Associate Specialist, Engineering (BTS - Biotechnology and Solutions)

Socket.dev; Chicago Precinct (NE); On-site; USD 72,000 - 113,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Long-term incentive

Benefits package

Job summary

Merck & Co., Inc. is seeking an Associate Specialist in Engineering within the BTS team to support vaccine and biologics process development and production. You will work with Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality and R&D to sustain and improve production processes.

The role emphasizes hands-on bioprocessing, data analytics and collaboration across multidisciplinary teams, with occasional after-hours work and a commitment to safety and quality.

Qualifications

• Diploma or degree in a relevant science/engineering field as described above.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills are essential.
• Experience in vaccine/biologics or biotech manufacturing is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Support small, medium and large-scale bioreactor runs.
• Execute lab experiments and assays as directed.
• Organize and maintain BTS labs and inventory.
• Adopt a safety-first mindset in all tasks.
• Collaborate across manufacturing, development and research teams.
• Occasional after-hours or weekend work to run experiments.
• Learn and apply bioprocessing design of experiments and data analytics.

Skills

Adaptability

Applied Mathematics

Biochemistry

Biological Engineering

Bioprocess Engineering

Biotechnology

Chemical Engineering

Data Analysis

Engineering Design

Experimental Methods

Education

High School Diploma or Equivalent

Bachelor's degree in Biochemical Engineering, Biotechnology, Chemical Engineering, Biology, Biochemistry, Protein Chemistry, Microbiology or related field

Job description

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 Manufacturing Operations teams are the people that make our products. We work in the manufacturing plants with a “Safety First, Quality Always” mindset striving for continuous improvement. We work in the local/regional plants connected to our global manufacturing network to ensure the highest quality of raw materials, intermediates and finished products.

The Associate Specialist, Engineering, in the Biotechnology and Solutions (BTS) team will have a focus in Vaccine and Biologicals process development and production support for all manufacturing processes. BTS (similar to Tech Ops) is responsible for process development of sustaining, optimizing and troubleshooting existing production processes. Within a multidisciplinary environment you will collaborate with Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality and R&D colleagues.

Primary Responsibilities

• support small, medium and large-scale bioreactor runs

• support and execute appropriate lab experiments and assays

• organize and maintain the BTS labs (5S) and inventory

• work in a "safety first" mindset

• collaborate with peers to support and participate in manufacturing, development and research studies

• occasional after hours or weekend work to execute experiments will be required

• actively learn and adopt bioprocessing principles (design of experiment, data analytics, etc.)

Education Requirement

• High School Diploma or Equivalent with 5+ years experience in the vaccine or biologics manufacturing sector OR

• Bachelor's degree in Biochemical Engineering, Biotechnology, Chemical Engineering, Biology, Biochemistry, Protein Chemistry, Microbiology or a related applicable field

Required Experience and Skills

• Excellent written and verbal communication

• Ability to work independently

• Excellent teamwork

• Strong problem-solving skills and a hands-on approach to solving problems inclusive of diverse perspectives

• Ability to work in multidisciplinary and international teams

Preferred Experience and Skills

• Experience in bioprocess scale up and vaccine manufacturing

• Working knowledge of USDA regulations

• Knowledge of GMP requirements for manufacture and testing of biological products

• Understanding of statistics and application to process monitoring and control

• Molecular biology, replicon particles, cell cultivation

Required Skills

Adaptability, Adaptability, Applied Mathematics, Biochemistry, Biological Engineering, Biologics, Biology, Biomedical Engineering, Bioprocess Engineering, Bioproducts, Bioreactors, Biotechnology, Chemical Engineering, Chemical Engineering Fundamentals, Chemical Plant Operations, Civil Engineering Project Management, Data Analysis, Engineering Design, Engineering Standards, Estimation and Planning, Experimental Methods, Field Failure Analysis, Independent Thinking, Industry Research, Laboratory Research {+ 10 more}

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

Search Firm Representatives Please Read Carefully

Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, also known as Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, Rahway, NJ, USA, does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. All CVs / resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at our company without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of our company. No fee will be paid in the event a candidate is hired by our company as a result of an agency referral where no pre-existing agreement is in place. Where agency agreements are in place, introductions are position specific. Please, no phone calls or emails.

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):

n/a

Job Posting End Date:

09/19/2026

*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.

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.

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

The salary range for this role is

$71,900.00 - $113,200.00

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