Apprentice - Equipment Technician
Tampa, FL
We are seeking motivated individuals to join our rotational 12
hour shift Apprentice program in Tampa, FL.
The Apprentice - Equipment Technician supports the safe, efficient, and compliant operation of production and packaging equipment at a regulated pharmaceutical oral solid dose (OSD) manufacturing site.
This hands-on role is responsible for preventive maintenance, corrective repairs, equipment troubleshooting, and mechanical/electrical support on a wide range of machinery including tablet presses, capsule fillers, coating systems, cartoners, and conveyors. Technicians ensure equipment reliability and readiness to meet production schedules and quality expectations.
Schedule:
- Shift: 12 Hour Rotating Shift
- Pattern: 2 on, 2 off, 3 on, 2 off, 2 on, 3 off (repeating cycle)
- Weekend shifts include additional pay.
What will you get:
- An agile career and dynamic working culture
- An inclusive and ethical workplace
- Compensation programs that recognize high performance
- Medical, dental and vision insurance, as well as PTO and more
- Our full list of global benefits can be found here: https://www.lonza.com/careers/benefits.
What you’ll do:
Equipment Maintenance & Troubleshooting
- Assist with preventive and corrective maintenance on manufacturing and packaging equipment.
- Perform basic mechanical tasks, including lubrication, cleaning, inspections, adjustments, and component replacements under supervision.
- Learn to identify and troubleshoot common mechanical and equipment-related issues.
- Support equipment changeovers, repairs, and functional testing.
- Develop familiarity with motors, gearboxes, bearings, conveyors, and other mechanical systems.
Safety & Compliance
- Follow established safety procedures, including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), electrical safety, and required PPE protocols.
- Complete assigned GMP, safety, and technical training.
- Identify and report equipment hazards, unsafe conditions, and maintenance concerns.
- Perform maintenance activities within established training and authorization requirements.
Documentation & Maintenance Systems
- Learn to use the Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) to document maintenance activities.
- Maintain accurate records in accordance with Good Documentation Practices (GDP).
- Assist with tracking equipment repairs, maintenance history, and follow-up activities.
Training & Development
- Participate in hands-on technical training alongside experienced maintenance technicians.
- Develop mechanical, electrical, and equipment troubleshooting knowledge.
- Demonstrate progress in technical skills, safe work practices, and assigned responsibilities.
- Support maintenance projects and other departmental activities as assigned.
Functional Competencies
- Basic mechanical aptitude and interest in learning equipment maintenance.
- Ability to safely use basic hand tools and learn technical equipment functions.
- Strong attention to detail and ability to follow instructions and procedures.
- Basic computer skills and willingness to learn maintenance software.
- Good communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.
- Commitment to safety, quality, and continuous learning.
What we’re looking for:
- High school diploma or equivalent is required, Trade school, technical training, or related internship experience preferred
- 0-2 Years of relevant experience
- Basic mechanical aptitude and safe work habits in a GMP manufacturing environment.
- Able to perform routine preventive maintenance (PMs) such as cleaning, lubrication, and inspection on production and packaging equipment.
- Understands basic mechanical components (e.g., belts, chains, rollers, gears) and can assist in disassembly/reassembly with guidance.
- Follows SOPs, batch records, and lockout/tagout procedures under supervision.
- Documents work performed accurately in the CMMS with support.
- Reads and understands basic mechanical drawings and work instructions.
- Supports changeover and cleaning tasks on automated equipment with minimal disruption to production.
About Lonza:
At Lonza, our people are our greatest strength. With 30+ sites across five continents, our globally connected teams work together every day to manufacture the medicines of tomorrow. Our core values of Collaboration, Accountability, Excellence, Passion and Integrity reflect who
we are and how we work together. Everyone’s ideas, big or small, have the potential to improve millions of lives, and that’s the kind of work we want you to be part of.
Innovation thrives when people from all backgrounds bring their unique perspectives to the table. At Lonza, we offer equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you’re ready to help turn our customers’ breakthrough ideas into viable therapies, we look forward to welcoming you on board.
Ready to shape the future of life sciences? Apply now