2027 Future Talent Program - Process/Project Engineer - Global Engineering Solutions Co-op, Kansas, De Soto

Merck; De Soto (KS); Hybrid; USD 40,000 - 111,000; Full time

Job summary

Merck in DeSoto, Kansas, offers an Engineering Co-op/Intern position focused on process engineering for pharma manufacturing. You will learn through hands-on projects and a supportive coaching network including mentors and a buddy.

No prior full-time experience required for juniors or seniors pursuing an engineering degree. Responsibilities include applying process knowledge, data analysis, and troubleshooting to support drug product and substance manufacturing, with travel as needed and a

Qualifications

• Targeted for juniors or seniors pursuing an engineering degree.
• No prior experience required.
• Engineering discipline (e.g., Chemical, Biomedical, Mechanical) preferred.

Responsibilities

• Apply technical knowledge, data analysis and troubleshooting in pharmaceutical manufacturing context.
• Demonstrate strong communication and teamwork abilities; work independently when needed.
• Develop leadership skills in diverse teams and vendor interactions.

Skills

Process engineering

Data analysis

Troubleshooting

Communication skills

Teamwork

Leadership

Education

Pursuing bachelor’s or master’s degree in Engineering

Job description

Job Description

The Future Talent Program features Cooperative (Co-op) education that lasts up to 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.

Job Description

The Future Talent Program features Cooperative (Co-op) education that lasts up to 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.

Global Engineering Solutions (GES) is responsible for the design, construction, and delivery of advanced manufacturing facilities and laboratories worldwide. We provide premier engineering solutions in the pharmaceutical industry through technical innovation and project management to deliver important life-saving medicines and vaccines to patients. With our extensive range of facilities and environments, our Engineers have opportunities to impact Large and Small Molecule areas within our Manufacturing Division and Animal Health (AH) lines of business, including Biological, Chemical, Automation, Capital Projects, Maintenance, Safety, Process Development, Technical Services, Utilities and Validation. Our Engineers provide solutions for internal and external manufacturing needs in support of operational efficiencies, continuous improvement, and innovations. This position in Global Engineering Solutions (GES) will help the successful candidate develop leadership, communication, and technical skills needed to be successful in a fast-paced engineering environment.

The Future Talent Program features co-operative assignments that last up to 6 months and will include one or more primary assignments as well as smaller secondary assignments. These opportunities can provide you with great development and a chance to see if we are the right company for your long-term goals. This Engineering Co-op position is targeted for college students in their Junior or Senior year. The role involves learning and applying skills related to process engineering of pharmaceutical grade equipment for use in drug product and drug substance manufacturing. During your assignment you will be surrounded with a support network and receive coaching from your assignment manager, mentors and a “buddy”.

We are seeking candidates with outstanding academic records of achievement and demonstrated leadership abilities, candidates who are analytical and inquisitive about the interrelationships of various components, and perceptive, quick learners committed to making a difference in the pursuit of manufacturing high-quality, market-leading pharmaceutical and vaccine products.

Responsibilities

The successful candidate’s area of focus and specific assignments will be determined by business need at and during the co-op duration. The specific assignments and responsibilities will be determined closer to the co-op start date. During the assignment, general responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Apply technical knowledge, data analysis and troubleshooting skills in the support of pharmaceutical manufacturing processes and facilities, in a team-based environment.
• Utilize superior communication and interpersonal skills, a team player with the ability to work independently.
• Develop leadership skills in the areas of diverse team building, vendor management, and process equipment development/design.

Responsibilities specific to the position include but are not limited to:

• This position will function as a Process Engineer supporting a Biologics/Vaccine Project in Animal Health.
• Experience with an equipment life cycle approach including specification, selection, testing & commissioning, troubleshooting and qualification.
• Excellent collaboration and engagement as a team player with strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Analytical and Problem Solving Skills.
• Project/Time Management skills which deliver on time and quality work.
• Ability to travel domestic. Main base location will be at the DeSoto, Kansas.

Education Minimum Requirement

• This position is targeted for candidates in their Junior or Senior year at an accredited college/university.
• Candidates must be currently pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree in Engineering (e.g. Chemical, Biomedical, Mechanical, etc.) or equivalent discipline. No prior experience is required.

Preferred Experience And Skills

• Interface with IPT members in support of Capital Project Delivery.
• Ability to assess multiple options and select a leading approach.
• Core knowledge should include specification of unit operations, P&ID development, Hazard Analysis, equipment operation, commissioning & qualification.
• Operating within cost and schedule constraints of project and department.
• Maintaining knowledge of best practices & industry trends; may participate in professional/technical organizations.
• Ensures that deliverables conform to our company standards and practices, and are technically sound.
• Liaises with other technical functions to ensure successful technology transfers of new and in-line products.
• Collaborates effectively with contractors, suppliers and other team members in the execution of the work, written and oral communication, and problem-solving skills with desire to be innovative.
• Prior experience with capital equipment specification and installation.
• Candidates possessing prior intern or co‑op experience in the manufacturing or engineering sector, preferably Pharmaceutical will be given clear preference.

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 USD

FTP2027

MD2027

US And Puerto Rico Residents Only

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

No Travel Required

Flexible Work Arrangements

Hybrid

Shift

Not Indicated

Valid Driving License

No

Hazardous Material(s)

n/a

Job Posting End Date

10/30/2026

• A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFORE the listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date.

Requisition ID: R392762