Senior Specialist, Manufacturing Automation

Our Digital Manufacturing Operations team owns and manages automation systems to manufacturing our vaccine products. We work in the manufacturing plants with a "Safety First, Quality Always" mindset striving for continuous improvement. We work in the local plant connected to our global manufacturing network to ensure the highest quality of raw materials, intermediates and finished products.

The Senior Specialist is Manufacturing Automation, is responsible for: i) management of all automation process control systems in a live virus vaccine manufacturing facility, ii) leading or mentoring a small team of automation engineers, and iii) technical and compliant oversight on shop floor support, deviation investigations, change management, system administration, and management of small projects,

Responsibilities include but not limited to the following:

• Direct/prioritize workload activities of a professional staff of 2 - 4 engineers to provide process automation support to enable the reliable and compliant supply of vaccines.
• Possesses strong knowledge and experience in Distributed Control System (DCS) and/or has led mid to large projects involving automated systems such as DeltaV, PLC, BUS, OPC technologies.
• Knowledgeable of S88 Batch Standard desirable.
• Has strong problem-solving skills to investigate automation related incidents and propose sound solutions to improve the system.
• Motivates staff in a manner that fosters an integrated team environment.
• Understands and supports all GMPs, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Responsible for maintaining system development lifecycle deliverables, including change control and ensure they are inspection ready.
• Supports 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.
• Analyzes complex business requirements using tools and techniques and identifies internal/external solutions to meet these requirements
• Communicates regularly with the other functional groups (operation, technical, and quality representatives) within the area on priorities, status and escalations.
• Familiar with six-sigma and lean manufacturing principles with an ability to convert business logic and requirements into detailed system requirements.
• Performs preventive maintenance, performance monitoring, and revises or develops automation Standard Operating Procedures to keep the system and the user operability in an optimal state.
• Leads complex software system testing and validation procedures and oversee system configuration and documentation.
• Provides On-the-floor troubleshooting support of manufacturing activities
• Provides hands-on training and serves as a technical resource for other engineers.

Education Requirements:

• A minimum a B.S degree in engineering, computer science/electrical/chemical/mechanical, or equivalent

Required Experience and Skills:

• Minimum five (5) years in pharmaceutical process automation or equivalent
• Experience in Automation Platforms such as DCSs (DeltaV), PLCs (Allen Bradley, Siemens), SCADA, Data Historians (OSI PI), Batch Reporting (Informetric Info Batch)
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and to build relationships with team, peers and area leaders.
• Knowledgeable of cGMP's, safety guidelines, engineering standards, computer system validation and regulatory guidelines.

Preferred Experience and Skills:

• Experience leading or managing teams in a project or an operation environment.

Current Employees apply HERE

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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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.

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U.S. Hybrid Work Model

Effective September 5, 2023, employees in office-based positions in the U.S. will be working a Hybrid work consisting of three total days on-site per week, Monday - Thursday, although the specific days may vary by site or organization, with Friday designated as a remote-working day, unless business critical tasks require an on-site presence.This Hybrid work model does not apply to, and daily in-person attendance is required for, field-based positions; facility-based, manufacturing-based, or research-based positions where the work to be performed is located at a Company site; positions covered by a collective-bargaining agreement (unless the agreement provides for hybrid work); or any other position for which the Company has determined the job requirements cannot be reasonably met working remotely. Please note, this Hybrid work model guidance also does not apply to roles that have been designated as "remote".

The salary range for this role is
$114,700.00 - $180,500.00

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 .

You can apply for this role through (or via the Workday Jobs Hub if you are a current employee). The application deadline for this position is stated on this posting.

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:
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

Required Skills:
Audit Management, Business Process Improvements, Business Requirements Analysis, Communication, Data Management, Digital Manufacturing, Escalation Management, Lean Design, Lean Management, Lean Manufacturing, Lean Six Sigma (LSS), Management Process, Manufacturing, Manufacturing Processes, Onsite Support, Problem Management, Process Automations, Quality Management, Real-Time Programming, Six Sigma, Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC)

Preferred Skills:

Job Posting End Date:
10/13/2025
*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: R364644