Operational Excellence Process Engineer

Merck Group$102K — $153K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • BS in Chemical Engineering, Process Technology, Chemistry or any Engineering degree
  • 5+ years in manufacturing/Process Engineering with Lean Six Sigma experience
  • Green Belt certified with hands-on experience applying DFSS, DMAIC, RCCA, and FMEA
  • Experience with data analytics and familiarity with data platforms
  • Strong leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills

Responsibilities

  • Lead productivity initiatives across SYN/PUR product lines and maintain VSMs & DMS
  • Leverage dashboards and data platforms to interpret process data
  • Own Management of Change for OE implementations and train site teams
  • Define and track KPIs and provide regular leadership reporting
  • Support technology transfer from pilot to commercial scale

Benefits

  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off (PTO)
  • Retirement contributions
  • Inclusive culture encouraging growth and development
Full Job Description
Your Role:

The Operational Excellence (OE) Process Engineer is an onsite position in Carlsbad, CA. Approximately 10% of domestic and international travel is necessary to support business needs.

This role provides you with the opportunity to apply analytical thinking, data-driven storytelling, and stakeholder influence to unlock the highest-value productivity opportunities for our Carlsbad Synthesis/Purification Operations (Thin Films and Specialty Gas). You will drive measurable productivity improvements by integrating Lean Six Sigma with Digital Solutions to deliver safe, reliable, and customer-focused outcomes. Collaborating with the OE Global Network, Digital Transformation, Operations, Maintenance, Process Development, and Global Engineering, you will deliver quick wins and identify longer-term OE and digital opportunities tracked in our internal systems. You'll lead data access and analytics enablement to accelerate productivity across SVM/HVM processes, container builds, and New Product Launch optimization.

Key Responsibilities:
  • OE Leadership and Productivity: Lead productivity initiatives across SYN/PUR product lines; develop and maintain Value Stream Maps (VSMs) & Daily Management Systems (DMS); drive process variation reduction (RCCAs, FMEA, DOE).
  • Digital Transformation and Data-Enabled Performance: Leverage dashboards, apps, and data platforms to access and interpret critical process data; apply SPC and analytics to improve OEE, throughput, and quality. Collaborate with Digital Solutions and Data & Digital IT (DDIT) to accelerate data access, data quality, and analytics readiness for manufacturing decisions.
  • Change Management and Capability Building: Own Management of Change (MOC) for OE implementations; design and deliver training on VSM, DMS, RCA, 5S, DOE, and digital tools; mentor site teams in problem-solving and data storytelling.
  • Governance, Metrics, and Reporting: Define and track KPIs (e.g., WAVE-related productivity, cycle time, scrap, yield, on-time delivery); provide regular leadership reporting; escalate risks and opportunities with clear remediation plans.
  • Technology Transfer, Start-up & Scaling: Support technology transfer from pilot to commercial scale; contribute to commissioning/start-up activities for OE-driven projects; capture learnings for future scale-up across product lines.


Who You Are:

Minimum Qualifications:

  • BS in Chemical Engineering, Process Technology, Chemistry or any Engineering degree
  • 5+ years in manufacturing/Process Engineering along with Lean Six Sigma experience with demonstrated problem-solving across chemical/physical processing environments
  • Green Belt certified with hands-on experience applying DFSS, DMAIC, RCCA, and FMEA


Preferred Qualifications:

  • MS or PhD in Chemical Engineering or similar field
  • Black Belt or Master Black Belt certification
  • Data analytics experience (e.g., SPC/SQC, multivariate analysis) and familiarity with data platforms (e.g., Palantir Foundry or similar)
  • Experience in technology transfer (small-to-large scale), commissioning/start-up, and operations of systems used in electronics materials manufacturing (synthesis, purification, filling, storage)
  • Knowledge of semiconductor materials, packaging, processes, and customer experience
  • Strong leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills; effective communicator across operators, engineers, and leadership
  • Ability to thrive in a matrixed team, partner with multiple functions, and manage change with stakeholders
  • Data literacy: experience with data storytelling, basic analytics, and using real time data to drive decisions


Base Pay Range for this position- $102,300-$153,500

The offer range represents the anticipated low and high end of the base pay compensation for this position. The actual compensation offered will be determined by factors such as location, level of experience, education, skills, and other job factors. Position may be eligible for sales or performance-based bonuses. Benefits offered by the Company include health insurance, paid time off (PTO), retirement contributions, and other perquisites. For more information click here.

What we offer: We are curious minds that come from a broad range of backgrounds, perspectives, and life experiences. We believe that this variety drives excellence and innovation, strengthening our ability to lead in science and technology. We are committed to creating access and opportunities for all to develop and grow at your own pace. Join us in building a culture of inclusion and belonging that impacts millions and empowers everyone to work their magic and champion human progress!

Apply now and become a part of a team that is dedicated to Sparking Discovery and Elevating Humanity!

About Merck Group

Merck Group Careers

There has never been a more opportune time to join Merck Group, a leading science and technology company in healthcare, life science, and performance materials. Merck Group offers a plethora of job opportunities that cater to a variety of skills and professional aspirations, making it an ideal environment for both seasoned experts and those at the start of their career journey.

Work You’ll Do

At Merck Group, every team member contributes to breakthrough innovations in healthcare, life sciences, and electronics. The company's commitment to diversity and innovation fuels its leadership in various sectors, driving growth and transformation globally. Merck Group’s career paths are diverse, offering positions that challenge individuals to use their skills in new ways every day, supported by robust training programs and development opportunities.

Explore Job Opportunities and Growth

Merck Group is not just about jobs; it's about building a career. With a vast array of positions, from research and development to marketing and sales, the company is keen on hiring and nurturing talent to lead industry transformation. Merck Group’s dedication to professional growth is evident in its comprehensive benefits package and performance management processes that aim to maximize individual potential.

Internship Programs

Starting with an internship at Merck Group can be a pivotal step in securing a prosperous career. Interns gain invaluable industry experience, working alongside seasoned professionals and engaging in projects that offer real-world applications of their studies. Internships often lead to full-time employment opportunities, providing a seamless transition from education to professional employment.

Inclusive Culture and Leadership

Merck Group is proud of its inclusive culture that embraces diversity and fosters an environment where all employees can thrive. The company’s leadership is committed to creating a workplace where diverse ideas lead to innovative outcomes. Merck Group also offers diversity training to ensure all team members are equipped to contribute to the company’s inclusive goals.

Networking and Professional Development

Employees at Merck Group are encouraged to engage in networking and professional development activities that enhance their career trajectories. The company hosts various networking events, workshops, and seminars that are designed to hone skills and foster connections within the industry. Leadership development programs are also a cornerstone, preparing employees for future roles of increased responsibility.

Stay Connected with Merck Group Careers

Interested candidates can explore open positions that match their skills and interests through the Merck Group careers page. The company values curious, creative, and solution-driven team players who are eager to make an impact.

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Merck Group is continuously looking for individuals who are ready to drive innovation and lead in the global marketplace. Whether through full-time positions, internships, or leadership roles, Merck Group offers a career path filled with opportunities for growth, learning, and leadership.
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