Merck & Co, Inc

Associate Director, Cybersecurity Engineering

Merck & Co, Inc • $142K — $224K *
Rahway, NJ 07065Hybrid
Information Technology
8 - 10 years of experience
Today
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Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 10+ years of experience in cybersecurity or Identity and Access Management (IAM), with 7 years in Privileged Access Management (PAM)
  • Experience in leading and developing global security engineering teams
  • Strong knowledge of PAM and secrets management platforms like Delinea, CyberArk, and HashiCorp Vault
  • Hands-on skills with PAM solutions for Windows, UNIX/Linux, and databases
  • Proficient in Agile methodologies and tools like Jira
  • Excellent communication skills for technical and non-technical audiences

Responsibilities

  • Own and execute the PAM roadmap aligned with cybersecurity and Zero Trust objectives
  • Define and maintain PAM standards and governance practices
  • Develop PAM posture and risk metrics for leadership communication
  • Lead the design and delivery of PAM capabilities
  • Modernize privileged access through least-privilege and just-in-time access models
  • Mentor and influence the professional development of the team
  • Ensure PAM services are healthy and continuously improved

Benefits

  • Hybrid work arrangements
  • Opportunities for professional development and mentoring
  • Collaboration with diverse and global teams
  • Involvement in cutting-edge cybersecurity projects
  • Exposure to advanced PAM and identity security technologies
Full Job Description
Job Description

Privileged Access Management (PAM) Team Lead (R4 - Associate Director)

Role Summary

The Privileged Access Management (PAM) Team Lead owns the strategy, engineering execution, service health, and continuous improvement of our company's privileged access and secrets management capabilities. The role leads a global PAM engineering team and partners with the IAM Product team, architecture, cybersecurity, and business stakeholders to advance Zero Trust and meet business, regulatory, and operational needs. This role combines people leadership, engineering delivery, technical strategy, and governance to reduce cyber risk and strengthen enterprise identity security.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategy & Governance:
  • Own and execute the enterprise PAM roadmap aligned with our company's cybersecurity strategy, Zero Trust objectives, and identity security initiatives.
  • Define and maintain PAM standards and governance practices in partnership with security, risk, and architecture teams.
  • Develop and present PAM posture, risk metrics, and remediation plans to leadership, governance, and audit stakeholders.
  • Partner across teams to prioritize PAM adoption, expand privileged access controls and remediate risk.


Engineering:
  • Lead the design and delivery of enterprise PAM and secrets management capabilities.
  • Modernize privileged access through risk-based, least-privilege, and just-in-time access models.
  • Translate PAM strategy into scalable designs, standards, and patterns across all environments.
  • Lead evaluations of new PAM technologies based on need, risk, architectural fit, and cost.
  • Oversee remediation of PAM vulnerabilities, control gaps, audit findings, and technical debt.


People Leadership & Collaboration:
  • Lead daily PAM engineering activities, drive execution, remove delivery barriers, and develop team capabilities.
  • Promote Agile ways of working and continuous improvement.
  • Mentor and influence the team's personal and professional development.


Product & Delivery Management:
  • Partner with the IAM Product Owner to manage the backlog aligned with OKRs and team capacity.
  • Be accountable for the health, stability, and continuous improvement of PAM services.
  • Partner with stakeholders to ensure capabilities meet business and security needs while reducing risk.


Education Requirement:

  • Bachelor's degree (or equivalent experience), preferably in Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related field.


Required Skills & Experience:

  • 10+ years of experience in cybersecurity or Identity and Access Management (IAM), including at least 7 years focused on Privileged Access Management (PAM).
  • Experience leading and developing security engineering teams within a large, global organization.
  • Strong understanding of enterprise PAM and secrets management platforms (e.g., Delinea, CyberArk, BeyondTrust, and/or HashiCorp Vault).
  • Hands-on knowledge of PAM solutions supporting Windows, UNIX/Linux, and databases.
  • Experience delivering solutions using Agile methodologies and collaborating with Product Owners using tools such as Jira.
  • Excellent communication skills, with the ability to effectively translate complex technical concepts, risks, and recommendations for technical and non-technical stakeholders.


Preferred Experience & Skills:

  • Hands-on experience with identity platforms such as Active Directory, Microsoft Entra ID, cloud identity services, and/or HashiCorp Vault.
  • Hands-on knowledge of PAM solutions operating in multi-cloud environments (AWS, Azure, and GCP) and Kubernetes platforms.
  • Familiarity with ServiceNow for incident and change management processes.
  • Experience automating administrative and operational tasks using PowerShell or similar technologies.
  • Strong understanding of cybersecurity fundamentals, secure SDLC practices, Zero Trust principles, and cloud-native security controls.
  • Knowledge of industry standards and frameworks such as NIST, ITIL, and modern identity security practices.
  • Experience working in healthcare, life sciences, or other highly regulated industries.
  • Industry-recognized certifications such as CISSP, Security+, or comparable credentials.


Required Skills:
Application Security, Cloud Security, Cybersecurity Operations, Data Protection, Delivery of Security Applications, Design Applications, DevOps Coaching, Influence, Information Security, SLA Management, System Designs, Technical Advice, Zero Trust Identity

Preferred Skills:

Employee Status:
Regular

Relocation:

VISA Sponsorship:

Travel Requirements:

Flexible Work Arrangements:
Hybrid

Shift:

Valid Driving License:

Hazardous Material(s):

Job Posting End Date:
10/8/2026
*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.

About Merck & Co, Inc

Schering-Plough Corporation is a major U.S.-based manufacturer of pharmaceuticals. It operates in three segments: Prescription Pharmaceuticals, Animal Health, and Consumer Health Care. Schering-Plough develops products targeting on allergy, cancer, hepatitis, cardiovascular, central nervous system, respiratory system, and more.  It was founded in 1851 by Ernst Christian Friedrich Schering as Schering AG in Germany. Schering-Plough manufactured several pharmaceutical drugs, the most well-known of which were the allergy drugs Claritin and Clarinex, an anti-cholesterol drug Vytorin, and a brain tumor drug Temodar. It also developed drugs targeting on central nervous system and the respiratory system. Schering Plough also owned and operated the major foot care brand name Dr. Scholl's and the skin care line Coppertone. These also became a part of the new company. Schering-Plough was a full member of the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA), a membership which is also maintained by the new Merck.

Merck & Co, Inc Careers

Join the visionary team at Merck & Co, Inc, a global leader in healthcare dedicated to advancing the world of medicine. As part of our professional community, you'll find dynamic job opportunities that foster innovation and leadership across various fields. Merck & Co, Inc is not just a company; it's a place where you can make a difference.

Work You’ll Do

At Merck & Co, Inc, we are committed to improving global health through groundbreaking research and innovative healthcare solutions. Our team is at the forefront of developing new therapies and vaccines that significantly impact public health worldwide. By joining us, you will collaborate with some of the brightest minds in the industry, using your skills to contribute to projects that save and improve lives around the globe.

Explore Career Paths

Whether you're seeking an internship, a graduate opportunity, or a professional position, Merck & Co, Inc offers a range of career paths in environments that promote rapid professional growth and development. Explore job opportunities in research, digital transformation, manufacturing, and more, all while benefiting from a culture that supports diversity and inclusion.

Innovate and Lead

Merck & Co, Inc is an ideal environment for those who lead with curiosity and the drive to innovate. Our leadership is committed to fostering a culture where inventive thinking and collaboration are encouraged, making it a perfect place for professionals who seek to make an impact through their work.

Develop Your Skills

With Merck & Co, Inc, you are not just getting a job; you're gaining access to unparalleled career development opportunities. Enhance your skills through diverse training programs, workshops, and continuous learning courses designed to help you grow at every stage of your career.

Benefits and Culture

We understand that our employees are our greatest asset, which is why we offer competitive benefits designed to support the health and well-being of you and your family. From comprehensive health care coverage and retirement plans to flexible working conditions and wellness programs, our benefits package is designed to meet the diverse needs of our team members.

Join Our Team

Ready to advance your career at Merck & Co, Inc? Search open positions that match your skills and interests. We are continuously hiring and looking for passionate, creative, and solution-driven team players. Prepare your resume, sharpen your interview skills, and become part of a company that's dedicated to making a difference.

Stay Connected

Keep up to date with career tips, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights you can put to use today—all from the people who work here. Engage with us through our careers blog and by participating in networking events and employment fairs. Subscribe to receive personalized job alerts and the latest news tailored to your preferences. Discover the exciting and rewarding opportunities that await at Merck & Co, Inc. Join us in our mission to improve health and wellness around the world.
Learn more about Merck & Co, Inc
Size
68,000 employees
Market Cap
$282.6 billion
Industry
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
Net Income
$7 billion
Founded
1668
5 Year Trend
+4.1%
Revenue
$47.9 billion
NASDAQ
MRK
* Ladders Estimates

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