Senior Spray Drying Specialist – New Small Molecule Plant

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

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Long-term incentive

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k)

Paid time off

Job summary

Merck & Co. in Elkton, Virginia, is seeking an SDI Operations Engineer to support commissioning, qualification, start-up, and ongoing operations of a new Small Molecule facility.

You will partner with Operations, Engineering, Quality, and Technical Operations to ensure safe, compliant, and efficient plant start-up and operation. The role emphasizes coordinating improvements, leveraging Lean tools, and driving operational excellence across IPTs to enable a reliable manufacturing startup.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a technical discipline.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in Drug Product/SDI manufacturing or related.
• Experience in cross-functional manufacturing/technical settings.
• GMP, quality/compliance knowledge.
• Strong problem-solving and collaboration skills.
• Ability to prioritize in a dynamic environment.

Responsibilities

• Support commissioning, qualification, start-up, and operational readiness 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.

Skills

Adaptability

Analytical problem solving

cGMP Compliance

Data Analysis

Decision Making

Inventory Management

Lean Management

Lean Process Improvements

Lean Six Sigma

Manufacturing Operations

Operational Excellence

Process Improvements

Production Planning

Technology Transfer

Cross-functional Collaboration

Education

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

Tools

Kaizen

Job description

Merck & Co. in Elkton, Virginia, is seeking an SDI Operations Engineer to support commissioning, qualification, start-up, and ongoing operations of a new Small Molecule facility.

You will partner with Operations, Engineering, Quality, and Technical Operations to ensure safe, compliant, and efficient plant start-up and operation. The role emphasizes coordinating improvements, leveraging Lean tools, and driving operational excellence across IPTs to enable a reliable manufacturing startup.