Senior Lab Automation Engineer (SCADA/Data Orchestration)

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

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Long-term incentive

401(k)

Job summary

Merck & Co., Inc. in Rahway, NJ is seeking a Senior Specialist, Laboratory Automation / Controls Engineer to join the Lab Automation team.

You will help us build automated and connected laboratories by deploying SCADA systems and orchestration platforms, leveraging Ignition to integrate equipment, workflows, and data. The role spans back-end architecture, equipment modules, and user interfaces, requiring collaboration with IT and researchers to design scalable solutions and ensure reliable,

Qualifications

• Experience designing and deploying production solutions using SCADA or orchestration software (Ignition, DeltaV, WinCC OA, etc)
• Automation experience in biopharmaceuticals, vaccines, or life-sciences
• Experience with scripting, version control, and design patterns
• Ability to deliver automation solutions independently and lead cross-functional workstreams
• Strong collaboration and communication with end-users, technicians, and vendors

Responsibilities

• Build the digital backbone of automated laboratories by designing SCADA-based solutions that connect equipment, workflows, and data
• Translate workflows into scalable systems, leading standard project work with researchers and automation engineers
• Own solution design across back-end architecture, equipment modules, UI, and orchestration logic
• Address integration challenges with systems-thinking and cross-domain solutions
• Lead integration of instruments, platforms, and data systems for end-to-end digital workflows
• Improve architecture, performance, reliability and maintainability of the platform
• Mentor colleagues and establish SCADA/orchestration development standards
• Document designs and create reusable patterns for long-term scalability
• Drive implementation of standard laboratory SCADA projects with minimal guidance

Skills

SCADA systems

Automation engineering

Scripting

Cross-functional teamwork

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

Ignition

DeltaV

WinCC OA

Job description

Merck & Co., Inc. in Rahway, NJ is seeking a Senior Specialist, Laboratory Automation / Controls Engineer to join the Lab Automation team.

You will help us build automated and connected laboratories by deploying SCADA systems and orchestration platforms, leveraging Ignition to integrate equipment, workflows, and data. The role spans back-end architecture, equipment modules, and user interfaces, requiring collaboration with IT and researchers to design scalable solutions and ensure reliable,