Senior Specialist, Operations - (Spray Drying)

Merck; United States; On-site; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Merck is seeking an SDI Operations Engineer to support commissioning, qualification, start-up, and ongoing operational readiness at the Elkton, Virginia facility. You will coordinate with Operations, Engineering, Quality, and other teams to ensure safe and compliant startup, troubleshoot processes, and drive continuous improvement across the IPT.

Ideal candidates hold a technical Bachelor’s degree and have at least 5 years in Drug Product/SDI manufacturing, with strong GMP knowledge and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a technical discipline (Chemical/Pharmaceutical/Biochemical Eng, Chemistry, or related).
• Minimum 5 years in Drug Product/SDI manufacturing, operations or related manufacturing.
• Experience in cross-functional manufacturing, technical, or operational settings.

Responsibilities

• Support commissioning, qualification, start-up, and operational readiness for the SDI Small Molecule facility in Elkton, VA.
• Coordinate with Operations, Engineering, Quality, and other stakeholders to ensure safe, compliant plant start-up.
• Provide technical and operational support during equipment and process start-up, troubleshooting, and optimization.

Skills

GMP knowledge

Problem-solving

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication

Organizational skills

Lean principles

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical/Pharmaceutical/biochemical engineering, chemistry or related technical discipline

Tools

Kaizen

5S

Visual management

Standard Work

Job description

Reports To:

Production Lead, DP&SDI

Job Purpose:

The SDI (Spray Drying intermediate) Operations Specialist 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 SDI 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 SDI 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. Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, Chemistry, or a related technical discipline. Engineering degree not required.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in Drug Product/SDI manufacturing, operations, technical operations, or a related manufacturing experience in Spray Drying.
• 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.

This is a unique opportunity to help shape the future of a gr