Senior Project Engineer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

3% year-end bonus

35.5 days annual leave

On-site restaurant

Wellbeing support (Lyra Health)

Prayer and meditation room

Job summary

MSD Netherlands is seeking a Senior Project Engineer to lead packaging and device assembly projects from concept to implementation at our Haarlem site. You will drive technology transfers, capital investments, and process improvements to ensure compliance with GMP, safety, and quality standards.

You will guide cross-functional teams, manage budgets and schedules, and mentor junior engineers while collaborating with global teams on tech transfers and audits.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline (Packaging, Mechanical, Industrial, Electrical, Automation).
• 5+ years in engineering, packaging technology, process technology, automation, or capital project execution.
• Proven experience leading medium-to-large engineering projects from concept through implementation.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end packaging and device assembly projects, incl. technology transfers, capital investments, process improvements, and new product introductions.
• Drive design, engineering, qualification, startup, validation (PPQ), and project closeout with GMP, safety, and quality compliance.
• 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.
• Conduct feasibility studies, engineering trials, machineability assessments, and risk evaluations.
• Act as Equipment SME, supporting startup activities, troubleshooting, and process robustness.
• Collaborate with global and site teams to transfer technologies into commercial operations.
• Lead Quality Risk Assessments and support audits as a technical expert.
• Build relationships with stakeholders, suppliers, and OEMs for successful execution.
• Mentor junior engineers and foster technical excellence and continuous improvement.

Skills

Contractor Management

Cross-Functional PM

Data Analysis

Deviation Management

Equipment Implementation

Equipment Qualification

GMP Knowledge

Maintenance Supervision

Occupational Safety

Project Leadership

Regulatory Audits

Team Leadership

Troubleshooting

Vaccine Manufacturing

Education

Bachelor's in Packaging/Mechanical/Industrial/Electrical/Automation

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

• 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

Employee Status

Regular

Relocation

Domestic/International

VISA Sponsorship

No

Travel Requirements

No Travel Required

Flexible Work Arrangements

Not Applicable

Shift

Not Indicated

Valid Driving License

No

Hazardous Material(s)

N/a