Sr. Specialist, Engineering (Onsite)

About the role

The Formulation, Laboratory, and Experimentation (FLEx) Center in Rahway, New Jersey, features a cutting-edge sterile drug product cGMP clinical supply manufacturing facility, known as FLEx Sterile, which is currently in the operational startup phase. The FLEx Sterile facility is poised to play a pivotal role in the long-term success of delivering our clinical pipeline to patients worldwide, encompassing a range of product modalities, including sterile small molecules, biologics, vaccines, and antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs).

We are seeking a Senior Specialist, Technical Operations - Engineering, to serve as a key technical specialist in the FLEx Sterile Expansion Project, focused on the Optima multi-use filling line. This expansion project aims to more than double the capacity of the existing FLEx Sterile Facility by adding a second clinical filling/lyophilization suite, a formulation suite, and a sterile supply suite, along with various supporting infrastructure and utilities.

The selected candidate will upskill on the Optima Multi-use filler through a multi-week in-person training at the Optima Pharma and Isolator facilities, located in Germany. The candidate will become proficient in mechanical, automation, and system wide troubleshooting. At the conclusion of the training program, the candidate will be a key resource for the commissioning and qualification of the multi-use filler line at the FLEx Center.

This role presents an exciting opportunity to collaborate with our research formulation scientists, capital design engineers, safety and quality representatives, digital and IT teams, equipment vendors, and other stakeholders. Together, you will drive the ensure the successful execution of the project C&Q and startup phases.

When operations commence, this individual will partner closely with the formulators, engineers, Quality representatives, and other team members to ensure the quality of the clinical supplies, the scientific rigor of the processes, and ultimately to enable flexibility and speed of our Company's sterile pipeline.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate closely with a range of stakeholders to gain insights into equipment and facility design, maintenance, troubleshooting, operational excellence, financial and capital management, team building, process sciences, technical writing, and networking.
• Work with a variety of state-of-the-art aseptic drug product filling, and lyophilization equipment while completing processes throughout the manufacturing cycle.
• Attend and complete the Optima Super user training at the Optima sites in Germany (10-12 weeks).
• Provide training on advanced troubleshooting and support functions to operators and engineers.
• Support individual project assignments and aid in facility and process equipment innovation.
• Perform manual and/or automated operations, general maintenance, troubleshooting and support functions.
• Perform aseptic manipulations within Grade A barrier isolation systems.
• Contemporaneous record keeping including equipment and area cleaning and use logs, and all pertinent batch and/or equipment preparation documentation.
• Identify and addresses compliance, environmental, safety, and process deviations as appropriate while notifying appropriate personnel.
• Demonstrate, at all times, safe work habits and maintain a safe work environment. Comprehend and comply with all safety and company policies and procedures.
• Attend training classes, workshops, meetings, etc., as needed to improve job skills and product-related procedures.

Education Minimum

• B.A./B.S. in Mechatronics, Engineering, Automated Sciences, Computer Science, Biology, Chemistry or equivalent with at least 5 years of relevant experience.
• Master's degree with a minimum of 3 years relevant experience.

Required Experience and Skills

• Ability to do all required gowning and personal protective equipment ex. Powered Air Purifying Respirator.
• Strong attention to detail and documentation skills are required.
• Ability to communicate and work in partnership with other employees in a manufacturing environment.
• Ability to prepare Standard Operating Procedures and current GXP documents.
• Demonstrated skills in problem-solving and troubleshooting.
• Effective communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Familiarity with United States and European Union cGMP and Safety compliance regulations.
• Effective interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Experience in drug product aseptic processing, equipment and aseptic technique.
• Training Requirement: Selected candidates will complete a mandatory 10-12 week training program in Germany to gain the technical knowledge and hands-on experience required for success in the role. Candidates must be willing and able to travel internationally for the duration of the training.

Preferred

• Experience with automated aseptic filling lines.
• Experience with smart technologies, such as robots, automated systems and/or computer integrated manufacturing equipment (mechatronics).
• Experience operating, setting up, disassembling, and adjusting complex equipment, e.g. robotics, packaging machinery, automatic assembling machines.
• Experience with quality systems.
• Experience with new GMP facility startup.
• Experience supporting Commissioning, Qualification and Validation.
• Experience in supporting quality investigations and change management.

Working conditions

• This position may have varying hours based on the needs of the business
• Flexibility working overtime is a requirement in manufacturing
• Travel will be necessary for this role, including in-person training at a vendor.
• FLEx2026
• Sterile2026
• #eligibleforERP

Required Skills

Adaptability, Adaptability, Analytical Testing, Aseptic Handling, Aseptic Processing, Assembling Equipment, Assembly Automation, Chemistry, Clinical Supplies Management, Communication, Computer-Integrated Manufacturing (CIM), Data Analysis, Detail-Oriented, Deviation Management, Equipment Qualification, Equipment Set Up, Flexibility Training, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Machine Assembly, Mechatronics, Networking Concepts, Packaging Machinery, Process Design, Process Equipment, Process Hazard Analysis (PHA) {+ 10 more}

Preferred Skills

• Current Employees apply HERE
• Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

US and Puerto Rico Residents Only

• Our company is committed to inclusion, ensuring that candidates can engage in a hiring process that exhibits their true capabilities. Please click here if you need an accommodation during the application or hiring process.
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• We encourage our colleagues to respectfully challenge one another's thinking and approach problems collectively.

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• The primary location for this posting is: USA - New Jersey - Rahway

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

$117,000.00 - $184,200.00

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/International
• 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: 11/20/2026

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.