Senior Operations Engineer - Drug Product

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

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Long-term incentive

Medical, dental, vision coverage

Retirement benefits (401(k))

Paid holidays and vacation

Job summary

Merck & Co., Inc. in Elkton, Virginia seeks a Senior Operations Engineer - Drug Product to lead commissioning, qualification, and startup readiness for a new small-molecule facility.

You will partner with cross-functional teams to ensure safe, compliant operations and drive continuous improvement during project execution and into steady-state production. The role requires a Bachelor's degree in a technical field and 5+ years in Drug Product/SDI manufacturing, with strong Lean and GMP experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a technical field is required.
• Chemical, pharmaceutical, or biochemical specialization is preferred.
• Experience in Drug Product/SDI manufacturing and cross-functional settings.

Responsibilities

• Support commissioning, qualification, start-up, and operational readiness for the Elkton facility.
• Collaborate with Operations, Engineering, Quality, and Supply Chain for safe start-up.
• Provide technical and operations support during start-up, troubleshooting, and optimization.
• Coordinate tech transfer and implement commercial processes in the new facility.
• Define and improve operating practices, standard work, and routines.
• Prioritize improvement activities within the IPT to meet performance goals.
• Apply MPS tools, Kaizen, 5S, visual management, and Standard Work for improvements.
• Embed best practices across shifts and teams to ensure efficiency and compliance.
• Support a culture of safety, quality, compliance, and continuous improvement.
• Act as delegate for the Production Lead when needed to ensure continuity.
• Contribute to an inclusive, high-performance work environment.

Skills

Adaptability

Analytical Problem Solving

cGMP Compliance

Chemical Engineering

Cross-Functional Project Management

Data Analysis

Decision Making

Engineering Support

Focused Improvement

Inventory Management

Leadership Theories

Lean Six Sigma Continuous Improvement

Manufacturing

Manufacturing Processes

Manufacturing Strategies

Manufacturing Systems

Manufacturing Technologies

Operational Quality

Operations Engineering

Personal Initiative

Pharmaceutical Process Development

Pharmaceutical Process Engineering

Process Improvements

Process Optimization

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, Chemistry or related technical discipline preferred

Job description

At our company, we aspire to be the premier research-intensive biopharmaceutical company, using the power of leading-edge science to save and improve lives around the world. We are at the forefront of research to deliver innovative health solutions that advance the prevention and treatment of diseases in people and animals. Join a purpose-built, agile small molecule manufacturing site where your work will help bring important medicines to patients in the U.S. This facility is designed to move quickly and reliably, receiving technology transfers from commercialization sites and fast-following into production with a focus on quality, safety, and operational excellence. At our site, you’ll be part of a team committed to creating a safe, environmentally responsible, and compliant workplace where people can do their best work. We are building deep small molecule expertise in the U.S., and we want team members who are excited to grow their skills, help improve how we operate, and contribute to a site positioned for future growth.

Reports To: Production Lead, DP&SDI

Job Purpose:

The Senior Operations Engineer - Drug Product supports the DP and SDI Integrated Product Team (IPT) in the commissioning, qualification, start-up, and operational readiness of the new Small Molecule manufacturing facility in Elkton, Virginia. This role partners with cross-functional teams to help ensure safe, compliant, and efficient operations during project execution and through ongoing manufacturing. In addition, the DP Operations Engineer helps coordinate and prioritize improvement activities and areas of focus across the IPT, supporting continuous improvement and operational excellence as the facility transitions into routine operations.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Support commissioning, qualification, start-up, and operational readiness activities 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, 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.

Minimum Required Education, Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, Chemistry, or a related technical discipline preferred.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in Drug Product/SDI manufacturing, to include operations, technical operations Experience working in a cross-functional manufacturing, technical, or operational setting.
• Experience contributing to operational improvement, troubleshooting, process support, or start-up-related activities.
• Working knowledge of GMP, quality, and compliance expectations in pharmaceutical manufacturing.
• Strong problem-solving, communication, collaboration, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work effectively across Operations, Engineering, Quality, and Technical teams.
• Ability to prioritize work in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated commitment to safety, operational excellence, and continuous improvement.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience supporting commissioning, qualification, start-up, or validation activities.
• Experience in a greenfield or new facility start-up environment.
• Experience with technology transfer and implementation of commercial manufacturing processes.
• Experience applying lean tools and methodologies, including Kaizen, 5S, and Standard Work.
• Experience coordinating activities across shifts, teams, or functions.
• Experience serving in a lead, coordinator, or delegate role supporting leadership continuity.
• Experience identifying improvement opportunities and helping implement practical solutions in a manufacturing environment.

Required Skills:

• Adaptability
• Adaptability
• Analytical Problem Solving
• cGMP Compliance
• Chemical Engineering
• Cross-Functional Project Management
• Data Analysis
• Decision Making
• Engineering Support
• Focused Improvement
• Inventory Management
• Leadership Theories
• Lean Six Sigma Continuous Improvement
• Manufacturing
• Manufacturing Processes
• Manufacturing Strategies
• Manufacturing Systems
• Manufacturing Technologies
• Operational Quality
• Operations Engineering
• Personal Initiative
• Pharmaceutical Process Development
• Pharmaceutical Process Engineering
• Process Improvements
• Process Optimization

Preferred Skills:

• US and Puerto Rico Residents Only: Our company is committed to inclusion, ensuring that candidates can engage in a hiring process that exhibits their true capabilities.

As an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, we provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.

As a federal contractor, we comply with all affirmative action requirements for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

For more information about personal rights under the U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment laws, visit: EEOC Know Your Rights EEOC GINA Supplement

The salary range for this role is $96,200.00 - $151,400.00 This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An employee’s position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, government requirements, and business or organizational needs.

The successful candidate will be eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable.

We offer a comprehensive package of benefits. Available benefits include medical, dental, vision healthcare and other insurance benefits (for employee and family), retirement benefits, including 401(k), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate and sick days. More information about benefits is available at https://jobs.merck.com/us/en/compensation-and-benefits.

San Francisco Residents Only: We will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment in compliance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.

Los Angeles Residents Only: We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.

Search Firm Representatives Please Read Carefully Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, also known as Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, Rahway, NJ, USA, does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. All CVs / resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at our company without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of our company. No fee will be paid in the event a candidate is hired by our company as a result of an agency referral where no pre-existing agreement is in place. Where agency agreements are in place, introductions are position specific. Please, no phone calls or emails.

Employee Status: Regular Relocation: Domestic VISA Sponsorship: No Travel Requirements: 10% Flexible Work Arrangements: Not Applicable Shift: 1st - Day Valid Driving License: No Hazardous Material(s): NA

Job Posting End Date: 10/12/2026 *A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFORE the listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date.

Our company is a global health care leader with a diversified portfolio of prescription medicines, vaccines and animal health products. The difference between potential and achievement lies in the spark that fuels innovation and inventiveness; this is the space where we have codified our legacy for over a century. Our success is backed by ethical integrity, forward momentum, and an inspiring mission to achieve new milestones in global healthcare.