Job Description

Position Summary

The Technical Project Manager (TPM) is responsible for delivering digital and automation scope within capital projects across the portfolio. This role leads defined project scopes or workstreams, ensuring the successful implementation of digital systems across the project lifecycle—from design through commissioning.

The TPM collaborates with cross-functional teams and partners to integrate automation, data, and manufacturing execution systems that enable facility startup, operational readiness, and manufacturing capability. This role operates within established project governance structures and contributes to delivery across a complex, multi-project portfolio.

Primary Responsibilities

Project Execution

• Lead delivery of digital scope for assigned projects or workstreams across:

  • Front-End Loading (FEL)

  • Detailed Design

  • Execution and construction

  • Commissioning & Qualification (C&Q)

• Manage scope, schedule, cost, and risks for defined project areas

• Track progress against milestones and ensure alignment with overall project plan

Digital Scope Delivery

• Execute defined digital scope components, including:

  • Process automation platforms (e.g., DeltaV, PLC systems)

  • Data integration and reporting solutions

  • Manufacturing systems (e.g., MES, historians)

• Support development of scope documentation, estimates, and deliverables

• Ensure quality and completeness of technical deliverables

Systems Integration

• Coordinate integration activities across:

  • Automation systems

  • OEM equipment and packaged systems

  • Site and enterprise data platforms

• Support resolution of technical integration issues and dependencies

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with:

  • Engineering, Automation, and IT teams

  • Site stakeholders and operations

  • External vendors and system integrators

• Facilitate coordination across teams to ensure aligned execution

Governance & Reporting

• Support project governance processes:

  • Stage-gate reviews (FEL, design, execution checkpoints)

  • Internal PMO reporting requirements

• Provide regular updates on status, risks, and issues

• Maintain project documentation in alignment with PMO standards

Operational Readiness Support

• Contribute to ensuring systems are ready for:

  • Startup and commissioning

  • Validation and qualification

  • Transition to operations

• Support alignment with site readiness and business objectives

Role Expectations:

Scope & Autonomy

• Manages defined project scopes or workstreams within larger capital projects

• Works within established processes and governance frameworks

• Receives direction on complex issues while independently managing day-to-day execution

Complexity

• Supports delivery of medium-complexity digital and automation scopes

• Coordinates across multiple stakeholders and technical disciplines

Influence

• Engages with project team members, site stakeholders, and vendors

• Supports alignment across technical and functional teams

Decision-Making

• Makes decisions within assigned scope and project boundaries

• Escalates risks, constraints, and cross-project impacts appropriately

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or related technical field

• Experience supporting project delivery within pharmaceutical, biotech, or regulated manufacturing environments

• Working knowledge of:

  • Automation platforms (e.g., DeltaV, PLC systems)

  • Manufacturing digital systems (MES, data integration, reporting tools)

• Demonstrated ability to manage project scope, schedule, and deliverables

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting capital projects across lifecycle phases (FEL through C&Q)

• Familiarity with project governance frameworks and stage-gate delivery

• Exposure to GMP, validation, and data integrity requirements

• Experience working with external vendors and system integrators

Key Competencies

• Project Management Execution

• Technical Coordination and Systems Integration

• Stakeholder Communication

• Risk Management and Issue Resolution

• Collaboration and Teamwork

Working Relationships

• Reports to: Capital Project Delivery Lead / Program Manager

• Interfaces with:

  • Digital Manufacturing division/ MVT stakeholders

  • Engineering, Automation, and IT teams

  • Site leadership and operations

  • External partners and suppliers

Success Measures

• Delivery of assigned digital scope on schedule, within budget, and to quality standards

• Effective coordination of system integration and technical deliverables

• Clear and accurate reporting of project status and risks

• Contribution to successful project startup and operational readiness

Required Skills:

Preferred Skills:

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US and Puerto Rico Residents Only:

The salary range for this role is

This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An employee’s position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, government requirements, and business or organizational needs.

The successful candidate will be eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable.

We offer a comprehensive package of benefits.  Available benefits include medical, dental, vision healthcare and other insurance benefits (for employee and family), retirement benefits, including 401(k), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate and sick days. More information about benefits is available at https://jobs.merck.com/us/en/compensation-and-benefits.

You can apply for this role through https://jobs.merck.com/us/en (or via the Workday Jobs Hub if you are a current employee). The application deadline for this position is stated on this posting.

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. 

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Relocation:

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