Full-Time

Manufacturing Engineer

Automated Systems of Tacoma

Automated Systems of Tacoma

51-200 employees

Aseptic fill-finish equipment for sterile injectables

Compensation Overview

$75k - $100k/yr

Tacoma, WA, USA

In Person

Bachelor's

Category
Mechanical Engineering (1)
Required Skills
Microsoft Office
ERP
PTC Creo
AutoCAD
Assembly
SolidWorks
FEM/FEA

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Requirements
  • A bachelor's degree in engineering is required.
  • One to three years of experience working as an engineer specifically in industrial machine design and testing.
  • Ability to use three-dimensional solid modeling software, such as Inventor and AutoCAD, for designing and modeling manufacturing processes and products.
  • Familiarity with reviewing drawings and geometric dimensioning and tolerancing.
  • Familiarity with computer numerical control processes and requirements.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office, enterprise resource planning systems, AutoCAD, solid modeling software such as Inventor, SolidWorks, and Pro/Engineer, finite element analysis, and motion analysis or simulations.
  • Familiarity with manufacturing processes such as machining, sheet metal fabrication, assembly, material processing, annealing or stress relieving, electropolishing, passivation, and plastics.
  • Skill in identifying and implementing manufacturing process improvements, including lean manufacturing techniques and continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Ability to plan and organize manufacturing projects and track progress.
  • Ability to work autonomously and achieve key performance indicators.
  • Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without restriction.
  • Must successfully pass pre-employment drug testing, including testing for marijuana and tetrahydrocannabinol.
  • Must successfully pass a background check.
  • Must be willing to travel less than 5%.
Responsibilities
  • Coordinate manufacturing technical support activities to upgrade and improve manufacturing technologies, equipment uptime, product yield, production quality, new processes, technologies, and longer-term manufacturing strategies.
  • Maintain direct contact with contractors and service providers for project execution.
  • Participate in design reviews and provide technical input to design engineers.
  • Coordinate design for manufacturing and design for assembly activities on new products before launch.
  • Design jigs and assembly tools.
  • Work with design and production leaders to improve manufacturing efficiency and effectiveness and reduce production costs.
  • Create and maintain routings and other manufacturing data requirements.
  • Create standard work and work instructions.
Automated Systems of Tacoma

Automated Systems of Tacoma

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Automated Systems of Tacoma (AST) designs, builds, and services aseptic fill-finish machines for sterile injectable products and life sciences. Its equipment automates the process of filling and packaging ready-to-use nested vials, cartridges, and syringes under aseptic conditions, enabling reliable manufacturing of sterile products in pharmaceutical and biotechnology settings. The machines are designed to be flexible to accommodate different formats and regulatory requirements, and AST also offers ongoing service and support based on its five decades of experience in the field. Compared with competitors, AST emphasizes a long track record, close customer relationships, and a focus on tailoring high-automation equipment to meet stringent product and regulatory needs. The company’s goal is to provide dependable, adaptable aseptic processing solutions that help customers manufacture sterile products efficiently and in compliance with regulations.

Company Size

51-200

Company Stage

N/A

Total Funding

N/A

Headquarters

Tacoma, Washington

Founded

1965

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Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • AST and Marchesini debuted expanded drug-product manufacturing offerings at INTERPHEX 2026.
  • Jacob Stephen became COO on August 6, 2025, strengthening execution after rapid expansion.
  • Charisse Curtis became CCO in March 2025, sharpening commercial reach across business development.

What critics are saying

  • Steris’s 2024 trademark lawsuit survived dismissal on December 30, 2025, prolonging brand risk.
  • Marchesini’s 44.39% stake can constrain AST’s independence and strategic control after 2025.
  • If AST loses the Steris case, service-mark confusion could erode customer trust quickly.

What makes Automated Systems of Tacoma unique

  • AST’s Tacoma engineering base still centers aseptic fill-finish systems and isolator integration.
  • Marchesini acquired 44.39% of AST on December 10, 2025, broadening global reach.
  • AST launched Shield GIT and digital twin tools at INTERPHEX 2025, deepening software differentiation.

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Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

Disability Insurance

Health Savings Account/Flexible Spending Account

Unlimited Paid Time Off

Flexible Work Hours

Remote Work Options

Paid Vacation

Paid Sick Leave

Paid Holidays

Sabbatical Leave

Hybrid Work Options

Stock Options

Company Equity

401(k) Retirement Plan

401(k) Company Match

Performance Bonus

Profit Sharing

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Relocation Assistance

Employee Referral Bonus

Student Loan Assistance

Parental Leave

Family Planning Benefits

Fertility Treatment Support

Adoption Assistance

Childcare Support

Elder Care Support

Pet Insurance

Bereavement Leave

Professional Development Budget

Conference Attendance Budget

Training Programs

Tuition Reimbursement

Professional Certification Support

Mentorship Program

Wellness Program

Mental Health Support

Gym Membership

Commuter Benefits

Meal Benefits

Phone/Internet Stipend

Home Office Stipend

Legal Services

Employee Discounts

Company Social Events

Growth & Insights and Company News

Headcount

6 month growth

18%

1 year growth

18%

2 year growth

18%
PharmaSource
Dec 10th, 2025
AST Announces Strategic Partnership with Marchesini Group to Strengthen Sterile Fill-Finish Capabilities - PharmaSource

AST has entered a strategic partnership with the Marchesini Group to enhance global capabilities in sterile fill-finish and drug product manufacturing. The companies said the…

PR Newswire
Aug 8th, 2025
AST Names Industry Veteran Jacob Stephen as Chief Operating Officer

TACOMA, Wash., Aug. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - AST is pleased to announce that Jacob Stephen will be joining the AST Team as Chief Operations Officer at the Tacoma-headquartered drug product equipment manufacturing company.

PR Newswire
Apr 30th, 2025
Ast Celebrates 60 Years Of Excellence In Innovation And Looks To The Future Of Drug Product Manufacturing

This milestone celebration sets the stage for AST's next phase of strategic growth, anchored by its revitalized Mission, Vision, and Purpose statementsTACOMA, Wash., April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- AST marked the launch of its 60th anniversary year at INTERPHEX 2025, using the prestigious industry event as a springboard to highlight six decades of innovation. Building on the momentum of being named "Best in Show" at INTERPHEX 2024, AST entered its 60th anniversary receiving another reputable honor: the INTERPHEX Efficiency Champion award. This back-to-back recognition highlights not only AST's legacy of innovation but also its forward-looking approach to advancing excellence across the industry.AST was founded in Tacoma, Washington, in 1965. From the beginning, the company pursued a clear vision: provide advanced automated manufacturing solutions driven by a commitment to quality engineering, American ingenuity, and a customer-first approach. Now, for six decades, AST has been a leader in the advanced manufacturing space, and in 2004, the company leveraged its combined expertise and experience to begin providing flexible automation for life science applications.AST's initial success was found in innovative manufacturing solutions designed and built by a small team of engineers, including prototypes and first-of-its-kind technologies that would set new standards in what was possible with automation. These early solutions would serve as the foundation for the later technologies that AST would become recognized for

The Prescott Times Media LLC
Apr 30th, 2025
AST Celebrates 60 Years of Excellence in Innovation and Looks to the Future of Drug Product Manufacturing

Now in 2025, AST is marking the next chapter in its mission to support the future of pharmaceutical manufacturing by expanding its portfolio with the introduction of the Shield(TM) glove integrity testing system and its digital suite of products and services with the launch of its digital twin tool - a preview of AST's' advanced solutions dedicated to digital and data integration.

AST Inc.
Mar 17th, 2025
AST Announces New Chief Commercial Officer, Charisse Curtis

Charisse Curtis has joined AST as Chief Commercial Officer, leading the Business Development, Marketing, and Communications teams.