DP Operations Engineer - Drug Product Start-Up

Merck; Elkton (VA); On-site; USD 96,000 - 151,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Dental coverage

Vision coverage

401(k) with match

Paid holidays

Job summary

Merck in Elkton, VA is seeking a DP Operations Engineer to support the DP and SDI IPT during commissioning, qualification, start-up, and operational readiness of a new Small Molecule manufacturing facility. You will coordinate with Operations, Engineering, Quality, and Supply Chain to ensure safe, compliant plant startup and effective process transfer.

The role emphasizes collaboration, problem-solving, and adherence to GMP while driving continuous improvement and lean execution across shifts

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, Chemistry, or related technical discipline.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in Drug Product/SDI manufacturing, operations, technical operations, or related manufacturing environment.
• Experience in cross-functional manufacturing, technical, or operational setting.
• Experience contributing to operational improvement, troubleshooting, process support, or start-up activities.
• Working knowledge of GMP, quality, and compliance expectations in pharmaceutical manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Support commissioning, qualification, start-up, and operational readiness activities for the new DP Small Molecule facility in Elkton, VA.
• Partner with Operations, Engineering, Quality, Technical Operations, Supply Chain, and other stakeholders to support safe, compliant, and effective plant start-up.
• Provide technical and operational support during equipment and process start-up, troubleshooting, and optimization activities.
• Support technology transfer and implementation of commercial manufacturing processes into the new facility.
• Help define, implement, and improve operating practices, standard work, procedures, and routines that support reliable and compliant operations.
• Coordinate and prioritize improvement activities and key areas of focus within the IPT in alignment with business objectives and operational performance goals.
• Use our company Production System (MPS) tools and lean principles, including Kaizen, 5S, visual management, and Standard Work, to identify and support improvement opportunities.
• Help embed best practices across shifts, functions, and workstreams to promote consistency, efficiency, and strong operational execution.
• Support a culture of safety, quality, compliance, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Act as a delegate for the Production Lead when needed, supporting continuity of leadership and cross-functional coordination.
• Contribute to an inclusive, collaborative, and performance-driven work environment.

Skills

GMP Compliance

Lean principles

Cross-functional collaboration

Problem solving

Quality systems

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or related field

Job description

Merck in Elkton, VA is seeking a DP Operations Engineer to support the DP and SDI IPT during commissioning, qualification, start-up, and operational readiness of a new Small Molecule manufacturing facility. You will coordinate with Operations, Engineering, Quality, and Supply Chain to ensure safe, compliant plant startup and effective process transfer.

The role emphasizes collaboration, problem-solving, and adherence to GMP while driving continuous improvement and lean execution across shifts