Senior Scientist - Design Control (Hybrid)

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

Job summary

Merck is seeking a Senior Scientist, Device Design Control to lead design controls across combination product development, commercialization, and lifecycle management. You will coordinate with subject-matter experts across cross-functional teams from concept through launch and post-market surveillance.

You will drive device development design controls, support regulatory submissions, and ensure adherence to quality systems and ISO 13485 standards while collaborating with external suppliers.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 6 years in pharmaceutical development, device development, or related areas.

Responsibilities

• Lead and contribute device development design controls for assigned projects.
• Prepare materials for program presentations for management review and regulatory submissions.
• Lead the implementation and/or ensure effective execution of the device development strategy and design controls for the assigned projects while adhering to management-approved strategic plans, corporate policies, and providing clear communication to cross-functional stakeholders including external suppliers.
• Proactively resolve project obstacles and challenges and communicate device development strategy and design controls approach within Device Development and with external suppliers.
• Understand and apply regulatory / compliance requirements relative to design controls and risk management activities.
• Contribute to the development, implementation, and continuous enhancement of device design control processes, procedures, and tools.
• Participate in the strategic development of the Device Design Control function, contributing to team goals and initiatives.

Skills

Analytical Method Development

External Partners

Geometric Dimensioning And Tolerancing

ISO 13485 Medical Devices

Manufacturing Processes

Mechanical Design

Mechanical Testing

Method Validation

Product Development

Prototyping

Statistical Analysis

Teamwork

Technical Writing

Education

B.S. or master's degree in Engineering/Science

Tools

N/A

Job description

Senior Scientist, Device Design Control

The Senior Scientist, Device Design Control Lead, is a crucial member of our team, responsible for spearheading design control efforts in combination product development, commercialization, and lifecycle management. This individual will oversee device design control activities to ensure the delivery of high-quality products and efficient manufacturing processes. The role requires extensive collaboration with subject-matter experts across various cross-functional combination product development teams throughout all phases of the product lifecycle, from concept through launch and post-market surveillance.

Key Responsibilities And Activities

• Lead and contribute device development design controls for the assigned projects.
• Prepare materials for program presentations for management review and regulatory submissions, ensuring clarity and thoroughness.
• Lead the implementation and/or ensure effective execution of the device development strategy and design controls for the assigned projects while adhering to management-approved strategic plans, corporate policies, and providing clear communication to cross‑functional stakeholders, including external suppliers.
• Proactively resolve project obstacles and challenges and communicate device development strategy and design controls approach within Device Development and with external suppliers.
• Understand and apply regulatory / compliance requirements relative to design controls and risk management activities.
• Contribute to the development, implementation, and continuous enhancement of device design control processes, procedures, and tools.
• Participate in the strategic development of the Device Design Control function, contributing to team goals and initiatives.

Minimum Education Required

• B.S or master's degree in Engineering, Science, or a related field plus 6 years of related experience.

Required Experience And Skills

• Minimum of 6 years of experience in pharmaceutical development, device development, device systems operations, quality management, or a related area.
• Strong knowledge of regulatory requirements and industry standards related to device systems.
• Strong analytical and statistical skills with experience in data interpretation and risk assessment tools.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to work in a dynamic and fast‑paced environment, managing multiple priorities effectively.

Required Skills

Analytical Method Development, External Partners, Geometric Dimensioning And Tolerancing (GD&T), ISO 13485 Medical Devices, Manufacturing Processes, Mechanical Design, Mechanical Testing, Method Validation, Product Development, Prototyping, Statistical Analysis, Teamwork, Technical Writing

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.

Requirements

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:

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We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing together, talented, and committed people with diverse experiences, perspectives, skills and backgrounds. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when people with diverse ideas, broad experiences, backgrounds, and skills come together in an inclusive environment. We encourage our colleagues to respectfully challenge one another's thinking and approach problems collectively.

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The primary location for this posting is:

USA - New Jersey - Rahway

Where required by law, the compensation range for this role is provided below.

The salary range for the primary location of this role is:

$117,000.00 - $184,200.00

This range reflects the Company's reasonable expectation of the base salary applicable to this role at the time of 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.

Additional location(s):

Please note the salary range above applies to the Primary Location of the position. Where a role has other listed locations, different compensation guidelines may apply. You may find the salary ranges for additional locations below. If the salary range is not listed for the location you are applying to, our Talent Acquisition team will provide further information to you relevant to your location.

Additional location(s) Compensation Information:

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

Employee Status

Regular

Relocation

Domestic

VISA Sponsorship

No

Travel Requirements

10%

Flexible Work Arrangements

Hybrid

Shift

Not Indicated

Valid Driving License

No

Hazardous Material(s)

n/a

Job Posting End Date

11/11/2026

• 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.