Associate Principal Scientist/Engineer, Medical Device and Combination Products, Analytical

About the role

The Center for Packaging & Device Analytics (CPDA), within our Manufacturing Division, has responsibility for applied physical, material & analytical science to support production and commercialization of product packaging and drug-delivery medical device/combination-products (MDCPs), such as auto-injectors and pre-filled syringes.

We are an interdisciplinary engineering science Center of Excellence that supports the entire global-human-health portfolio and closely partner with various Packaging or Device Technology engineering groups, packaging sites, and partner analytical groups. The CPDA is located at our Company's large research and manufacturing West Point, PA location, where our packaging & device laboratories are established.

The CPDA is seeking an Associate Principal Scientist/Engineer who, as an individual contributor, can act as an MDCP analytical lead for one or more exciting projects. A key aspect of the role is leadership, within a cross-functional working group, to develop & own both an analytical strategy (to satisfy Design Controls inputs) as well as the timeline, which includes managing analytical efforts.

The role will naturally include substantial technical creative challenge for Device Characterization and more formal Design Verification, which includes development & validation of mechanical test methods as well as coordination & technical oversight for internal CPDA staff or external lab testing (where required) to meet project timelines and deliverables.

To excel in the role, one must be creative and skillful in problem solving and applied experimental physical science relevant to mechanical devices, as well as be a highly effective communicator (written and verbal), collaborator and technical coach. Ideally, the candidate has prior hands-on analytical experience with MDCP and Design Controls.

Education Requirement (minimum)

• Ph.D. in Mechanical, Chemical or Biomedical Engineering (or equivalent field)

Required Experience

• A minimum of 3 years with Ph.D. in a role responsible for medical device or combination product development verification, method development and testing.
• Experience with mechanical testing, imaging, and measurement equipment and techniques. Including (but not limited to) tensile/compression/torsional testing, materials characterization, x-ray computed tomography, rheometry, and microscopy.
• Excellent collaboration and leadership skills, to work as part of cross-functional teams to meet project timelines and deliverables.

Preferred Experience and Skills

• Experience developing innovative Device Characterization and Design Verification (DV) strategies/mechanical tests with validations, incl. engineering studies, design verification protocols, stability studies and validation protocols, with appropriate selection of acceptance criteria.
• Experience with medical device development with understanding/familiarity of Design Controls (21 CFR 820.30) and relevant industry standards

Required Skills

Analytical Chemistry, Computed Tomography (CT), Cross-Cultural Awareness, Design Validations, Design Verification, Design Verification Testing, Device Characterization, Interdisciplinary Collaboration, Materials Characterization, Mechanical Testing, Medical Devices Engineering, Microscopies, Professional Networking, Rheometry, Tensile Strength Testing, Tomography, X Ray Imaging

Preferred Skills

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US and Puerto Rico Residents Only

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• The primary location for this posting is: USA - Pennsylvania - West Point

Pay and benefits

Where required by law, the compensation range for this role is provided below.

The salary range for the primary location of this role is

$142,400.00 - $224,100.00

This range reflects the Company's reasonable expectation of the base salary applicable to this role at the time of posting. An employee's position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, government requirements, and business or organizational needs. The successful candidate will be eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable.

We offer a comprehensive package of benefits. Available benefits include medical, dental, vision healthcare and other insurance benefits (for employee and family), retirement benefits, including 401(k), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate and sick days.

Additional location(s): Please note the salary range above applies to the Primary Location of the position. Where a role has other listed locations, different compensation guidelines may apply. You may find the salary ranges for additional locations below. If the salary range is not listed for the location you are applying to, our Talent Acquisition team will provide further information to you relevant to your location.

Search Firm Representatives Please Read Carefully

Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, also known as Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, Rahway, NJ, USA, does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. All CVs / resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at our company without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of our company.

No fee will be paid in the event a candidate is hired by our company as a result of an agency referral where no pre-existing agreement is in place. Where agency agreements are in place, introductions are position specific. Please, no phone calls or emails.

• Employee Status: Regular
• Relocation: Domestic
• VISA Sponsorship: Yes

Travel Requirements

• 10%
• Flexible Work Arrangements: Not Applicable
• Shift: 1st - Day
• Valid Driving License: No
• Hazardous Material(s): n/a
• Job Posting End Date: 11/25/2026

Additional information

*A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFORE the listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date.