Associate Specialist, Process/Project Engineer - Global Engineering Solutions Co-op (Spring 2027 Start)

MSD Malaysia; West Point (PA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 111,000; Part time

Job summary

Merck & Co., Inc. offers an Intern/Co‑op opportunity within Global Engineering Solutions to work on process and project engineering in pharmaceutical manufacturing. You will be mentored, coached, and surrounded by a support network to develop leadership and technical skills in a fast‑paced environment.

Targeted for juniors or seniors pursuing Engineering (e.g., Chemical, Biomedical, Mechanical). No prior experience required; U.S.

Qualifications

• Strong communication, collaboration, active listening, and interpersonal skills.
• Problem‑solving, curiosity, and a drive for innovation and continuous improvement.
• Motivation, dependability, systems thinking, and practical solutions.

Responsibilities

• Apply technical knowledge, data analysis, and troubleshooting skills to support pharmaceutical manufacturing processes, facilities, and engineering activities.
• Take ownership of assigned work and deliver results with guidance in a team-based environment.
• Develop leadership and execution skills through exposure to vendor management and project support.
• Travel domestically and internationally as needed by business.

Skills

Communication

Teamwork

Problem‑solving

Analytical thinking

Independent work

Education

Engineering degree (B.S./B.Eng. or higher)

Candidate in Junior or Senior year

Job description

Job Description The Future Talent Program features internships that last up to 12 weeks 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. Our ability to excel depends on the integrity, knowledge, imagination, skill, diversity, and teamwork of an individual like you. To this end, we strive to create an environment of mutual respect, inclusion, and teamwork. As part of our global team, you’ll have the opportunity to collaborate with talented and dedicated colleagues while developing and expanding your career.

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 the Manufacturing Division and Animal Health 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.

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 and project engineering. 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. 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.

Responsibilities

During the assignment, general responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Apply technical knowledge, data analysis, and troubleshooting skills to support pharmaceutical manufacturing processes, facilities, and engineering activities.
• Take ownership of assigned work and deliver results with appropriate guidance and support in a team‑based environment.
• Develop leadership and execution skills through exposure to vendor management, technical decision‑making, and engineering project support.

Depending on the assignment area, responsibilities may include but are not limited to:

• Support process and project engineering activities for pharmaceutical manufacturing processes, facilities, utilities, equipment, and capital projects across areas such as API, Oral Solid Dosage, Biologics, Vaccine or Sterile operations.
• Review project design deliverables, technical documentation, and equipment lifecycle activities, including specification, selection, testing, commissioning, troubleshooting, qualification, and clarification as needed with vendors, construction personnel, and cross‑functional team members.
• Assist with planning, tracking, and coordinating team work to support schedule, quality, budget, and cost expectations.
• Support construction, field, or operational activities by observing work, reviewing quality expectations, and helping ensure activities are performed safely and in accordance with applicable standards.
• Engage with vendors, construction personnel, operations, and cross‑functional team members to support execution and resolve questions as needed.
• Use planning, prioritization, and project/time management skills to help deliver quality work on time.
• Ability to travel, both domestic and international, based on business need.

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. Candidates must be U.S. citizens or lawful permanent resident of U.S.

Preferred Experience and Skills

• Strong communication, collaboration, active listening, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team environment and independently when needed
• Problem‑solving skills, curiosity, and a desire to be innovative and contribute to continuous improvement
• Demonstrated motivation, dependability, systems thinking, and the ability to assess information and contribute to practical solutions
• Interest in engineering, manufacturing, project delivery, and continuous improvement in a technical environment
• Prior intern, co‑op, academic project, or work experience in an engineering, manufacturing, or related technical environment is preferred but not required

Compensation

Salary range: The salary range for this role is $39,908 - $111,111 FTP2027 MD2027

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

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

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.

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.

Job Details

Employee Status: Intern/Co‑op (Fixed Term) Relocation: No relocation VISA Sponsorship: No Travel Requirements: 10% Flexible Work Arrangements: Not Applicable Shift: 1st - Day Valid Driving License: Yes Hazardous Material(s): no.

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.

Our company is a global health care leader with a diversified portfolio of prescription medicines, vaccines and animal health products. The difference between potential and achievement lies in the spark that fuels innovation and inventiveness; this is the space where we have codified our legacy for over a century. Our success is backed by ethical integrity, forward momentum, and an inspiring mission to achieve new milestones in global healthcare.