Senior Specialist, Process Automation

Merck & Co.; West Point (PA); Hybrid; USD 117,000 - 184,200; Full time

Job summary

Merck & Co. seeks a Senior Specialist in Process Automation at the West Point site to lead a two-engineer team providing automation support for vaccine manufacturing. The role emphasizes SDLC, GMP compliance, and collaboration across IPT with a focus on reliable supply and quality.

The ideal candidate has extensive DeltaV DCS/PLC/SCADA experience, strong technical writing, and a proven track record in process validation and regulatory GxP.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or related field.
• 7+ years in process automation, IT/OT, or equivalent.
• Expertise in DeltaV DCS, PLC, SCADA, HMI, CSV, and SDLC.
• Strong technical writing capabilities.
• Knowledge of S88 Batch Standard.
• Knowledge of regulatory GxP requirements.
• Knowledge of equipment and process validation.
• Problem-solving and collaborative skills.
• Strong communication across levels and with external partners.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a two-engineer team providing process automation support for vaccine manufacturing.
• Prioritize workload while ensuring SDLC, GMP, safety and environmental compliance.
• Collaborate with IPT and other functions as SME for automated systems.
• Support shop-floor manufacturing activities and process improvements.
• Design and implement control improvements and corrective actions.
• Troubleshoot automation issues and assist deviation investigations.
• Maintain automated control systems in a state of inspection readiness.
• Provide leadership to foster a high-performing, collaborative team.
• Represent the automation function on the IPT leadership team.
• Communicate with business, technical, and quality partners daily during tier processes.

Skills

Audit Management

Biotechnology

Business Process Improvements

Computer Science

Data Management

DeltaV DCS

Digital Manufacturing

Digital Transformation

GMP Compliance

GxP Knowledge

Pharmaceutical Microbiology

PLC Logic

Problem Management

Process Automations

Process Control

Process Manufacturing

Quality Management

Real-Time Programming

Shop Floor Management

SDLC

Systems Development Lifecycle

Education

Bachelor of Science in Engineering/Computer Science or related field

Tools

DeltaV DCS

PLC

SCADA

HMI

CSV

Job description

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.

Learn more about your rights, including under California, Colorado and other US State Acts

Salary Range

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

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

08/4/2026

*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.

Requisition ID

R407618