Full-Time

Ast

Posted on 8/15/2025

Automated Systems of Tacoma

Automated Systems of Tacoma

51-200 employees

Aseptic fill-finish equipment for sterile injectables

Compensation Overview

$120k - $160k/yr

+ Bonus

Tacoma, WA, USA

In Person

Onsite role in Tacoma, WA; occasional travel up to 30%.

Category
Mechanical Engineering (1)
Required Skills
CAD
Metallurgy
AWS
Requirements
  • Bachelor's degree in Welding Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field, or work equivalent.
  • 8+ years of experience in sheet metal and welding engineering, process development, or manufacturing.
  • Proficiency in a range of sheet metal fabrication processes, including waterjet, laser cutting, bending, and forming.
  • Proficiency in welding processes including MIG, TIG, Stick, Resistance, and Laser welding, with stainless steel TIG welding experience required.
  • Knowledge of metallurgy, heat treatment, and material science.
  • Experience with robotic and automated welding systems is a plus.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a hands-on approach.
  • Familiarity with CAD software, welding simulation tools, and quality inspection techniques.
  • Certification in welding (CWI, CWE, or similar) is preferred.
  • Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without restriction.
  • Must be willing to take and pass a drug test.
Responsibilities
  • Develop, evaluate, and improve fabrication/welding/finishing processes to enhance quality, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.
  • Define sheet metal fabrication parameters, procedures, and specifications for various materials and applications.
  • Define welding parameters, procedures, and specifications for various materials and applications.
  • Troubleshoot fabrication and welding defects, investigate root causes, and implement corrective actions.
  • Work closely with design and manufacturing teams to ensure weldability and manufacturability of components.
  • Evaluate, recommend and support fabrication and welding suppliers to assure products meet expected standards.
  • Define and train welding process validation, including destructive and non-destructive testing (NDT).
  • Ensure compliance with industry standards (AWS, ASME, ISO) and company quality requirements.
  • Train and mentor production staff on best fabrication, welding practices, and process controls.
  • Maintain documentation including work instructions, weld maps, and process control plans.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.
  • Expected travel: 30%
Desired Qualifications
  • Experience with robotic and automated welding systems is a plus.
  • Certification in welding (CWI, CWE, or similar) is preferred.
  • Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
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

Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • Marchesini acquires 44.39% stake, expanding AST's global reach.
  • Jacob Stephen joins as COO on August 7, 2025.
  • Charisse Curtis appointed CCO to boost business development.

What critics are saying

  • Marchesini dilutes AST control, prioritizing packaging over isolators.
  • AST Environmental newsletters cause ongoing brand confusion.
  • Competitors erode GENiSYS edge with faster robotics at INTERPHEX 2025.

What makes Automated Systems of Tacoma unique

  • AST partners with Marchesini Group for sterile fill-finish expertise.
  • AST launches Shield glove tester and digital twin tool in 2025.
  • AST showcases GENiSYS C ATMP line at INTERPHEX 2025.

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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

Company News

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
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.

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