Primary Responsibilities
Support commissioning, qualification, start-up, and operational readiness activities 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.
Minimum Required Education, Experience
Bachelor’s degree required. Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, Chemistry, or a related technical discipline preferred.
Minimum 5 years of experience in Drug Product/SDI manufacturing, operations, technical operations, or a related manufacturing experience in Spray Drying.
Experience working in a cross-functional manufacturing, technical, or operational setting.
Experience contributing to operational improvement, troubleshooting, process support, or start-up-related activities.
Working knowledge of GMP, quality, and compliance expectations in pharmaceutical manufacturing.
Strong problem-solving, communication, collaboration, and organizational skills.
Ability to work effectively across Operations, Engineering, Quality, and Technical teams.
Ability to prioritize work in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
Demonstrated commitment to safety, operational excellence, and continuous improvement.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience supporting commissioning, qualification, start-up, or validation activities.
Experience in a greenfield or new facility start-up environment.
Experience with technology transfer and implementation of commercial manufacturing processes.
Experience applying lean tools and methodologies, including Kaizen, 5S, and Standard Work.
Experience coordinating activities across shifts, teams, or functions.
Experience serving in a lead, coordinator, or delegate role supporting leadership continuity.
Experience identifying improvement opportunities and helping implement practical solutions in a manufacturing environment.
This is a unique opportunity to help shape the future of a growing Small Molecule site as it is established from the ground up. In this role, you will support the startup and operational readiness of the new facility, help establish effective ways of working, and contribute to continuous improvement efforts that enable safe, reliable, and high-quality medicine production for patients around the world. If you are a collaborative operations professional with strong technical acumen, a commitment to quality, and a passion for operational excellence, we encourage you to apply.
#ELKVACOE
#SHPE2026
Required Skills
Adaptability, Adaptability, Analytical Problem Solving, Business Process Improvements, cGMP Compliance, Chemical Engineering, Cross-Functional Project Management, Data Analysis, Decision Making, Engineering Support, Focused Improvement, Inventory Management, Leadership Theories, Lean Six Sigma Continuous Improvement, Manufacturing, Manufacturing Processes, Manufacturing Strategies, Manufacturing Systems, Manufacturing Technologies, Operational Quality, Operations Engineering, Personal Initiative, Pharmaceutical Process Engineering, Process Improvements, Process Optimization {+ 8 more}
Preferred Skills
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Current Contingent Workers apply HERE
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.
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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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.
Learn more about your rights, including under California, Colorado and other US State Acts
The primary location for this posting is
USA - Virginia - Elkton
Where required by law, the compensation range for this role is provided below.
The salary range for the primary location of this role is
$96,200.00 - $151,400.00
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.
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
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
VISA Sponsorship
No
Travel Requirements
10%
Flexible Work Arrangements
Not Applicable
Shift
1st - Day
Valid Driving License
No
Hazardous Material(s)
NA
Job Posting End Date
- 11/16/2026
- 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.
