Specialist, DDT–Lab Automation, Lab Automation / Controls Engineer (SCADA/Ignition) (Onsite)

Merck; Rahway (NJ); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Merck & Co., Inc. in Rahway, NJ seeks a Specialist, Laboratory Automation / Controls Engineer to advance automated and connected laboratories.

You will deploy SCADA systems and orchestration platforms to enable data-driven lab workflows and instrument integration, collaborating with IT, engineering, and research teams. The role emphasizes building scalable automation components, architecture guidance, and dissemination of best practices while delivering reliable digital lab infrastructure in a

Qualifications

• BS in Engineering or closely related field with at least 2 years of relevant experience.
• Experience with SCADA or orchestration software (Ignition, DeltaV, WinCC OA).
• Experience scripting/programming with version control and clean code practices.
• Ability to collaborate on cross-functional teams and communicate with end-users and vendors.
• Pharma/biopharma automation experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Build the digital backbone of automated laboratories using SCADA-based components.
• Translate scientific workflows into scalable systems with researchers and automation engineers.
• Develop components across the OT platform stack including equipment modules, UI, and orchestration logic.
• Address integration challenges across software, automation, and laboratory workflows.
• Connect instruments, automation platforms, and data systems within end-to-end workflows.
• Continuously improve platform capabilities with enhancements to performance, reliability, usability, and maintainability.
• Create documentation and reusable components for long-term scalability.
• Contribute to training materials and development best practices.

Skills

SCADA/Orchestration

Cross-functional collab

Scripting best practices

Team collaboration

Analytical thinking

Education

B.S. in Engineering

Tools

Ignition

DeltaV

WinCC OA

Job description

Job Description We are a global biopharmaceutical leader with a portfolio of prescription medicines, oncology, vaccines and animal health products. We are driven by our purpose to develop and deliver innovative products that save and improve lives. With 69,000 employees operating in more than 140 countries, we offer state‑of‑the‑art laboratories, plants and offices that are designed to inspire our employees as we learn, develop and grow in our careers. We are proud of our over 125 years of service to humanity and continue to be one of the world’s biggest investors in Research & Development.

Job Description We are a global biopharmaceutical leader with a portfolio of prescription medicines, oncology, vaccines and animal health products. We are driven by our purpose to develop and deliver innovative products that save and improve lives. With 69,000 employees operating in more than 140 countries, we offer state‑of‑the‑art laboratories, plants and offices that are designed to inspire our employees as we learn, develop and grow in our careers. We are proud of our over 125 years of service to humanity and continue to be one of the world’s biggest investors in Research & Development.

In the Development Sciences and Clinical Supply (DSCS) organization, we believe digital is the force multiplier that enables faster experiments, smarter decisions, more robust supply chains, and is ultimately redefining how we bring medicines to patients. Within DSCS, the DSCS Digital Technologies (DDT) team is building the next generation of data-rich, connected lab environments—where hardware, software, and AI-driven tools work together to accelerate pharmaceutical development. Our goal is simple but ambitious: embed advanced digital capabilities into the DNA of how we work. We believe this future starts with an effective foundation of laboratory tools: innovative robotics, process analytical technology (PAT), high-throughput technologies, reliable instrumentation, and integrated systems that seamlessly transition data from the physical labs to the digital world. We believe innovation is fueled by different teams that come together to build technologies that truly impact how our scientists conduct research. We’re looking for a Specialist to help make this vision real. We are seeking a Specialist, Laboratory Automation / Controls Engineer to join our Lab Automation team in Rahway, NJ. In this role, the candidate will help us execute towards our goal of automated and connected laboratories through the utilization and deployment of laboratory SCADA systems and orchestration platforms. The candidate will leverage industry standard and emerging technologies such as Ignition in concert with operational technologies to enable integration, orchestration, and visualization of laboratory systems and workflows. This position will work collaboratively across laboratory automation, digital engineering, and IT teams towards connecting laboratory equipment, automation systems, and data pipelines into cohesive, scalable solutions aligned with our future vision.

How You’ll Make An Impact

• Build the digital backbone of automated laboratories using defined SCADA-based (e.g. Ignition) components that connect equipment, workflows, and data
• Contribute to translating scientific workflows into scalable systems by partnering with researchers and automation engineers to implement well-defined laboratory requirements
• Develop defined components across the operations technology platform stack including equipment modules, user interfaces, and orchestration logic, with guidance on architecture and infrastructure integration
• Solve a range of integration challenges by applying established methods, troubleshooting techniques, and systems-level thinking across software, automation, and laboratory workflows
• Connect the ecosystem by supporting integration of instruments, automation platforms, and data systems within broader end-to-end digital workflows
• Continuously improve platform capabilities by identifying issues and implementing agreed enhancements to performance, reliability, usability, and maintainability
• Share knowledge across the organization by contributing to training materials, documentation, and development best practices
• Build for sustainability by creating clear documentation and reusable components that support long-term scalability
• Execute assigned work packages within larger laboratory automation projects while collaborating closely with senior engineers and project stakeholders

Education Minimum Requirement

• A B.S. in Engineering (i.e. Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical), Computer Science, Robotics, Mechatronics, Pharmaceutical Sciences or a closely related field with at least 2 years of relevant experience

Required Experience And Skills

• Experience developing, configuring, testing, or supporting solutions using SCADA or orchestration software (Ignition, DeltaV, WinCC OA, etc)
• Automation experience supporting process development or production of pharmaceuticals, biopharmaceuticals, vaccines, or relevant life-sciences
• Experience with scripting/programming following accepted best practices (version control, design patterns, clean code)
• Demonstrated ability to contribute effectively on cross-functional teams and deliver automation solutions
• Effective scientific collaboration and communication skills with the ability to work with end-users, technicians, and vendors

Preferred Experience And Skills

• Experience with scripting/programming in one or more of the following: Python, C#, VBA, JavaScript, R
• Experience with automation edge devices and controllers (PLC, microcontrollers, etc)
• Ability to support the evaluation, prototyping, and deployment of technologies in laboratory automation
• Understanding of data science and AI/ML concepts and their application to automation systems
• Understanding of (bio)pharmaceutical process research and development, drug product development, and/ or analytical development
• Experience with manufacturing equipment, process control, tuning, networking, data analysis
• Motivated to learn new skills, willingness to take on new challenges, and scientific curiosity
• Deep interest and desire to understand how systems work. Self-proclaimed maker, builder, tinkerer
• Understanding of IT networking: system architecture, infrastructure integration, and deployment approaches

# eligibleforERP

#PRD

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. Please click here if you need an accommodation during the application or hiring process.

Requirements

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. 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

Domestic/International

VISA Sponsorship

Yes

Travel Requirements

10%

Flexible Work Arrangements

Not Applicable

Shift

Not Indicated

Valid Driving License

No

Hazardous Material(s)

Flammable

Job Posting End Date

09/25/2026

• 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

R416079