Asset Reliability Engineer (Senior Spclst)

MSD; Ireland; On-site; EUR 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Merck at Ballydine in Ireland seeks an Asset Reliability Engineer (Senior Specialist) to develop and manage a comprehensive reliability program for critical assets. You will drive predictive maintenance, lead RCA events, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure safety, quality, and regulatory compliance.

The role focuses on reducing repetitive failures, applying RBAM, and advancing condition-monitoring techniques while aligning with global CoE programs and site strategies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related technical field.
• Lean Six Sigma qualification or demonstrated Lean experience.
• 3+ years in reliability/maintenance engineering roles.
• GMP/EHS knowledge and SAP familiarity.
• Experience with API equipment, systems, or utilities is favorable.
• Strong continuous improvement mindset and analytical skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage a reliability program for critical assets.
• Engineer solutions for repetitive failures and drive predictive maintenance.
• Lead RCA events and investigate equipment/process failures.
• Drive condition-based monitoring and data interpretation.
• Lead RBAM assessments and site risk priorities.
• Implement site-wide reliability improvements with cross-functional teams.
• Coordinate with CoE and enterprise programs locally.
• Establish reliability metrics and KPIs for continuous improvement.
• Support qualification, change control, and safety/compliance needs.
• Translate strategy into executable reliability plans.

Skills

Asset reliability

Lean Six Sigma

Root cause analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

SAP

FMECA

RBAM

Predictive maintenance

Change Control

Job description

Job Description An exciting opportunity has arisen for an Asset Reliability Engineer (Senior Spclst) at our Ballydine site. The Asset Reliability Engineer is a key technical role responsible for developing, managing, and executing a comprehensive reliability program for all critical assets at the site. This role focuses on identifying and engineering solutions to repetitive failures, driving predictive maintenance programs, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure safety, quality, cost-efficiency, and regulatory compliance. Ballydine is the primary Drug Substance commercialisation hub within the network, where new processes are scaled and transitioned to commercial manufacture. The site supports clinical and commercial API supply and the transfer of processes and technologies across internal manufacturing sites and external partners.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and manage a reliability program for all critical assets at Ballydine.
• Develop engineering solutions to repetitive failures and all other problems that adversely affect plant operations, including safety, capacity, quality, cost, and regulatory compliance issues.
• Provide technical support to production, maintenance management, and technical personnel. Lead technical Root Cause Analysis (RCA) events and incident investigations related to manufacturing equipment and systems to prevent recurrence of asset or process failures.
• Drive condition-based monitoring programs such as vibration analysis, thermography, oil analysis, and other predictive analyses, including the interpretation of results.
• Drive the site Mechanical Integrity Program as part of the Process Safety Management (PSM) system.
• Lead Risk-Based Assessment Management (RBAM) assessments, manage the site RBAM program, and carry out equipment criticality and spares assessments.
• Remain abreast of and apply advancing maintenance technology. Engage with the Corporate Asset Reliability Management Center of Excellence (CoE) as the site contact and implement corporate programs locally.
• Develop a multi-year Reliability roadmap and drive execution in close collaboration and partnership with key cross-functional stakeholders.
• Serve as the Subject Matter Expert (SME) for reliability and maintenance best practices.
• Work with Maintenance and Project Engineering to ensure the reliability and maintainability of new and modified installations.
• Comply with the current Quality and EHS Management System requirements, as relevant to the supporting operations.
• Establish reliability metrics and KPIs to monitor equipment performance and drive continuous improvement.
• Employ business analytics to assess performance and identify improvement opportunities for Equipment Reliability, Effective Maintenance Execution, Condition Monitoring, and Predictive Maintenance.

Desired Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent in a relevant Engineering or other technical discipline.
• Lean Six Sigma qualification or demonstrated experience in the application of Lean principles is highly advantageous.
• Three or more years of relevant work experience in a comparable reliability or maintenance engineering role.
• Robust knowledge of GMP / EHS guidelines, legislation, and computerized Plant Maintenance systems (e.g., SAP).
• Experience of working with manufacturing API (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient) plant equipment, systems, and utilities is desirable.
• Strong understanding of continuous improvement tools and reliability methodologies e.g. RCM, FMECA, RBAM, 8-step problem solving
• Energetic and enthusiastic team player prepared to work in and embrace a team-based culture that relies on collaboration for effective decision-making.
• Independent, self-motivated, and highly organized professional, capable of multi-tasking in dynamic project environments.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a proven ability to collaborate across diverse teams.
• Strong problem-solving (8-step) and analytical skills with an innate ability to learn quickly.
• Proven capability to identify key stakeholders and develop relationships of trust and strong collaboration.
• Data-driven, results-oriented, and capable of driving change with a positive, “can-do” mentality, backed by solid engineering and business acumen.
• Familiarity with Change Control, Vendor Limitations, and Contractor Capabilities.
• Thorough understanding of Safety, GMP, Environmental, and Validation Policies and Procedures.
• Deep knowledge of predictive and condition-monitoring maintenance techniques and their practical applications.
• Ability to translate strategic opportunities and emerging technology solutions into tangible, pragmatic, and executable plans.
• Ability to influence the development of business area strategy and engineering/equipment strategy where appropriate.

We keep the patient at the very heart of all that we do and strive to find solutions and treatments for some of the world’s most challenging healthcare needs. So, if you are ready to: Invent solutions to meet unmet healthcare needs, Impact the future by driving one of the world’s leading healthcare companies, and inspire your team to reach their full potential and push the boundaries of science and technology,

Compensation Information

Required Skills: Asset Reliability, Continuous Improvement, Equipment Qualification, Facility Management, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Maintenance Supervision, Manufacturing Operations, Regulatory Audits, Reliability Management, Site Reliability Engineering

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.

Employee Status: Regular Relocation: VISA Sponsorship: Travel Requirements: Flexible Work Arrangements: Not Applicable Shift: Valid Driving License: Hazardous Material(s):

*A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFORE the listed job posting end date.

Job Posting End Date: 11/2/2026

Our company is a global health care leader with a diversified portfolio of prescription medicines, vaccines and animal health products. The difference between potential and achievement lies in the spark that fuels innovation and inventiveness; this is the space where we have codified our legacy for over a century.