SDI Operations Engineer - Small Molecule Startup

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

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Long-term incentive

Medical insurance

401(k) retirement benefits

Paid holidays and vacation

Job summary

Merck's Elkton, Virginia site seeks an SDI Operations Engineer to support commissioning, qualification, start-up and ongoing operations of a new Small Molecule facility. You will partner with Operations, Engineering, Quality, and Technical Operations to ensure safe, compliant, and efficient plant startup and production readiness.

You will apply process improvements, lead Kaizen and Standard Work, coordinate IPT activities, support technology transfer, and help embed best practices across shifts.

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.
• Working knowledge of GMP, quality, and compliance expectations in pharmaceutical manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Support commissioning, qualification, start-up, and operational readiness activities for the new SDI 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

Analytical Problem Solving

GMP Compliance

Data Analysis

Lean Management

Process Optimization

Production Planning

Technology Transfer

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Chemical/Pharmaceutical Engineering or related

Job description

Merck's Elkton, Virginia site seeks an SDI Operations Engineer to support commissioning, qualification, start-up and ongoing operations of a new Small Molecule facility. You will partner with Operations, Engineering, Quality, and Technical Operations to ensure safe, compliant, and efficient plant startup and production readiness.

You will apply process improvements, lead Kaizen and Standard Work, coordinate IPT activities, support technology transfer, and help embed best practices across shifts.