Senior Specialist, Process Automation

MSD; West Point (PA); On-site; USD 117,000 - 184,000; Full time

Job summary

MSD in West Point, PA seeks a Senior Specialist in Process Automation to lead a small team of engineers, delivering reliable automation support for Hepatitis A vaccine manufacturing. You will own automated systems, ensure SDLC, GMP, and safety compliance, and partner across functions to drive continuous improvement.

This role requires a BS in engineering or related field, 7+ years in process automation, and hands-on experience with DeltaV, PLC, SCADA, HMI, CSV, and SDLC.

Qualifications

• BS degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or related field.
• 7+ years in process automation, IT/OT, or equivalent.
• DeltaV DCS, PLC, SCADA, and HMI experience.
• CSV and SDLC knowledge.
• S88 Batch Standard and GxP familiarity.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a two-engineer team for vaccine manufacturing automation.
• Prioritize workload while ensuring SDLC, GMP, safety, and environmental compliance.
• Collaborate across IPT and own automated systems.
• Support shop-floor manufacturing activities.
• Design and implement process control improvements and troubleshoot automation issues.
• Participate in deviation investigations and inspections.
• Maintain automated systems and readiness for inspections.
• Contribute to digital transformation and site initiatives.

Skills

DeltaV DCS

PLC

SCADA

HMI

CSV

SDLC

GxP

S88

Process Validation

Regulatory Compliance

Problem Solving

Communication

Education

BS in Engineering, Computer Science, or related field

Job description

Our company is seeking a Senior Specialist in Process Automation to join our Digital Manufacturing Operations organization at the dynamic West Point site. We are committed to fostering an environment of mutual respect, encouragement, and teamwork. As part of our team, you will have the opportunity to collaborate with talented and dedicated colleagues while developing and expanding your career. Join us in our mission to deliver innovative health solutions that advance the prevention and treatment of diseases in people and animals.

This role will lead a team of engineers in providing automation system support and expertise to enable our manufacturing division in the reliable and compliant supply of quality vaccine products to customers and patients across the globe.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of two engineers in providing process automation support for our Hepatitis A vaccine manufacturing facility to enable reliable and compliant manufacturing/supply of vaccines.
• Direct and prioritize workload activities of the process automation team, ensuring compliance with System Development Life Cycle (SDLC), GMP, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Collaborate with other functions within the Integrated Process Team through ownership of automated systems and Subject Matter Expertise.
• Support manufacturing activities on the shop floor.
• Design and implement process control improvements and corrective actions.
• Troubleshoot and resolve automation issues and events.
• Participate in deviation investigations.
• Administer automated control systems, sustaining a state of Permanent Inspection Readiness.
• Apply leadership skills to foster a high-performing, collaborative team environment.
• Serve as the primary Subject Matter Expert and represent the automation function on the IPT leadership team.
• Communicate daily with business, technical, and quality representatives through the tier process.
• Support process automation inquiries during internal and external audits/inspections, speaking knowledgeably about automation in association with cGMP processes and manufacturing operations.
• Continuously evaluate automated systems and develop strategies to optimize and ensure quality and stability of systems through future expansion, replacement, or upgrade.
• Directly support site and global initiatives with respect to digital transformation and improving how West Point Digital Manufacturing Operations does business.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or related field.
• Seven or more (7+) years in process automation, IT/OT, or equivalent.
• Technical and operational expertise in DeltaV DCS, PLC, SCADA, HMI, Computer System Validation (CSV), and System Development Lifecycle (SDLC).
• Strong technical writing capabilities.
• Knowledgeable of S88 Batch Standard.
• Knowledgeable of regulatory GxP requirements.
• Knowledge of equipment and process validation.
• Problem-solving skills (technical and non-technical).
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to interface effectively with colleagues from all levels of the organization, and with external customers and vendors.

Preferred

• Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology manufacturing process experience is strongly preferred.

Required Skills

• Audit Management
• Biotechnology
• Business Process Improvements
• Computer Science
• Data Management
• DeltaV DCS
• Digital Manufacturing
• Digital Transformation
• GMP Compliance
• GxPs
• Pharmaceutical Microbiology
• PLC Logic
• Problem Management
• Process Automations
• Process Control
• Process Manufacturing
• Quality Management
• Real-Time Programming
• Shop Floor Management
• Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC)
• Systems Development Lifecycle (SDLC)

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

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.

The salary range for this role is $117,000.00 - $184,200.00. 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: No relocation

VISA Sponsorship: No

Travel Requirements: 10%

Flexible Work Arrangements: Hybrid

Shift: 1st - Day

Valid Driving License: No

Hazardous Material(s): N/A

Job Posting End Date: 08/21/2026*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.