Senior Spray Drying Operations Engineer – New Facility

MSD; Elkton (VA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

MSD in Elkton, VA seeks a Senior Operations Engineer for the Spray Drying facility startup and ongoing operations. You will support commissioning, qualification, start-up, and readiness, coordinating with cross-functional teams to ensure safe, compliant production.

The role requires a 5+ year background in Drug Product/SDI manufacturing with strong GMP knowledge and a track record in process optimization and technology transfer. Join a growing site focused on quality and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a chemical/biopharma discipline is required.
• Minimum 5 years in Drug Product/SDI manufacturing or related spray drying ops.
• Working knowledge of GMP, quality, and compliance in pharma manufacturing.
• Strong problem-solving, communication, collaboration, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work across Operations, Engineering, Quality, and Technical teams.

Responsibilities

• Support commissioning, qualification, start-up, and operational readiness activities for the new SDI facility in Elkton, VA.
• Partner with Operations, Engineering, Quality, Technical Operations, Supply Chain, and other stakeholders to ensure safe, compliant start-up.
• Provide technical and operational support during equipment 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 for reliable operations.
• Coordinate and prioritize improvement activities and key areas of focus within the IPT aligned with business goals.
• Use Production System tools and lean principles (Kaizen, 5S, visual management, Standard Work) to identify improvement opportunities.
• Embed best practices across shifts, functions, and workstreams to promote consistency and efficiency.
• Support a culture of safety, quality, compliance, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Act as a delegate for the Production Lead to ensure continuity of leadership and coordination.
• Contribute to an inclusive, collaborative, and performance-driven work environment.

Skills

Adaptability

Analytical Problem Solving

Cross-Functional Project Management

Data Analysis

cGMP Compliance

Pharmaceutical Process Engineering

Process Optimization

Leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, Chemistry, or related technical discipline

Job description

MSD in Elkton, VA seeks a Senior Operations Engineer for the Spray Drying facility startup and ongoing operations. You will support commissioning, qualification, start-up, and readiness, coordinating with cross-functional teams to ensure safe, compliant production.

The role requires a 5+ year background in Drug Product/SDI manufacturing with strong GMP knowledge and a track record in process optimization and technology transfer. Join a growing site focused on quality and continuous improvement.