Sr. Scientist, Engineering

MSD Malaysia; Rahway (NJ); On-site; USD 117,000 - 184,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/dental/vision benefits

401(k) retirement plan

Paid holidays

Vacation days

Sick days

Job summary

Merck is seeking a chemically/biochemically trained engineer to lead hands-on process development and scale-up from lab to pilot/production scales. You will work under scientific and administrative direction to design, plan, and implement advanced experiments supporting API development and production, while adhering to cGMP and GDocP standards.

The role requires strong communication, collaboration with cross-functional teams, and approximately 10–15% travel.

Qualifications

• BS/MS in Chemical/Biochemical Engineering from an accredited college/university plus at least 5 years of relevant work experience in process development, OR PhD in Chemical/Biochemical Engineering from an accredited college/university.
• Experience performing lab-based research/process development in a chemical engineering‑related area.
• Experience with process scale‑up and/or technology transfer from laboratory to pilot plant or production scale.
• Highly effective communication and collaboration skills.
• Good organizational, interpersonal, writing, and time management skills.

Skills

Lab-based research

Process development

Scale‑up

Communication skills

Collaboration

Design of Experiments

Process modeling

Education

BS/MS in Chemical/Biochemical Engineering

PhD in Chemical/Biochemical Engineering

Tools

Design of Experiments

Process modeling

Job description

Job Description

Position Description

The Chemical Engineering Research & Development department (CERD), part of the Process Research and Development organization, is seeking highly motivated individuals who are looking for an opportunity to work in a fast-paced job that provides a high degree of technical responsibility. This position involves hands‑on process development/scale‑up work performed at scales spanning the range from laboratory scale to commercial manufacturing scale. Under scientific and administrative direction, an engineer in this role conducts independent research which involves conceiving, designing, planning, and implementing advanced experiments aimed at achieving research goals related to process development, technology development, and production of active pharmaceutical ingredients (API). The candidate may also have the opportunity to manage process development and/or manufacturing activities at external suppliers. The engineer will be expected to exhibit a mindset of safety and quality compliance, which will include following current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMPs), and participating in risk assessments, deviation investigations, and Good Documentation Practices (GDocP). A high level of innovation, creativity, and self‑initiative along with the ability to plan and organize activities are expected. Successful candidates will be required to communicate regularly, clearly, and with confidence as they discuss technical problems, support pilot plant operations, and interface with cross‑functional colleagues/customers. This position requires approximately 10% -15% travel.

Position Qualifications

Education Minimum Requirement

The position requires either: BS and/or MS in Chemical/Biochemical Engineering (or comparable) from an accredited college/university plus at least 5 years of relevant work experience in process development, OR PhD in Chemical/Biochemical Engineering (or comparable) from an accredited college/university.

Required Experience and Skills

• Experience performing lab-based research/process development in a chemical engineering‑related area.
• Experience with process scale‑up and/or technology transfer, moving from laboratory to pilot plant or production scale.
• Highly effective communication and collaboration skills
• Good organizational, interpersonal, writing, and time management skills

Preferred Experience and Skills

• Direct experience with pharmaceutical drug substance processing
• Familiarity with concepts and application of cGMP and GDocP during pharmaceutical development and production.
• Experience applying statistical experimental design (i.e. Design of Experiments) and/or process modeling
• Experience with organic chemical synthesis and wet chemistry including running experiments, and generating and analyzing data
• Familiarity with Process Analytical Technologies (PAT) and/or data‑rich experimentation
• Background with chemical engineering‑related technology development

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.

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, background, and skills come together in an inclusive environment. We encourage our colleagues to respectfully challenge one another’s thinking and approach problems collectively. Learn more about your rights, including under California, Colorado and other US State Acts.

The salary range for this role is $117,000.00 - $184,200.00 This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this 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.

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): N/A Job Posting End Date: 09/28/2026

A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFORE the listed job posting end date.

Our company is a global health care leader with a diversified portfolio of prescription medicines, vaccines and animal health products. The difference between potential and achievement lies in the spark that fuels innovation and inventiveness; this is the space where we have codified our legacy for over a century. Our success is backed by ethical integrity, forward momentum, and an inspiring mission to achieve new milestones in global healthcare.