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

Merck; Wilmington (DE); On-site; USD 22,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

Merck is seeking a current engineering student for a Global Engineering Solutions (GES) co-op program in Wilmington, DE. You will learn through cooperative assignments lasting up to 6 months, with primary and secondary tasks, mentors, and a buddy to help you succeed in a fast-paced engineering environment.

The role targets juniors/seniors pursuing Engineering degrees and offers exposure to process and project engineering for pharmaceutical manufacturing, including potential travel for business

Qualifications

• This position targets juniors or seniors in an accredited college/university.
• Pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree in Engineering (e.g., Chemical, Biomedical, Mechanical).
• Must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident of the U.S.

Responsibilities

• Apply technical knowledge, data analysis, and troubleshooting to support pharmaceutical manufacturing processes and facilities.
• 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, technical decision-making, and project support.
• Support various engineering activities across API, Oral Solid Dosage, Biologics, Vaccine, or Sterile operations.
• Review design deliverables, documentation, and equipment lifecycle activities with vendors and cross-functional teams.
• Assist with planning, tracking, and coordinating team work to meet schedule, quality, and cost expectations.
• Engage with vendors, construction personnel, operations, and cross-functional team members to support execution and resolve questions.

Skills

Strong communication

Collaboration

Leadership potential

Problem solving

Teamwork

Education

Engineering student (Junior or Senior)

Bachelor’s or Master’s in Engineering

US citizen or permanent resident

Job description

Job Description

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 cooperative 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 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.

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 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