Job Description
Senior Operations Engineer - API
Job Purpose:
TheSenior Operations Engineer - API supports the API Integrated Product Team (IPT) in the commissioning, qualification, start-up, and operational readiness of the new Small Molecule manufacturing facility in Elkton, Virginia. This role partners with cross-functional teams to help ensure safe, compliant, and efficient operations during project execution and through ongoing manufacturing. In addition, the API Operations Engineer helps coordinate and prioritize improvement activities and areas of focus across the IPT, supporting continuous improvement and operational excellence as the facility transitions into routine operations.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Support commissioning, qualification, start-up, and operational readiness activities for the new API 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:
- Bachelors degree required. Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, Chemistry, or a related technical discipline preferred.
- Minimum 5 years of experience in API Small Molecule manufacturing to include operations or technical operations.
- 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.
#ELKVACOE
Required Skills:
Adaptability, Adaptability, Analytical Problem Solving, Business Process Improvements, cGMP Compliance, Chemical Engineering, Collaborative Leadership, Cross-Functional Project Management, Data Analysis, Decision Making, Employee Scheduling, 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, Process Improvements {+ 8 more}
Preferred Skills:
Current Employees apply HERE
Current Contingent Workers apply HERE
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:
10/12/2026
*A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFOREthe listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date.
