Merck & Co, Inc

Associate Director, Engineering

Merck & Co, Inc$142K — $224K *
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Biotechnology, Biochemical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Pharmacy, or a related field.
  • Minimum 8 years of experience in biopharmaceutical or vaccine manufacturing
  • Prior experience in people management and team leadership is preferred
  • Demonstrated success in leading technology transfers and cross-functional projects
  • Strong understanding of vaccine/biologics manufacturing processes
  • Experience in regulated environments and technical troubleshooting
  • Proven ability to influence decision-making across functions and sites.

Responsibilities

  • Lead and develop a team of bioprocess engineering professionals.
  • Provide strategic leadership for regional vaccine technology transfer activities.
  • Support the design and readiness of new blend and fill facility.
  • Manage team workload and resources to meet business objectives.
  • Identify and mitigate technical risks during transfer execution.
  • Lead cross-functional technical workstreams and manage issue resolution.
  • Partner with various teams to resolve complex technical challenges.

Benefits

  • Flexible work arrangements including hybrid options.
  • Emphasis on continuous improvement and professional development.
  • Supportive culture of accountability and collaboration.
  • Involvement in impactful projects that enhance animal health globally.
  • Exposure to cross-functional teams and leadership opportunities.
Full Job Description

Job Description

As an Associate Director, Bioprocess Engineering, you will be part of a world-class team contributing directly to the production of veterinary products that improve animal health and welfare globally.

As an Associate Director, Bioprocess Engineering, you will lead a team of technical professionals supporting regional vaccine technology transfer, post-transfer performance, and technical readiness across assigned processes and sites, while also providing technical support to a capital project to build a manufacturing facility. In this people manager role, you will provide both strategic direction and day-to-day leadership to ensure effective execution, sustained performance at receiving sites, and successful project outcomes. You will partner closely with Manufacturing, Quality, Engineering, Network Strategy, MS&T, and site leadership to deliver compliant, robust, and efficient results while building team capability, engagement, and accountability. Knowledge management remains an important enabling component of the role, supporting standardization, consistency, and effective sharing of transfer-related learnings across the region.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead, coach, and develop a team of bioprocess engineering professionals, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, continuous improvement, and technical excellence.

  • Provide strategic and technical leadership for regional vaccine technology transfer activities end-to-end, ensuring successful planning, execution, and implementation at receiving sites.

  • Provide technical leadership and support to the capital project for the design, build, and readiness of the new blend, fill, and freeze dry facility.

  • Set priorities, allocate resources, and manage team workload to support delivery of business objectives across multiple sites and functions.

  • Proactively identify, assess, and mitigate technical risks associated with transfer execution through structured evaluations, data-driven analysis, and cross-functional action planning.

  • Lead cross-functional technical workstreams and programs, ensuring clear ownership, timely execution, and effective issue resolution.

  • Partner with site leadership, Quality, Manufacturing, Engineering, Network Strategy, Regulatory Affairs and Technical functions to resolve complex technical issues and ensure robust post-transfer performance.

  • Drive strong post-transfer support through monitoring, troubleshooting, escalation management, and continuous improvement activities.

  • Ensure compliant technical documentation and clear stakeholder communication in accordance with quality, regulatory, and internal governance requirements.

  • Support regional knowledge management activities by contributing to the development and sharing of transfer packages, playbooks, lessons learned, and best practices to strengthen standardization and consistency across sites.

  • Build team capability through coaching, mentoring, development planning, feedback, and succession planning for direct reports and technical staff.

  • Influence decision-making across functions and sites to support business priorities, operational readiness, and successful transfer outcomes.

Education Minimum Requirement

  • Bachelor’s degree with significant relevant experience in Biotechnology, Biochemical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Pharmacy, or a related life science/engineering field.

Required Experience and Skills

  • Minimum 8 years of experience in biopharmaceutical or vaccine manufacturing, process development, technology transfer, MS&T, or a related technical discipline.

  • Prior people management/leadership skills, including coaching, mentoring, performance development, and team building highly preferred

  • Demonstrated success leading technology transfers, technical programs, or cross-functional projects with increasing scope and complexity.

  • Strong understanding of vaccine/biologicals manufacturing processes.

  • Experience in vaccine/biopharma regulated environments.

  • Experience with process characterization, scale-up/scale-down, process robustness, and technical troubleshooting.

  • Proven ability to lead through influence, build alignment, and drive decisions across functions and sites.

  • Excellent problem-solving, decision-making, and analytical skills.

  • High degree of ownership, scientific rigor, and continuous improvement mindset.

Preferred Experience and Skills

  • Experience providing technical support to capital projects, preferably involving facility design, build, commissioning, qualification, or readiness activities.

  • Familiarity with USDA regulatory expectations.

  • Proficiency in technical risk assessment and data analysis for process performance.

  • Excellent technical writing and communication skills for diverse stakeholders.

  • Strong project and program leadership skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.

  • Experience influencing cross-functional teams without formal line authority.

  • Demonstrated ability to deliver business results through operational, technical, and people leadership.

  • Experience supporting organizational capability building and standardization initiatives.

Schedule Requirements

  • Able to work first shift, Monday through Friday as base schedule.
  • Off-shift coverage may be required based on manufacturing and transfer activities.

What We’re Looking For

We seek individuals who:

  • Demonstrate execution excellence through effective problem-solving and critical thinking.

  • Embrace an entrepreneurial mindset, taking initiative and ownership of their work.

  • Adapt with agility and resilience in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

  • Uphold a safety-first mindset, ensuring the well-being of themselves and their colleagues.

Required Skills:

Bioprocess Engineering, Bioprocessing, Cell Culture Process Development, GMP Operations, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Manufacturing Processes, Manufacturing Scale-Up, Pharmaceutical Manufacturing, Process Scale Up, Product Formulation, Technical Leadership, Technology Transfer, Technology Transfer Management, Vaccine Manufacturing

Preferred Skills:

Current Employees apply

Current Contingent Workers apply

Employee Status:

Regular

Relocation:

Domestic

VISA Sponsorship:

No

Travel Requirements:

10%

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Hybrid

Shift:

1st - Day

Valid Driving License:

No

Hazardous Material(s):

N/A

Job Posting End Date:

07/28/2026

*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
Net Income
$7 billion
Founded
1668
5 Year Trend
+4.1%
Revenue
$47.9 billion
NASDAQ

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