Senior Biologics Pilot Plant Automation Lead

Merck & Co.; Rahway (NJ); On-site; USD 117,000 - 184,000; Full time

Job summary

Merck & Co. in Rahway, NJ offers a Senior Specialist, Pilot Plant Automation Engineer role focused on leading automation for pilot-scale GMP biologics manufacturing campaigns.

You will guide automation strategies, support clinical manufacturing, and drive implementation and qualification of automation solutions in a dynamic pilot plant setting. Responsibilities include leading integration & startup, authoring GMP documents, and cross-functional collaboration to enhance plant reliability and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or related technical discipline.
• Minimum 5 years of relevant experience, including at least 3 years automation engineering.
• Hands-on automation experience with Ignition and/or DeltaV platforms.
• Experience in GMP clinical manufacturing environments.
• Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership and ongoing support for facility automation systems.
• Serve as the automation subject matter expert for GMP clinical manufacturing campaigns.
• Lead/execute integration, commissioning, qualification, and startup of new equipment and automation projects.
• Author, review, and approve GMP documentation (change controls, SOPs, deviations).
• Lead maintenance, lifecycle management, and upgrade initiatives for automation systems.
• Evaluate and implement new automation technologies to improve reliability and performance.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams in a multidisciplinary project environment.
• Cross-train across multiple technologies, systems, and manufacturing processes.

Skills

Adaptability

Automation

Data Analysis

Detail-Oriented

Deviation Management

Device Integration

Equipment Implementation

Equipment Qualification

GMP

Pilot Plant Operations

Process Hazard Analysis

Process Optimization

Strategic Thinking

Technical Problem-Solving

Education

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

Tools

Ignition

DeltaV

Job description

Merck & Co. in Rahway, NJ offers a Senior Specialist, Pilot Plant Automation Engineer role focused on leading automation for pilot-scale GMP biologics manufacturing campaigns.

You will guide automation strategies, support clinical manufacturing, and drive implementation and qualification of automation solutions in a dynamic pilot plant setting. Responsibilities include leading integration & startup, authoring GMP documents, and cross-functional collaboration to enhance plant reliability and