Automation Engineer - GMP-Ready SCADA & PEMI Startup

Merck & Co.; Rahway (NJ); On-site; USD 87,000 - 137,000; Full time

Job summary

Merck & Co. in Rahway, NJ seeks a Specialist - Automation Engineer to support PEMI design, startup and commissioning, and the integration of the Ignition-based SCADA system for data acquisition and batch orchestration across multiple OEM equipment, including Sartorius AMBR250, Getinge bioreactors, TFF, lyophilizers and containment isolators.

The role requires collaboration with chemists, compliance, and IT, contributing to automation scope, Ignition software design, commissioning, and GMP

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Automation, Engineering, Science, or Computer‑Science or related technical discipline with minimum of 3 years of progressive automation or process control experience in a regulated GxP environment (biopharmaceuticals, pharmaceuticals or medical devices)
• Experience with Rockwell and/or Siemens PLC platforms; SCADA; AVEVA PI System or comparable historian.
• Experience with validation/CSV and quality systems; strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot automation and instrumentation issues; perform root cause analyses; implement CAPA to improve reliability and safety.
• Manage patches, firmware upgrades, backups/restores, and cybersecurity hardening aligned with IT policies.
• Ensure data integrity and audit trails to support operations.
• Support capex projects: design, install, commission new equipment; prepare, review and execute test documents.
• Provide on‑call support as part of facility operations rotation.
• Collaborate with Operations, Maintenance, and IT to align automation solutions with uptime, safety, sustainability and efficiency goals.
• Support continuous improvement: standardization, modular code libraries, alarm rationalization, and enhanced diagnostics for utility equipment.

Skills

Automation

Automation Systems

Automation Technology

AVEVA PI System

CSV – Computer System Validation

Control Systems Integration

Cross-Functional Leadership

Customized Reporting

DeltaV DCS

Equipment Calibrations

GMP Documentation

GxP Regulations

Instrumentation

ISA88

Modbus

Education

Bachelor's degree in Automation, Engineering, Science, or Computer‑Science or related technical discipline

Tools

Ignition

Intellution iFIX

Emerson DeltaV

Rockwell PLC

Siemens PLC

Job description

Merck & Co. in Rahway, NJ seeks a Specialist - Automation Engineer to support PEMI design, startup and commissioning, and the integration of the Ignition-based SCADA system for data acquisition and batch orchestration across multiple OEM equipment, including Sartorius AMBR250, Getinge bioreactors, TFF, lyophilizers and containment isolators.

The role requires collaboration with chemists, compliance, and IT, contributing to automation scope, Ignition software design, commissioning, and GMP