Specialist, Manufacturing Automation

Merck; West Point (PA); Hybrid; USD 87,000 - 137,000; Full time

Job summary

Merck in West Point, PA is seeking a Process Automation Engineer (Specialist) to support automated manufacturing operations for vaccines. This role focuses on maintaining compliant automation systems, designing cost-saving automation strategies, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to resolve technical issues.

The position requires a BS in Engineering or Computer Science (or 4 years of related experience) and strong technical writing and communication skills.

Qualifications

• BS in Engineering, Computer Science or related field with 2+ years of relevant industry experience OR 4 years of relevant industry experience.
• Strong technical writing capabilities.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to interface effectively with all levels and with external customers and vendors.
• Providing on-call support for off-shifts and weekends in rotation with other team members.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot challenging equipment/automation issues and innovate to improve manufacturing performance.
• Maintain the automation systems in compliance with cGMPs through the life cycle of the equipment (initial qualification through retirement).
• Design and implement automation strategies and solutions to improve processes and reduce costs.
• Build relationships with functional counterparts and stakeholders in the business to proactively identify and resolve technical issues.
• Implement, maintain and ensure compliance with SOPs and technical documentation e.g. Change Management, System Problem Management, System Performance Monitoring.
• Support a culture of continuous improvement within Automation on initiatives such as problem solving, standardization, reduced cycle time, Lean process principles.

Skills

Automation

DeltaV DCS

GMP

GxP

Interpersonal comm

Manufacturing

Monitor System Performance

Problem Management

Process Improvements

Real-Time Programming

SDLC

Technical writing

Troubleshooting

Education

BS in Engineering

BS in Computer Science

Tools

DeltaV DCS

PLC

SCADA

HMI

CSV

Job description

Job Description

Our Digital Manufacturing Operations organization supporting the thriving West Point site is seeking a Process Automation Engineer (Specialist, Manufacturing Automation) to join the team.

Our Digital Manufacturing Operations organization supporting the thriving West Point site is seeking a Process Automation Engineer (Specialist, Manufacturing Automation) to join the team.

Our ability to excel depends on the integrity, knowledge, imagination, skill and collaboration of individuals. To this end, we strive to create an environment of mutual respect, encouragement, and teamwork. As part of our team, you’ll have the opportunity to collaborate with talented and dedicated colleagues while developing and expanding your career.

This role will provide automation system support and expertise to enable our manufacturing division in the reliable and compliant supply of quality vaccine products to customers and patients across the globe.

Key Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot challenging equipment/automation issues and innovate to improve manufacturing performance
• Maintain the automation systems in compliance with cGMPs through the life cycle of the equipment (initial qualification through retirement)
• Design and implement automation strategies and solutions to improve processes and reduce costs
• Build relationships with functional counterparts and stakeholders in the business to proactively identify and resolve technical issues
• Implement, maintain and ensure compliance with SOPs and technical documentation e.g. Change Management, System Problem Management, System Performance Monitoring
• Responsible for supporting a culture of continuous improvement within Automation on initiatives such as problem solving, standardization, reduced cycle time, Lean process principles

Required Education, Experience And Skills

• BS in Engineering, Computer Science or related field with a minimum of 2 years of relevant industry experience OR 4 years of relevant industry experience
• Strong technical writing capabilities.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to interface effectively with all levels of colleagues in a team environment, and with external customers and vendors
• Providing on-call support for off-shifts and weekends, as part of a rotation with other team members

Preferred Experience And Skills

• Technical and operational expertise in the following disciplines desired: DeltaV DCS, PLC, SCADA, HMI, CSV
• Knowledgeable of S88 Batch Standard
• Knowledgeable of regulatory GxP requirements
• Support process automation inquiries during internal and external audits/inspections, and must therefore be able to speak knowledgeably about automation, process and cGMP details of the manufacturing operations
• Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology manufacturing process experience is strongly preferred
• Knowledge of equipment and process validation

Required Skills

Automation, Computer Science, DeltaV DCS, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), GxP Regulations, Interpersonal Communication, Manufacturing, Monitor System Performance, Problem Management, Process Improvements, Real-Time Programming, Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC), Technical Writing, Troubleshooting

Employee Status

Regular

Relocation

No relocation

VISA Sponsorship

No

Travel Requirements

No Travel Required

Flexible Work Arrangements

Hybrid

Shift

1st - Day

Valid Driving License

No

Hazardous Material(s)

N/A

Job Posting End Date

11/12/2026

• 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.

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

Where required by law, the compensation range for this role is provided below.

The 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.

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:

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