Senior Spray Drying Operations Engineer – Start-up & Optimize

Merck & Co.; Elkton (VA); On-site; USD 96,000 - 151,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Long-term incentive

Comprehensive benefits

Job summary

Merck & Co., Inc. seeks a Senior Operations Engineer - Spray Drying to support startup, qualification, and readiness of the Elkton, Virginia small molecule facility.

You will work with Operations, Engineering, Quality, and Technical Operations to ensure safe, compliant, and efficient plant startup and continuous improvement. Ideal candidates have 5+ years in drug product/manufacturing, strong problem-solving, and experience with technology transfer and lean methods.

Qualifications

• BS in Chemical/Pharmaceutical engineering or related technical field.
• Minimum 5 years in Drug Product/SDI manufacturing or spray drying.
• Experience in GMP, quality, and compliance in pharma.

Responsibilities

• Support commissioning, qualification, start-up, and readiness for new SDI facility in Elkton, VA.
• Collaborate with Operations, Engineering, Quality, and Supply Chain to ensure safe startup.
• Provide technical and operational support during start-up, troubleshooting, and optimization.
• Support tech transfer and implementation of commercial processes into the new facility.
• Define and improve operating practices, standard work, and procedures.

Skills

Adaptability

Analytical Problem Solving

Cross-Functional PM

Data Analysis

Manufacturing Processes

Process Optimization

Lean Six Sigma

Leadership Theories

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Job description

Merck & Co., Inc. seeks a Senior Operations Engineer - Spray Drying to support startup, qualification, and readiness of the Elkton, Virginia small molecule facility.

You will work with Operations, Engineering, Quality, and Technical Operations to ensure safe, compliant, and efficient plant startup and continuous improvement. Ideal candidates have 5+ years in drug product/manufacturing, strong problem-solving, and experience with technology transfer and lean methods.