Aaron Mena
North Brunswick,New Jersey
Summary
Experienced automation and electrical technician with a strong background in wiring, circuit troubleshooting, control panels, and preventive maintenance. Known for supporting safe, efficient operations across manufacturing and compounding environments.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Compounder Automation lead
DSM-Firmenich
Somerset, New Jersey
03.2017 - 06.2026
- Provided technical support to colleagues on proper use of compounding equipment.
- Developed standard operating procedures for compounding processes.
- Operated forklifts, pumps, blending kettles and other processing equipment safely and according to industry standards.
- Applied cGMP practices to manufacture pharmaceutical batches utilizing various compounding tanks, kettles, transfer pumps, mixers and mills.
- Assisted in troubleshooting processes related to compounding operations.
- Reviewed documents such as labels, packaging instructions, and patient profiles prior to release of product.
- Fixed control panels to ensure proper operation of plant systems., wiring, and electrical components in plant systems.
- Addressed plumbing issues to prevent water leaks and ensure system integrity., electrical, and mechanical issues following maintenance work orders.
- Performed preventive maintenance on HVAC, pumps, and production equipment.
- Monitored facility systems using maintenance logs and inspection checklists.
- Substituted worn parts to ensure optimal equipment performance., fixtures, and hardware throughout employer property.
- Coordinated with operations staff on repair scheduling and access needs.
- Followed safety procedures and maintained clean, organized work areas.
- Operated hand and power tools to complete repairs.
- Maintained accurate records of all maintenance activities performed.
- Replaced defective parts such as bearings, seals, gears, valves.
Lead/Automation Technician
IFF
South Brunswick, NJ
06.2010 - 02.2017
- Programmed robotic arms for material handling applications such as loading and unloading parts from conveyor lines or palletizing products onto shipping containers.
- Created detailed documentation for automation processes and procedures.
- Analyzed existing production processes to identify areas of improvement through automation solutions.
- Evaluated machine vision applications such as image processing algorithms for accurate part identification within a manufacturing environment.
- Ensured compliance with safety regulations when working with automated machinery.
- Removed and replaced malfunctioning circuit boards and sensors.
- Measured voltage, resistance and current of electrical circuits to assess operating conditions and identify faults.
- Fabricated housings, jigs, fittings and fixtures, utilizing metalworking machines.
- Used AI software to train robots to perform different tasks.
- Assigned work tasks based on employer priorities and staff skills.
- Trained operators on how to use automated equipment safely and effectively.
- Installed new automation systems according to manufacturer specifications.
- Assisted in the design of new automated machinery based on customer requirements.
Chemical Compounder/Batch Mixer
L'Oreal USA
North Brunswick, New Jersey
04.1999 - 02.2010
- Mixed cosmetic batches according to L'Oréal USA formulas and safety rules.
- Measured raw ingredients with scales, mixers, and batch records.
- Ran blending equipment for creams, lotions, and color cosmetics.
- Checked batch consistency and adjusted processing to meet specifications.
- Sanitized tanks after each production run to maintain hygiene standards., utensils, and work areas to support sanitation requirements.
- Reviewed production orders and verified ingredient availability before compounding.
- Recorded batch data in manufacturing logs and quality documents.
- Monitored batch consistency and adjusted processing for specification compliance.
- Trained new compounders on L'Oreal USA procedures and safe handling practices.
- Analyzed samples from raw materials, monitored quality of products and troubleshot possible causes for deviations.
- Performed daily safety checks to ensure equipment operated according to safety protocols.
- Collected data from tests performed during production runs for use in preparing reports that document results of experiments or trials.
- Conducted laboratory testing of samples throughout the manufacturing process to verify product specifications were met.
- Calibrated instruments used for measuring pH, viscosity, specific gravity or other properties of compounds.
- Verified that all components used in the formulation meet required specifications before beginning the compounding process.
Education
Commercial Electricity -
Sunset Technology
Union City, NJ11-2026
Residencial Electricity -
Sunset Technology
Union City, NJ09-2026
High School Diploma -
John Adams School
NJ03-2008
Skills
- Electrical wiring
- Circuit troubleshooting
- Safety compliance
- Preventive maintenance
- Control panels
- Blueprint reading
Timeline
Senior Compounder Automation lead
DSM-Firmenich
03.2017 - 06.2026
Lead/Automation Technician
IFF
06.2010 - 02.2017
Chemical Compounder/Batch Mixer
L'Oreal USA
04.1999 - 02.2010
Commercial Electricity -
Sunset Technology
Residencial Electricity -
Sunset Technology
High School Diploma -
John Adams School