Specialist, Manufacturing Automation

Merck & Co., Inc; West Point (PA); On-site; USD 87,000 - 137,000; Full time

Job summary

Merck & Co., Inc. is seeking a Process Automation Engineer Specialist for our West Point, Pennsylvania site to support automation systems across GMP manufacturing operations.

The role emphasizes problem resolution, change control, and 24/7 automation support to ensure reliable vaccine product supply. Responsibilities include technical ownership of automation components, design and test of changes, and collaboration with Manufacturing, Quality, and Engineering to handle incidents and implement

Qualifications

• Two or more years of experience in process automation or a related field.
• Familiarity with Computer System Validation (CSV) requirements and regulated GxP environments.
• Knowledge of the ISA-88 Batch Standard.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to work with colleagues across all levels and with external stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Provide automation system support for GMP manufacturing operations and safety compliance.
• Serve as technical owner for automation components supporting manufacturing processes.
• Design, implement, test, and close change controls for automation-related corrective actions and improvements.
• Lead investigations of automation incidents and develop corrective actions.
• Maintain awareness of emerging automation technologies and propose applicable adoptions.

Skills

Process automation

CSV familiarity

GxP environments

ISA-88 Batch standard

Communication skills

Education

BS in Engineering/CS/related field

High School Diploma + 4 years experience

Tools

DCS

PLC

SCADA

HMI

Network infrastructure

SQL databases

Manufacturing automation tech

Job description

Job Description

Our Digital Manufacturing Operations Team supporting our vibrant West Point site is seeking a Process Automation Engineer Specialist to join the team. This role provides automation system support and technical expertise to enable our Manufacturing Division in the reliable and compliant supply of quality vaccine products to customers and patients around the world.

The position is responsible for problem resolution, implementation of process control and data collection techniques, and troubleshooting activities in compliance with SDLC, GMP, safety, and environmental requirements. The role works closely with Manufacturing, Quality, and Engineering organizations and supports a broad spectrum of automated systems within GMP manufacturing operations.

Key Functions

• Work independently and as a team member while demonstrating integrity, precision, accomplishment, motivation, ambition, and respect.
• Comply with global policies, procedures, guidelines, regulatory requirements, and current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) in the execution of daily responsibilities.
• Provide automation system support and expertise to support the manufacture of quality vaccine products and achievement of site priorities.
• Serve as the technical owner for automation system components supporting manufacturing processes, including direct shop-floor support of manufacturing activities.
• Design, implement, test, and close change controls associated with automation-related corrective actions and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Build effective relationships with business partners and stakeholders to proactively identify and resolve technical issues.
• Lead or participate in investigations of automation incidents and system issues to prevent recurrence, including the development and implementation of corrective actions.
• Maintain awareness of emerging automation technologies and industry trends and provide recommendations for adoption where appropriate.
• Provide off-shift, weekend, evening, remote, or on-site automation support for 24/7 manufacturing operations as required.

Education

• BS in Engineering, Computer Science or related field with 2 years of experience (GMP Manufacturing and/or Manufacturing Automation) or High School Diploma and 4 years of experience (GMP Manufacturing and/or Manufacturing Automation)

Experience, Skills & Knowledge

Required

• Two (2) or more years of experience in process automation or a related field.
• Familiarity with Computer System Validation (CSV) requirements and regulated GxP environments.
• Knowledge of the ISA-88 Batch Standard.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively with colleagues across all organizational levels and with external stakeholders.

Preferred

• Experience in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry.
• Experience supporting aseptic processing and/or sterile manufacturing operations.
• Technical and operational expertise in areas such as:
  • Distributed Control Systems (DCS)
  • Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC)
  • Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems
  • Human Machine Interface (HMI) systems
  • Network infrastructure
  • SQL databases
  • Manufacturing automation technologies

Required Skills

Aseptic Processing, Audit Management, Automation, Biotechnology, Biotechnology Industry, Business Process Improvements, Change Controls, Computer Science, Corrective Action Management, Data Management, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Interpersonal Communication, Manufacturing, Pharmaceutics, Problem Management, Process Automations, Process Control, Quality Management, Real-Time Programming, Shop Floor Management, Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC), Vaccine Administration, Vaccine Development, Vaccine Management, Vaccinology

Employee Status: Regular

Relocation: No relocation

VISA Sponsorship: No

Travel Requirements: 10%

Flexible Work Arrangements: Not Applicable

Shift: 1st - Day

Valid Driving License: No

Hazardous Material(s): N/A

Job Posting End Date: 11/17/2026

Additional location(s): Please note the salary range above applies to the Primary Location of the position. Where a role has other listed locations, different compensation guidelines may apply. You may find the salary ranges for additional locations below. If the salary range is not listed for the location you are applying to, our Talent Acquisition team will provide further information to you relevant to your location.

Additional location(s) Compensation Information:

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

Salary range for the primary location of this role is:

$87,300.00 - $137,400.00

This range reflects the Company's reasonable expectation of the base salary applicable to this role at the time of 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 .

The primary location for this posting is:
USA - Pennsylvania - West Point