2027 Future Talent Program - Packaging Component Engineer

Merck & Co.; Wilson (NC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Merck & Co. is seeking an experienced Packaging Component Engineer at the Wilson, NC site to support life cycle management and continuous improvement of packaging components.

You will interact with internal teams and external vendors to drive qualification, changes, and process improvements across global markets. The role emphasizes collaboration with Packaging Technical Operations, quality investigations, and regulatory readiness to ensure robust packaging performance throughout the product

Qualifications

• B.S. degree in Packaging Science preferred or related engineering with COOP/Internship or limited packaging operations experience.
• Experience in GMP environments is preferred.
• Strong analytical and decision‑making abilities are expected.

Responsibilities

• Author and revise component specifications with cross‑functional teams to maintain performance.
• Collaborate with vendors to develop and test components for qualifications and launches.
• Assist with design transfer and provide input on changes and initiatives.
• Lead/Initiate component changes and assess site impact.
• Support packaging operations by troubleshooting line issues and initiating investigations.
• Provide technical SME input for deviations, risk management, and regulatory readiness.

Skills

GMP experience

Analytical thinking

Decision making

Co‑Op/Intern experience

Packaging process

Education

B.S. in Packaging Science

Job description

Job Description

Responsible for supporting packaging and component engineering capabilities for the Wilson site focused on effective component life cycle management, related quality investigations, lines projects, and packaging continuous improvement projects.

Responsible for process performance support and troubleshooting products packaged at our Wilson location and working closely with other site and above-site groups for the introduction of new products, network transfers and processes as well as external suppliers, packaging commercialization, and global support functions.

This position will report to the Associate Director of Packaging Technical Operations (PTO Component Engineering) and will have frequent interaction with other business units at the site as well as external suppliers, packaging commercialization, and global support functions. - The team will also support other engineering activities at the site as well as quality risk management.

Primary Responsibilities

• Author new and revise specifications for components with cross-functional team and align performance requirements to maintain consistent performance.
• Work with component vendors to develop new/test components to support equipment qualifications, stability, distribution studies, and product launches for various global markets.
• Assist with design transfer process from packaging commercialization team and partner with above site Packaging Technical Operations team to provide input to upcoming changes and strategic initiatives.
• Act as Change Initiator/Project Manager for component related changes and SME for impact assessments/tasks on all site changes for assigned area.
• Initiate/maintain workflows in GLAMS (Global Artwork Management System) for printed component structural drawings for usage by Print Coordinators and global markets in product artwork development.
• Troubleshoot line issues potentially related to component performance (including potential for weekend and off-shift work); Initiate/manage events in the supplier Incident Management System (IMS) for supplier investigations.
• Technical support to set and improve run standards based on component capability and variability.
• Partner with Procurement and Supplier Management teams for supplier performance monitoring, technical assessments, and new vendor introduction.
• Facilitate machine trials and provide technical assessments for packaging component introduction and changes throughout product lifecycle.
• Provide technical SME support for component related deviations and customer field complaints.
• Author quality event investigations for site component related deviations to prevent deviation recurrence; includes determination of event scope, impact assessments, root cause, identifying corrective/preventative actions, and remediation steps/final dispositions.
• Directly supports regulatory inspections and audits; Provide-engineering support to packaging operation assuring technical site readiness and regulatory agency observations.
• Participate in Design Requirements Specifications, Design Reviews, Review of Purchase Specs and Functional Spec.
• Participate on FATs and execution of IQ/OQ/PQ with focus on component interaction and packaging system integrity.
• Support quality risk management assessments related to packaging operations and components.

Education Minimum Requirements

• B.S. degree in Packaging Science preferred or other Engineering degree to be considered with COOP, Internship or 6 months experience in packaging operations, pharmaceutical unit operations, or process design.

Preferred Experience and Skills

• Prior Co-Op/Intern experience with comprehensive background in packaging process and components
• Experience working in GMP environment
• Effective analytical and decision-making