Associate Director, Global Engineering Solutions

Merck•Upper Gwynedd Township, PA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Global Engineering Solutions (GES) Technology Associate Director will support/drive the successful execution of multiple capital projects within our West Point, PA portfolio. This role will require strong process engineering skills, field execution expertise, project management, and exemplary communication and collaboration skills with our site teams, GES partners, and engineering firms. Reporting to the GES West Point Technology Center Lead, the Associate Director (AD) will be part of a high performing team accountable for implementation of a large capital project ($300M) and supporting the low-segment portfolio of work. The AD may own a suite team as a part of the larger capital project as well as drive the critical run-the-business improvement projects at the site, requiring keen chemical engineering skills and strong shop floor/field execution skills. The role is responsible for collaborating with design and construction partners, and driving equipment/process selection, design, startup and C&Q through all phases of the project. The Associate Director participates in project activities ranging from business case development through the implementation of the business solution using the Capital Management stage gate process with varying degrees of responsibility and will exhibit sound leadership and strong partnership, communication, and vendor management skills. They are expected to develop and maintain advanced technical knowledge in their respective area(s) of expertise. They use experience and foresight to identify potential issues and keep the project on track to avoid problems. The Associate Director collaborates with other Integrated Project Team (IPT) members (e.g., Project Management, Technology, Maintenance, Automation, Plant Operations, and Safety), Engineering Firms, and Vendors to progress deliverables. The Associate Director would be responsible for the planning, design, and implementation of capital projects including scope generation, process & facility design, equipment selection, vendor interaction, factory acceptance testing, technology transfer, construction support, equipment qualification, facility start-up and process demonstrations. Travel Commitment: The candidate may be willing to travel up to 25% of the time to account for vendor visits, collaboration with design partners, FATs, etc. This position will function as the technical/engineering process lead engineer with prior experience supporting Biologics, Vaccine and/or Sterile Projects:

Requirements

B.S. degree in Engineering (Chemical or Mechanical) or Science is required.
Minimum fifteen (15) years of experience in a functional area, such as Process-Equipment Engineering Design or Operational Maintenance.
At least 15 years of experience in Pharmaceutical/Biotech industry in engineering or manufacturing.
10+ years engineering or operations experience related to vaccines or biologics
Experience with an equipment life cycle approach including specification, selection, testing & commissioning, troubleshooting and qualification.
Understanding of hygienic design and unit operations specific to vaccine/biologic manufacturing and aseptic processing
Experience with capital projects that followed a stage gate capital management process
Excellent collaboration and engagement as a team player with dependable interpersonal and communication skills
Analytical and problem-solving skills that involve leading teams to correct answers via coaching.
Ability to drive and motivate a team of professionals through all phases of the project.
Project/time management skills which deliver on time and quality work
Core knowledge should include specification of unit operations, P&ID development, Hazard Analysis, equipment operation, commissioning & qualification
Familiar and experience with chemical handling, biosafety, and containment approaches in terms of solution development
Work independently and meet timelines in a fast-paced team-based environment.
Strong self-motivation; proactive, high-energy, "can do" work ethic; ability to handle potentially stressful situations with strong leadership principles.
Provide prompt escalations and report outs to leadership within the GES organization
Accountability
Adaptability
Automation Systems
Biopharmaceuticals
Biopharmaceutics
Business Case Development
Business Visions
Capital Project Management
Change Management
Chemical Engineering
Clinical Manufacturing
Communication
Data Analysis
Decision Making
Drug Product Manufacturing
Identifying Problems
Interpersonal Relationships
Leadership
Lean Manufacturing
Manufacturing Scale-Up
Motivation Management
Project Management
Projects Design
Regulatory Compliance

Nice To Haves

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Responsibilities

Guide or assist project design efforts, providing innovative solutions that meet business goals.
Collaborate with cross-functional suite teams in the evaluation of alternative solutions and the development of project scope
Provide technical guidance during project implementation, assure viability of technology in proposed configuration.
Provide support as needed for projects across the global network to drive sharing of lessons learned and drive efficiency in execution of project deliverables.
Lead or participate in Engineering Design review sessions.
Ensure that deliverables conform to our Company's standards and practices and are technically sound.
Liaise with other technical functions to ensure successful technology transfers of new and existing products.
Work with contractors, suppliers, and other team members in the execution of the work.
Ensure project is progressing with compliance to our company's Capital Project Roadmap and approved C&Q strategy.
Leads project design efforts, providing innovative solutions that meet business objective.
The position may have technical oversight to junior engineers and resources from an engineering firm and GES-Contractors.