Associate Principal Scientist/Engineer, Medical Device and Combination Products, Analytical

Merck; West Point (PA); On-site; USD 142,000 - 224,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

401(k) retirement plan

Paid holidays and vacation

Sick days

Job summary

Merck is seeking an Associate Principal Scientist/Engineer in West Point, PA to lead analytical strategy for MDCP projects, including device characterization and DV testing, while aligning with Design Controls and project timelines.

You will guide cross-functional teams, oversee testing activities (internal and external), and communicate results effectively to project leadership, ensuring timely delivery and compliance.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. required in Mechanical, Chemical or Biomedical Engineering or equivalent.
• Minimum 3 years in medical device or combination product development verification and testing.
• Experience with mechanical testing, imaging and measurement equipment and techniques.

Responsibilities

• Lead analytical strategy for MDCP projects and manage timelines.
• Coordinate internal CPDA staff or external labs to meet deliverables.
• Communicate technical results across cross-functional teams and leadership.

Skills

Analytical Chemistry

Computed Tomography

Cross-Cultural Awareness

Design Validations

Design Verification

Design Verification Testing

Device Characterization

Interdisciplinary Collaboration

Materials Characterization

Mechanical Testing

Medical Devices Engineering

Microscopes

Professional Networking

Rheometry

Tensile Strength Testing

Tomography

X Ray Imaging

Education

Ph.D. in Mechanical, Chemical or Biomedical Engineering

Tools

Imaging equipment

Tensile/Compression testing equipment

X-ray CT equipment

Microscopy equipment

Job description

Job Description

The Center for Packaging & Device Analytics (CPDA), within our Manufacturing Division, has responsibility for applied physical, material & analytical science to support production and commercialization of product packaging and drug-delivery medical device/combination-products (MDCPs), such as auto-injectors and pre-filled syringes. We are an interdisciplinary engineering science Center of Excellence that supports the entire global-human-health portfolio and closely partner with various Packaging or Device Technology engineering groups, packaging sites, and partner analytical groups. The CPDA is located at our Company’s large research and manufacturing West Point, PA location, where our packaging & device laboratories are established.

The CPDA is seeking an Associate Principal Scientist/Engineer who, as an individual contributor, can act as an MDCP analytical lead for one or more exciting projects. A key aspect of the role is leadership, within a cross-functional working group, to develop & own both an analytical strategy (to satisfy Design Controls inputs) as well as the timeline, which includes managing analytical efforts. The role will naturally include substantial technical creative challenge for Device Characterization and more formal Design Verification, which includes development & validation of mechanical test methods as well as coordination & technical oversight for internal CPDA staff or external lab testing (where required) to meet project timelines and deliverables. To excel in the role, one must be creative and skillful in problem solving and applied experimental physical science relevant to mechanical devices, as well as be a highly effective communicator (written and verbal), collaborator and technical coach. Ideally, the candidate has prior hands‑on analytical experience with MDCP and Design Controls.

Required Education, Experience, And Skills

Education Requirement (minimum):

• Ph.D. in Mechanical, Chemical or Biomedical Engineering (or equivalent field)

Required Experience

• A minimum of 3 years with Ph.D. in a role responsible for medical device or combination product development verification, method development and testing.
• Experience with mechanical testing, imaging, and measurement equipment and techniques. Including (but not limited to) tensile/compression/torsional testing, materials characterization, x‑ray computed tomography, rheometry, and microscopy.
• Excellent collaboration and leadership skills, to work as part of cross‑functional teams to meet project timelines and deliverables.

Preferred Experience And Skills

• Experience developing innovative Device Characterization and Design Verification (DV) strategies/mechanical tests with validations, incl. engineering studies, design verification protocols, stability studies and validation protocols, with appropriate selection of acceptance criteria.
• Experience with medical device development with understanding/familiarity of Design Controls (21 CFR 820.30) and relevant industry standards

Required Skills

Analytical Chemistry, Computed Tomography (CT), Cross-Cultural Awareness, Design Validations, Design Verification, Design Verification Testing, Device Characterization, Interdisciplinary Collaboration, Materials Characterization, Mechanical Testing, Medical Devices Engineering, Microscopies, Professional Networking, Rheometry, Tensile Strength Testing, Tomography, X Ray Imaging

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:

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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

The salary range for this role is

$142,400.00 - $224,100.00

This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An employee’s position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, government requirements, and business or organizational needs.

The successful candidate will be eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable.

We offer a comprehensive package of benefits. Available benefits include medical, dental, vision healthcare and other insurance benefits (for employee and family), retirement benefits, including 401(k), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate and sick days. More information about benefits is available at https://jobs.merck.com/us/en/compensation-and-benefits.

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

Regular

Relocation

Domestic

VISA Sponsorship

Yes

Travel Requirements

10%

Flexible Work Arrangements

Not Applicable

Shift

1st - Day

Valid Driving License

No

Hazardous Material(s)

n/a

Job Posting End Date

09/29/2026

• A job posting is effective until 11:59:59 PM 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: R409475