Software Engineering Manager

Merck Group • $155K — $185K *
Information Technology
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or equivalent experience.
  • Proven experience delivering software applications to production.
  • Strong hands-on software development experience across the SDLC.
  • Experience leading engineering teams or initiatives.
  • Strong knowledge of Git, GitHub, CI/CD, and GitHub Actions.
  • Practical experience designing and operating solutions on AWS.
  • Experience using AI-assisted development tools like Claude and GitHub Copilot.

Responsibilities

  • Contribute 50-60% of time to hands-on architecture, coding, testing, and production support.
  • Lead software engineering initiatives from concept to production delivery.
  • Establish effective engineering practices for quality, security, and reliability.
  • Design, deploy, and operate cloud-based solutions on AWS.
  • Build and maintain CI/CD pipelines using GitHub Actions.
  • Enhance application observability, performance, and security.
  • Mentor engineers and collaborate with stakeholders on technical direction.

Benefits

  • Health insurance coverage.
  • Paid time off (PTO).
  • Retirement contributions.
  • Flexible work arrangements, including hybrid and remote options.
Full Job Description
Your Role:

We are seeking an AI-native, highly hands-on Software Engineering Manager to lead engineering efforts across the full software development lifecycle (SDLC)-from solution design and coding through deployment, production support, and continuous improvement.

The role has a high hands-on engineering focus, including designing, coding, testing, reviewing, deploying, and operating production software. It also includes technical leadership, team development, prioritization, and stakeholder collaboration. The ideal candidate uses AI as a core part of their engineering workflow while maintaining accountability for quality, security, and production outcomes.

Experience in the life sciences, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, healthcare, or another regulated environment is preferred.

Key Responsibilities:
  • Spend approximately 50-60% of time hands-on, contributing directly to architecture, coding, testing, code reviews, deployments, troubleshooting, and production support.
  • Lead software engineering initiatives from concept through production delivery.
  • Guide teams across the SDLC and establish effective engineering practices for quality, security, reliability, and maintainability.
  • Design, deploy, and operate cloud-based solutions on AWS.
  • Build and maintain CI/CD pipelines and automated delivery workflows using GitHub Actions.
  • Improve application observability, performance, security, and operational readiness.
  • Work in an AI-native manner, using tools such as Claude and GitHub Copilot as an integral part of daily engineering work, including development, testing, refactoring, documentation, and problem-solving.
  • Define effective practices for reviewing and validating AI-generated code for quality, security, compliance, and maintainability.
  • Mentor engineers, provide technical direction, and collaborate with product, architecture, security, and business stakeholders.
  • Identify technical risks and continuously improve development and delivery processes.


Who You Are

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or equivalent practical experience.
  • Proven experience delivering software applications to production.
  • Strong hands-on software development experience across the SDLC.
  • Experience leading engineering teams, initiatives, or technical delivery.
  • Strong knowledge of Git, GitHub, CI/CD, and GitHub Actions.
  • Practical experience designing and operating solutions on AWS.
  • Experience using AI-assisted development tools such as Claude and GitHub Copilot.
  • Strong understanding of automated testing, secure development, APIs, observability, and system reliability.
  • Excellent communication, collaboration, and mentoring skills.


Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience in life sciences or a regulated industry.
  • Familiarity with software validation, data integrity, auditability, privacy, or computer system assurance.
  • Experience with containers, serverless or event-driven architectures, infrastructure as code, and application security.
  • Experience working in agile, product-oriented, or DevOps environments.


Success In This Role:
  • Engineering initiatives are delivered reliably and efficiently into production.
  • Teams adopt strong practices for development, testing, deployment, and support.
  • AWS and GitHub Actions workflows are automated, secure, and repeatable.
  • AI tools improve engineering productivity without compromising quality or accountability.
  • Applications are reliable, observable, maintainable, and fit for purpose.


Location

This position is preferred to be site based in either our Burlington, MA or St. Louis, MO office. We do offer a hybrid flexible work arrangement and are open to considering a remote flexible role with frequent site based travel.

Pay Range for this position: $155,300 - $185,900. 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-related 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: https://careers.emdgroup.com/us/en/benefits

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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