Senior Project Engineer

MSD Malaysia; Haarlem; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

3% Year-end bonus

Annual bonus

35.5 days annual leave

Pension plan

On-site restaurant

Gym and game room

Lyra Health wellbeing

Prayer/meditation room

Job summary

Merck & Co., Inc. in Haarlem seeks a Senior Project Engineer to lead end-to-end packaging and device assembly projects, including technology transfers and capital investments.

You will drive GMP-compliant design, qualification, startup, validation, and cross-functional collaboration across global teams to deliver robust manufacturing improvements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Packaging, Mechanical, Industrial, Electrical, Automation, or related Engineering discipline.
• 5+ years of experience in engineering, packaging technology, process technology, automation, or capital project execution.
• Proven experience leading medium-to-large engineering projects from concept through implementation.
• Strong project management and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end execution of packaging and device assembly projects, including technology transfers, capital investments, process improvements, and new product introductions.
• Drive design, engineering, qualification, startup, validation (PPQ), and project closeout activities while ensuring GMP, safety, and quality.
• Manage project scope, budgets, schedules, risks, vendors, and cross-functional teams to deliver objectives.
• Develop and present business cases, capital requests, and project proposals to governance bodies.
• Mentor junior engineers and collaborate with global and site teams for technology transfers.

Skills

Contractor Management

Cross-Functional Project Management

Data Analysis

Deviation Management

Equipment Implementation

Equipment Qualification

GMP

Maintenance Supervision

Occupational Safety and Health

Operations Support

Project Engineering

Project Leadership

Project Management

Project Scoping

Regulatory Audits

Standards Compliance

Sterile Manufacturing

Team Leadership

Technical Evaluation

Troubleshooting

Vaccine Manufacturing

Education

Bachelor's degree in Packaging, Mechanical, Industrial, Electrical, Automation, or related Engineering discipline

Job description

Job Description

Are you an experienced engineer with a passion for capital projects, technology transfers, and operational excellence? As a Senior Project Engineer you'll play a key role in bringing innovative pharmaceutical products and packaging technologies to patients worldwide. As part of our Packaging Technical Operations (PTO) team, you will lead complex packaging and device assembly projects, support new product introductions, and drive process improvements that enhance reliability, quality, and performance. This is a highly visible role requiring strong technical expertise, project leadership, and cross-functional collaboration across local and global teams.

About the Team

Packaging Technical Operations supports the design, implementation, qualification, and lifecycle management of packaging and device assembly equipment at our Haarlem site. Our team manages capital projects, technology transfers, and process innovation initiatives that enable the successful launch and supply of critical medicines. We partner closely with Manufacturing, Quality, Engineering, Supply Chain, Global Engineering Solutions, and international sites to deliver best-in-class solutions.

What You’ll Do

As a Senior Project Engineer, you will: Lead end-to-end execution of packaging and device assembly projects, including technology transfers, capital investments, process improvements, and new product introductions. Drive design, engineering, qualification, startup, validation (PPQ), and project closeout activities while ensuring compliance with GMP, safety, and quality requirements. Manage project scope, budgets, schedules, risks, vendors, and cross-functional teams to deliver business objectives. Develop and present business cases, capital requests, and project proposals to governance and approval bodies. Conduct feasibility studies, engineering trials, machineability assessments, and risk evaluations to support sound technical and business decisions. Act as Equipment Subject Matter Expert (SME), supporting startup activities, troubleshooting, and process robustness improvements. Collaborate with global and site teams to transfer packaging and device assembly technologies into commercial operations. Lead Quality Risk Assessments and support internal and external audits as a technical expert. Build strong relationships with stakeholders, suppliers, and OEM partners to ensure successful project execution and long-term equipment performance. Mentor junior engineers and contribute to a culture of technical excellence, continuous improvement, and innovation.

What We’re Looking For

Bachelor's degree in Packaging, Mechanical, Industrial, Electrical, Automation, or related Engineering discipline. 5+ years of experience in engineering, packaging technology, process technology, automation, or capital project execution. Proven experience leading medium-to-large engineering projects from concept through implementation. Strong project management, stakeholder management, and problem-solving skills. Experience managing external vendors, contractors, and equipment suppliers. Knowledge of GMP-regulated manufacturing environments, ideally within pharmaceuticals, medical devices, biotech, food, or chemical industries. Fluent English communication skills; Dutch language proficiency is highly desirable. Ability to influence diverse stakeholders and work effectively in international, cross-functional teams.

What We Offer

A competitive salary, based on your knowledge and experience.

A 3% year-end payment and an annual bonus based on individual and company performance.

At least 35.5 days of annual leave.

Travel expense reimbursement and a solid pension plan.

A high-quality company restaurant serving fresh and healthy meals daily.

On-site sports facilities, including classes such as boxing, Zumba, and Pilates.

Excellent coffee prepared by a professional barista.

A large game room featuring darts, table football, a pool table, and table tennis.

Mental wellbeing support through Lyra Health for both you and your family members.

Access to a dedicated prayer and meditation room.

Required Skills:

• Contractor Management
• Cross-Functional Project Management
• Data Analysis
• Deviation Management
• Equipment Implementation
• Equipment Qualification
• Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)
• Maintenance Supervision
• Occupational Safety and Health
• Operations Support
• Product Improvements
• Project Engineering
• Project Leadership
• Project Management
• Project Scoping
• Regulatory Audits
• Standards Compliance
• Sterile Manufacturing
• Team Leadership
• Technical Evaluation
• Troubleshooting
• Vaccine Manufacturing

Preferred Skills:

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: No

Travel Requirements: No

Travel Required: No Travel Required

Flexible Work Arrangements: Not Applicable

Shift: Not Indicated

Valid Driving License: No

Hazardous Material(s): N/a

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. Our success is backed by ethical integrity, forward momentum, and an inspiring mission to achieve new milestones in global healthcare.