Automation & Controls Technician Apprentice, Newark, Delaware

Onsite Location: Newark, DE

Shift:   Our site operates continuously, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including weekends and holidays. The selected candidate will begin onboarding and initial training during the first shift. Following this period, work assignments may vary based on site needs and could include night shifts, weekends, holidays, or other non-standard hours.

Program Overview

This is a 4-year, full-time, Department of Labor-registered Apprentice Program.

Join a dynamic team that runs around the clock (24 hours/day × 7days/week)! You’ll work a rotating schedule that includes day, night, and weekend shifts, offering exposure to all aspects of operations. 

Applications Open: October 24, 2025
Applications Close: November 14, 2025 

AstraZeneca offers a unique full-time opportunity that combines training with hands-on, paid practical experience.  As an apprentice, you will not only receive a competitive salary but also work towards achieving a nationally accredited qualification that can be carried with you wherever your career takes you. Throughout the program, you will work alongside expert managers and mentors to gain in-depth experience and tackle real tasks. This means being part of our journey to provide life-changing medicine to patients all over the world.

Benefits for AZ Apprentices 

• Learn and earn while working towards achieving a nationally accredited vocational qualification

• A competitive base salary and potential annual bonus

• Healthcare coverage, well-being programs, and contribution to retirement savings plan (401k)

• Paid vacation time and floating holidays

•  An employee recognition program, which highlights and rewards exceptional work

• Comprehensive development resources and programs

What You Will Do
During this four-year apprenticeship, you will receive immersive, hands-on training in advanced automation and controls in a highly automated pharmaceutical facility, equipping you with the technical expertise required to support facility operations and production systems. 

Throughout the program, you will build strong proficiencies in safety and regulatory practices while contributing to site innovations, digital transformation, and capital projects—aimed at advancing our pharmaceutical manufacturing operations.

As an Apprentice Automation & Controls Technician, you will work closely with engineering teams and operators to install, maintain, and troubleshoot control systems and instrumentation, while providing technical support for packaging, manufacturing, and facilities maintenance. 

Duties include:

• Maintaining, troubleshooting, and improving specialized pharmaceutical production equipment and essential utilities 
• Assisting PLC/HMI programming, testing, and diagnostics .
• Providing technical support for equipment and systems validation
• Preparing documentation for compliance and continuous improvement

Related Technical Instruction 

AstraZeneca is proud to partner with Delaware Technical Community College to provide the classroom and laboratory training in electronics engineering technology. This coursework forms part of the Related Technical Instruction (RTI) for our program and includes topics such as digital electronics, electrical circuits, conceptual physics, programmable logic controllers, automation and control, and microcontroller applications. Successful completion of the coursework is required to earn your apprentice certificate and to be eligible for continued employment. 

Minimum Requirements  

• High School Diploma or Equivalent: You must have earned a high school diploma or equivalent diploma before your start date.
• No Prior Experience Needed: This is an entry-level role — 0 years of related work experience is required.
• Online Assessment Required: You must be willing to complete a 30-minute, multiple-choice, online assessment as part of the hiring process.
• Physical Capability: Be able to stand for long periods, wear a cleanroom gown, and lift up to 50 lbs. as needed. Working directly in the production or operations area where the actual manufacturing, assembly, packaging, or equipment maintenance takes place
• English Language Proficiency: Must be able to read, write, and understand technical and regulatory documents, including Standard Operating Procedures, Safety Policies, and regulations — all in English.
• Basic Computer Skills: You must have a basic knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Daily Commute Required: You must be able to commute to the AstraZeneca facility and Delaware Technical Community College Stanton Campus — reliable transportation is essential. 

Preferred Requirements

• High school algebra and geometry

• High school laboratory sciences (physics and/or chemistry)

•  Demonstrated mechanical aptitude (e.g., machinery repair/maintenance in manufacturing, automotive work, equipment assembly)

Application and Interview Processes

Please note that applicants must submit a resume of current or previous work history. Answer all questions completely and do attache a resume.

This is a nationally registered apprenticeship. You will receive a Department of Labor Voluntary Disability Disclosure Form after you submit your application. 

All applicants are required to complete a 30-minute, multiple-choice online assessment. You will receive the assessment within 2 weeks of applying, and you will have 5 days to complete it. If selected, our virtual panel interviews are tentatively scheduled during the week of December 15, 2025. No other make up days will be offered for interviews.

About our Newark, DE Site
At the Newark Supply Site, we are proud to be a fixture in the Delaware community for over 50 years. During that time, Newark has undergone many product portfolio changes. Today, the Newark Site serves as valuable part of the AstraZeneca Supply Chain as a packaging facility, manufacturing operation, and US distribution center. Every day, our growing team of over 400 employees make direct contributions to delivering life-saving medications to patients across the globe. Together, we work hard to deliver medicines to patients, but we also take time to have fun and celebrate our accomplishments. From catered site festivities, community outreach and volunteering, environmental and wellness showcases, and more, we take time to celebrate our vibrant workplace. We are dedicated to creating a culture of inclusion and collaboration and demonstrate our commitment to life-learning by offering ongoing skill building and training for our staff. Fueled by our aspiration to be the “Fastest End-to-End Site in Pharma” and deliver life-changing medications to our patients, there’s never been a more exciting time to join the team and shape the future of AstraZeneca Operations. When you join, you can look forward to experiencing our great AZ benefits packages, on-site fitness center, on-site dining center, tuition reimbursement programs, opportunities for growth and development, and more!   

Learn more and follow us
Early Careers Website:  https://careers.astrazeneca.com/manufacturing-apprenticeships-us
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/1603/  
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/astrazenecacareers/  
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/astrazeneca_careers/?hl=en

EEOC Pledge 
AstraZeneca will not discriminate against apprenticeship applicants or apprentices based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), sexual orientation, genetic information, or because they are an individual with a disability or a person 40 years old or older. AstraZeneca will take affirmative action to provide equal opportunity in apprenticeship and will operate the apprenticeship program as required under Title 29 of the Code of Federal Regulations, part 30. 

Date Posted

Closing Date

Our mission is to build an inclusive environment where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees. In furtherance of that mission, we welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of their protected characteristics. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please complete the corresponding section in the application form.