2027 Future Talent Program - Elkton Manufacturing Co-op

Merck; Elkton (VA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 111,000; Full time

Job summary

Merck's Elkton, VA campus invites you to join the Future Talent Program as a Co-Op. The six-month opportunity spans diverse areas including Biological, Automation, Maintenance, Safety, Process Engineering, and Validation within our biopharmaceutical manufacturing operations.

You will join a multidisciplinary team, tackle technical and operational projects, and develop leadership and problem-solving skills in a regulated production environment.

Qualifications

• Must be enrolled in a sophomore or junior level curriculum pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, Biological Systems Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering, Biology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, or Biotechnology.
• Available for a minimum of a 6-month Co-Op beginning in May 2027 or June 2027.
• Onsite work is required at Elkton, VA campus.
• Strong academic record and work achievements demonstrating technical competency.

Responsibilities

• Provide on-the-floor support for operational/technical issues; collaborate with shop floor on projects critical to vaccine manufacturing at Elkton, VA.
• Work in cross-functional teams to support vaccine, biologic, and sterile manufacturing processes.
• Conduct investigations and analyses; recommend corrective and preventive actions.
• Write, review, and improve procedures for operation of equipment and processes.
• Maintain manufacturing processes and products at high performance and regulatory compliance.
• Complete projects to improve process performance, yield, and cycle times.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem solving

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Biochemical Engineering

Biomedical Engineering

Mechanical Engineering

Biology

Job description

Job Description

The Future Talent Program features Co-Ops that last about 6 months and will include one or more projects. These opportunities in our Manufacturing Division can provide you with great development and a chance to see if we are the right company for your long-term goals.

At our Company's campus in Elkton, Virginia, our Engineers have opportunities across many diverse areas including Biological, Automation, Maintenance, Safety, Process Engineering, Process Development, Technical Services, Utilities and Validation. The manufacturing facility is located in the Shenandoah Valley along the Shenandoah River and the Blue Ridge Mountains a short distance from the University of Virginia and James Madison University.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to apply their enthusiasm and technical skills as a member of a multidisciplinary team supporting the operation of biopharmaceutical and vaccine product manufacturing facilities.

Project Responsibilities Can Include

• Providing on-the-floor support of operational and technical issues; collaborating with the shop floor on a variety of different projects and activities that are critical to ongoing manufacturing of vaccines at the Elkton, VA site
• Working as part of a cross-functional team to support vaccine, biologic, and sterile manufacturing processes
• Conducting technical/operational investigations and analyses and recommending corrective and preventative actions
• Writing, reviewing, and improving procedures for operation of equipment and processes
• Maintain manufacturing processes and products at a high level of performance and regulatory compliance
• Completing projects to improve the performance of our processes and manufacturing performance, including projects aimed at improving Right-First-Time performance or preventing/reducing deviations, and continuous improvement projects that seek to improve manufacturing efficiencies (yield, cost, cycle times)
• Perform data analysis, problem solving and/or troubleshooting for daily operations and projects
• Collaboration with multi-functional, multi-disciplinary teams
• Embracing and establishing an empowered, diverse, and inclusive team culture

Required Education And Experience

• Candidates must be currently enrolled in a sophomore or junior level curriculum working toward a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, Biological Systems Engineering, Biomedical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering, Biology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, or Biotechnology
• Candidates must be available for a minimum of a 6-month Co-Op beginning in May 2027 or June 2027
• Candidates are expected to work onsite
• Candidates must have superior technical competency as demonstrated by excellent academic record and work achievements
• Candidates must have strong communication skills, personal character, and ethics.
• Candidates must have leadership accomplishments achieved through direct leadership roles or leading by influence
• Candidates must have robust problem-solving skills and a proactive approach to problem-solving, with a bias towards going to see problems for oneself in the field.
• Candidates must have ability to examine an issue from diverse perspectives (safety, compliance, maintenance, automation, equipment, process, and people) in order to best understand and resolve it.
• Candidates must have strong communication skills, written and verbal.

Preferred Experience And Skills

• Candidates should have work experience in a laboratory, manufacturing or industrial setting.
• Candidates should have familiarity with current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) and its application
• Candidates should have delivery results in a multi-functional, multi-disciplinary environment
• Candidates should have experience using Lean/Six Sigma tools
• Candidates should have capabilities for managing multiple tasks simultaneously, including leading small projects
• Candidates should have experience in problem solving and/or troubleshooting
• Candidates should have strong desire to succeed and to help others to do the same.
• Candidates should be enthusiastic, confident, and self-starters, with a passion for continuous learning
• Candidates should have a minimum GPA of 3.20

Our Manufacturing Division is committed to be the most trusted supplier of biopharmaceuticals worldwide. Our facilities, along with our external contractors, suppliers, and partners, create an interdependent global manufacturing network that’s committed to delivering a high quality, reliable supply to customers and patients on time, every time.

Please note that this position may be closed before the posted end date or may remain open longer, at the discretion of the company.

Salary Range

The salary range for this role is $39,908 - $111,111

FTP2027

MD2027

Our company is committed to inclusion, ensuring that candidates can engage in a hiring process that exhibits their true capabilities.

Requirements

As an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, we provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. As a federal contractor, we comply with all affirmative action requirements for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. For more information about personal rights under the U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment laws, visit:

EEOC Know Your Rights

EEOC GINA Supplement

We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing together, talented, and committed people with diverse experiences, perspectives, skills and backgrounds. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when people with diverse ideas, broad experiences, backgrounds, and skills come together in an inclusive environment. We encourage our colleagues to respectfully challenge one another’s thinking and approach problems collectively.

Learn more about your rights, including under California, Colorado and other US State Acts

San Francisco Residents Only:

We will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment in compliance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Los Angeles Residents Only:

We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance

Employee Status

Intern/Co-op (Fixed Term)

Relocation

No relocation

VISA Sponsorship

No

Travel Requirements

10%

Flexible Work Arrangements

Not Applicable

Shift

1st - Day

Valid Driving License

Yes

Hazardous Material(s)

Yes

Job Posting End Date

09/30/2026