Associate Specialist, Bio Technology Solutions (BTS)

MSD; De Soto (KS); On-site; USD 72,000 - 113,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

401(k) retirement plan

Paid holidays

Competitive benefits

Job summary

Merck is seeking an early-career engineer or scientist to apply technical knowledge in a biologics manufacturing environment, focusing on vaccines, biopharmaceutical production, and process improvement.

You will support day‑to‑day operations, participate in investigations, analyze data, and collaborate with Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality, and Process Development teams to ensure safety, quality, and continuous improvement across manufacturing processes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required in a relevant engineering or life science discipline.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and in teams.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.

Responsibilities

• Support day-to-day manufacturing operations with technical assistance for vaccine and biopharmaceutical production.
• Troubleshoot process, equipment, and operational issues to maintain continuous manufacturing.
• Participate in investigations, root cause analyses, and CAPA activities.
• Analyze manufacturing data and process metrics to identify trends and improvement opportunities.
• Contribute to safety, quality, reliability, productivity, and cost‑effective initiatives.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality, BTS Analytical, and BTS Process Development teams.

Skills

Biological Eng

Chemical Eng

Data Analysis

Detail-Oriented

Engineering Standards

Equipment Maintenance

Estimation & Planning

Field Failure Analysis

Manufacturing Processes

Manufacturing Quality Control

Pharmaceutical Sciences

Process Design

Process Improvements

Product Formulation

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, Biotechnology, Biological Systems Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Protein Chemistry, or related

Job description

For over 130 years, we have pioneered groundbreaking science. Today, we are driven by continuous innovation to develop breakthrough medicines, vaccines and technology. Rooted in direct experience on the farm and in the clinic, we work hand in hand with our customers every step of the way.

Our singular focus is to empower those who care for animals, helping them manage their vital responsibility with confidence. Because when it comes to animal health, no one sees it like we do.

Our Animal Health Manufacturing teams are responsible for delivering high-quality vaccines and biopharmaceutical products that protect animal health around the world. We operate with a "Safety First, Quality Always" mindset and are committed to continuous improvement, scientific excellence, and collaboration across a global manufacturing network.

This position offers a unique opportunity for an early-career engineer or scientist to apply technical knowledge in a manufacturing environment while developing expertise in biologics production, process troubleshooting, investigations, validation, and continuous improvement.

Position Responsibilities:

• Support day-to-day manufacturing operations by providing technical assistance for vaccine and biopharmaceutical production processes.
• Assist with troubleshooting process, equipment, and operational issues to support uninterrupted manufacturing operations.
• Participate in technical investigations, root cause analyses, and corrective and preventive action (CAPA) activities.
• Analyze manufacturing data and process performance metrics to identify trends and opportunities for improvement.
• Support process improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, reliability, productivity, and cost effectiveness.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality, BTS Analytical, and BTS Process Development teams to resolve technical issues and improve process performance.
• Support lifecycle management of commercial manufacturing processes through data collection, analysis, and documentation.
• Assist in qualification, validation, and verification activities associated with manufacturing processes and equipment.
• Author and revise technical documents, including protocols, reports, investigations, risk assessments, operating procedures, and manufacturing support documentation.
• Support implementation of engineering controls, process analytical technologies, and standardized work practices.
• Participate in laboratory-scale and production-scale studies that support process understanding and continuous improvement.
• Contribute to technical evaluations associated with process changes, manufacturing deviations, and new technology implementation.
• Ensure all activities are performed in accordance with site safety requirements, current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP), and applicable regulatory standards.
• Present technical findings and project updates to team members and stakeholders.
• Effectively collaborate in cross-functional teams while fostering an inclusive and respectful work environment.
• Perform off-shift support or routine coverage activities as needed.

Qualifications:

Required:

• Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, Biotechnology, Biological Systems Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Protein Chemistry, or other related engineering or life science disciplines.
• Demonstrated technical aptitude through academic, internship, co‑op, undergraduate research, or professional experiences.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to evaluate issues from multiple perspectives including safety, compliance, equipment, process, and operational considerations.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to learn new technologies and manufacturing processes quickly.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within team environments.
• Demonstrated collaboration and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and technical documentation practices.
• Commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement.
• Demonstrated integrity and scientific rigor in decision making.

Preferred:

• Internship, co‑op, undergraduate research, or industry experience in biotechnology, biologics, pharmaceuticals, vaccines, or related manufacturing environments.
• Experience with fermentation, cell culture, purification, filtration, or sterile manufacturing processes.
• Knowledge of cGMP manufacturing environments.
• Familiarity with statistical analysis and data‑driven decision making.
• Experience supporting investigations, validation, or process improvement projects.
• Understanding of process monitoring and control concepts.
• Familiarity with USDA or other regulated manufacturing requirements.
• Exposure to Lean, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies.

Required Skills:

Biological Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Data Analysis, Detail‑Oriented, Engineering Standards, Equipment Maintenance, Estimation and Planning, Field Failure Analysis, Manufacturing Processes, Manufacturing Quality Control, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Process Design, Process Improvements, Product Formulation, Teamwork

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

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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The salary range for this role is $71,900.00 - $113,200.00. 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: No relocation

VISA Sponsorship: No

Travel Requirements: 10%

Flexible Work Arrangements: Not Applicable

Shift: 1st - Day

Valid Driving License: No

Hazardous Material(s): yes

Job Posting End Date: 09/30/2026*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.