DP Operations Engineer — Small Molecule Startup

Merck; Elkton (VA); On-site; USD 96,200 - 151,400; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision

401(k) plan

Paid holidays

Vacation

Sick days

Job summary

Merck in Elkton, Virginia, seeks a DP Operations Engineer to support the DP/SID integrated IPT in commissioning, qualification, startup, and readiness of a new Small Molecule manufacturing facility. You will partner with Operations, Engineering, Quality, and Supply Chain to ensure safe, compliant startup and smooth technology transfer.

The role emphasizes operational excellence, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement across shifts and functions, embedding best practices for efficient

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, Chemistry, or a related technical discipline.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in Drug Product/SDI manufacturing, operations, technical operations, or a related manufacturing environment.
• Experience working in a cross-functional manufacturing, technical, or operational setting.
• Experience contributing to operational improvement, troubleshooting, process support, or start-up-related activities.
• Working knowledge of GMP, quality, and compliance expectations in pharmaceutical manufacturing.
• Strong problem-solving, communication, collaboration, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work effectively across Operations, Engineering, Quality, and Technical teams.
• Ability to prioritize work in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated commitment to safety, operational excellence, and continuous improvement.

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 within the IPT in alignment with business objectives and operational performance goals.
• Use MPS tools and lean principles (Kaizen, 5S, visual management, Standard Work) to identify and support improvement opportunities.
• 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

Adaptability

Analytical Problem Solving

Biopharmaceutical Industry

cGMP Compliance

Data Analysis

Decision Making

GMP Compliance

Inventory Management

Lean Management

Lean Process Improvements

Lean Six Sigma Continuous Improvement

Manufacturing Environments

Manufacturing Operations

Manufacturing Technologies

Operational Excellence

Pharmaceutical Manufacturing

Pharmaceutical Process Engineering

Process Improvements

Process Optimization

Production Planning

Production Scheduling

Technical Acumen

Technology Transfer

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Job description

Merck in Elkton, Virginia, seeks a DP Operations Engineer to support the DP/SID integrated IPT in commissioning, qualification, startup, and readiness of a new Small Molecule manufacturing facility. You will partner with Operations, Engineering, Quality, and Supply Chain to ensure safe, compliant startup and smooth technology transfer.

The role emphasizes operational excellence, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement across shifts and functions, embedding best practices for efficient