitter parameters
  • Testing/Checkout of IO, Valve Mapping
  • Electrical signal troubleshooting
  • 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
  • Manage remote access software
  • Rename PCs per customer request - uninstall and reinstall key applications
• Support automation project documentation
  • Manage production license certificates from vendors
  • Generate project-specific test certificates
• Confirm system readiness
  • Manage pre-shipment backups of key configurations
  • Perform system quality checks to support final shipment clearance
  • Document “as-shipped” software versions and status

Support and Development of AKBA Browser-Based suite of applications - (30-40%)

• Relevant Technologies: Javascript (React, Typescript, Node.JS), SQL, Delphi
• Interpret design requirements based on internal specifications, customer specifications, and knowledge of the product application
• Create and / or review design documents, including technical drawings and specification documents
• Support development and debugging of bespoke software applications, primarily front end of our method editor software:
  • Development of new features within the application
  • Debugging of existing functions (as issues arise)
  • Optimization of existing functions
  • Aesthetic improvements to the application
• Design and configure customer products, including:
  • Installation of software(s)
  • Configuration and management of SQL database
  • Configuration and management of historian software and collectors
  • Configuration of Batch Report custom details
  • Configuration of Recipe Editing screens via the “Method Definition Object”
  • Configuration of tiered privilege/access
  • Basic scripting for custom HMI functions
• Complete peer code reviews and internal testing of automated systems prior to turnover to the project engineering team
• Record and document code changes, assessing impact to existing validation to advise on required regression testing

• Internal Projects + Process Improvements (15-30%)
  • Automate/script manual job functions to minimize cost and human error
  • 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

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

Organizational Relationships

• • Reports to Automation Manager·
  • Works closely with Engineering, Validation, Field Service, IT, Quality, and Project Management·
  • Direct Reports: none

Minimum Requirements

• • 6+ months experience at AKBA or relevant industry
  • In pursuit of a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering (Computer Science, Electrical, Computer Engineering)
  • Proximity to the Glenview office
  • Familiarity with Quality Management Systems (ISO 9001:2015 preferred) and current Good Manufacturing Practices
  • 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 skillsWillingness to assist outside of everyday responsibilities when requiredPossess these qualities: humble, hungry, smart, energetic, positive, strong interpersonal communicator, detail-oriented, ethics-minded, problem-solver, adaptable, team-oriented, customer-focused, and self-motivated

Physical Demands and Environmental Conditions

• • Occasional exposure to pressurized liquids, live electrical circuits, and/or chemical solutions requiring proper personal protective equipment (provided)

Desired Experience

• • Primary: Javascript (React Framework), Node.JS, Delphi, SQL
  • Additional: OPC_DA/UA, PLC Code (Ladder - AB Rockwell), Windows Powershell, VBA

The base compensation range for this role is $25-30/hour. Base Compensation is influenced by many factors including, but not limited to: time in the role, previous experience, skills, knowledge, performance, work requirements, internal equity, and business / economic conditions.

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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.