Senior Drug Product Operations Engineer – Startup Ready

msd; Elkton (VA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

MSD seeks a Senior Operations Engineer - Drug Product for its Elkton, VA site. The role leads commissioning, qualification, start-up, and ongoing operations, partnering with multidisciplinary teams to ensure safe, compliant manufacturing readiness.

You will drive improvements and mentor IPT teams to achieve best practices. Candidates should have 5+ years in Drug Product/SDI manufacturing, strong GMP knowledge, and proven problem-solving, collaboration, and communication skills in fast-paced

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required in Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, Chemistry, or related technical discipline.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in Drug Product/SDI manufacturing, including operations.
• Experience working in cross-functional manufacturing, technical, or operational settings.
• Experience contributing to operational improvement, troubleshooting, process support, or start-up activities.
• Working knowledge of GMP, quality, and compliance in pharmaceutical manufacturing.
• Strong problem-solving, communication, collaboration, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work across Operations, Engineering, Quality, and Technical teams.

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 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.
• Help define, implement, and improve operating practices, standard work, procedures, and routines.
• Coordinate and prioritize improvement activities within the IPT.
• Use Production System (MPS) tools and lean principles (Kaizen, 5S, visual management, Standard Work) to identify improvements.
• Embed best practices across shifts, functions, and workstreams.
• Support a culture of safety, quality, compliance, and continuous improvement.
• Act as delegate for the Production Lead when needed.
• Contribute to an inclusive, collaborative, and performance-driven environment.

Skills

Problem-solving

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

MSD seeks a Senior Operations Engineer - Drug Product for its Elkton, VA site. The role leads commissioning, qualification, start-up, and ongoing operations, partnering with multidisciplinary teams to ensure safe, compliant manufacturing readiness.

You will drive improvements and mentor IPT teams to achieve best practices. Candidates should have 5+ years in Drug Product/SDI manufacturing, strong GMP knowledge, and proven problem-solving, collaboration, and communication skills in fast-paced