DP Operations Specialist — Small Molecule Startup

Socket.dev; Elkton (VA); On-site; USD 96,000 - 151,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision benefits

401(k) retirement benefits

Paid holidays and vacation

Job summary

Merck in Elkton, VA seeks a DP Operations Specialist to help commission, qualify, start-up and operate a new Small Molecule facility. The role collaborates with cross-functional teams to ensure safe, compliant, and efficient start-up and ongoing manufacturing activities.

Responsibilities include coordinating technology transfer, defining best practices, and driving continuous improvement across IPTs, while maintaining focus on safety and quality in a dynamic facility startup environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a technical discipline (engineering/chemistry) and 5+ years in Drug Product/SDI manufacturing.
• Cross-functional manufacturing/technical/operational experience.
• GMP, quality and compliance knowledge in pharmaceutical manufacturing.
• Strong problem-solving, communication, and collaboration skills.
• Ability to work across Operations, Engineering, Quality and Technical teams.
• Ability to prioritize work in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Commitment to safety, operational excellence and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Support commissioning, qualification, start-up, and operational readiness 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 plant start-up.
• Provide technical and operational support during equipment and process start-up, troubleshooting and optimization.
• 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.
• Coordinate and prioritize improvement activities within the IPT aligning with business goals.
• Apply Production System (MPS) lean tools to identify and support improvements.
• Embed best practices across shifts, functions and workstreams for consistency and efficiency.
• Support a culture of safety, quality, compliance, and continuous improvement.
• Act as a delegate for the Production Lead to ensure leadership continuity.
• Contribute to a collaborative, performance-driven work environment.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, Chemistry, or related technical discipline

Job description

Merck in Elkton, VA seeks a DP Operations Specialist to help commission, qualify, start-up and operate a new Small Molecule facility. The role collaborates with cross-functional teams to ensure safe, compliant, and efficient start-up and ongoing manufacturing activities.

Responsibilities include coordinating technology transfer, defining best practices, and driving continuous improvement across IPTs, while maintaining focus on safety and quality in a dynamic facility startup environment.