Technology Lead, Agentic AI and R&D

Merck Group$119K — $178K *
Information Technology
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Master's or Ph.D. in a related field with relevant experience
  • Experience in technical leadership with architectural decision-making
  • Strong knowledge of distributed systems, APIs, and cloud services (AWS/Azure)
  • Security-focused with expertise in authentication and AI-related risks
  • Experience in establishing scalable coding and testing standards.

Responsibilities

  • Define and maintain technical architecture for the platform
  • Oversee coding standards through hands-on reviews and team collaboration
  • Design infrastructure for multi-program agent contributions
  • Lead the technical roadmap within a SAFe framework
  • Ship production code and manage CI/CD pipelines
  • Translate complex R&D needs into technical solutions
  • Mentor developers and guide AI-related decision-making.

Benefits

  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off (PTO)
  • Retirement contributions
  • Opportunities for personal growth and career development
  • Inclusive company culture supporting diversity and innovation.
Full Job Description
Location: San Jose, California | Remote Flexibility Available

Your Role

You will be the technical cornerstone of a high-impact, multi-agent platform that powers AI-amplified research and development. In this pivotal role, you will own the architecture and evolution of a production-grade agentic system that enables autonomous experiment design and automated reporting at scale. Your work will directly shape how science and technology interact, driving meaningful progress for patients and customers worldwide.

You will define and uphold engineering standards through hands-on code review, pairing, and concrete examples, ensuring quality and maintainability endure beyond individual contributors. You will build and maintain shared agentic infrastructure that allows multiple programs to contribute specialized agents within a single governed platform, connecting it to external tooling, partners, and the broader ecosystem for seamless integration and scalable growth.

You will own platform design decisions spanning data sources, access controls, agent composition patterns, scalability, and technical debt management. Within a SAFe delivery cadence, you will lead the technical roadmap, guiding both internal engineers and external contractors to maintain architectural consistency. You will ship production code, own CI/CD pipelines and observability, and drive robust testing and security practices for sensitive research data.

You will translate complex research and development requirements into reliable technical solutions and communicate them clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders. You will mentor developers, lead by example, and help the team navigate the evolving AI landscape with disciplined, evidence-based decision making. As the permanent internal anchor for architecture and standards, you will ensure the platform remains reliable, secure, and extensible as the program scales.

Who You Are

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Master's degree in computer science, data science, chemistry, materials science, or a related field with 3+ years of experience Or Ph.D in computer science, data science, chemistry, materials science, or a related field with 2+ years of experience.
  • Demonstrated experience in technical leadership, including making architectural decisions under uncertainty and guiding cross-functional engineering teams.
  • Solid understanding of distributed systems, APIs, and cloud infrastructure on AWS and/or Azure.
  • Security-first mindset with hands-on knowledge of authentication, authorization, input validation, and AI-specific risks such as prompt injection and data leakage.
  • Experience establishing engineering standards, automated testing strategies, and maintainable code practices that scale across teams and contributors.


Preferred Qualifications:
  • Proven track record of building and operating complex, production-grade software systems end to end, including ownership of CI/CD, observability, and on-call operations.
  • Experience designing or operating multi-agent or agentic AI platforms in a production environment.
  • Familiarity with large language model (LLM) orchestration frameworks and patterns for agent composition and governance.
  • Experience working within SAFe or similar scaled agile delivery frameworks.
  • Strong communication skills with the ability to bridge software engineering and non-technical research or product stakeholders.
  • Familiarity with research and development workflows, scientific data environments, or regulated data contexts where security and data governance are critical.


Base Pay Range for this position: $119,300-$178,900

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.

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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