Associate Specialist, Engineering

MSD•De Soto, KS

2d•$71,900 - $113,200•Onsite

About The Position

The Associate Specialist, Engineering (Biotechnology Solutions) provides technical support for vaccine and biologics process development and manufacturing within a multidisciplinary environment. This role collaborates cross-functionally with Bioprocess Technology Solutions, Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality, and Research & Development (R&D) to support the development, scale-up, and commercialization of new veterinary products. Associate Specialist will contribute to process development, technology transfer, and continuous improvement initiatives while ensuring alignment with safety, quality, compliance, and operational excellence standards.

Requirements

Experience in biopharmaceutical or vaccine process development, R&D, or manufacturing environments
Strong technical writing, documentation, and communication skills
Demonstrated project management and organizational capabilities
Ability to work effectively in cross-functional and multidisciplinary teams
Strong problem-solving skills with a hands-on and data-driven approach
Understanding of GMP requirements and regulated environments
Ability to manage competing priorities and deliver results within defined timelines
Biochemistry
Biological Engineering
Cell Cultures
Chemical Engineering
Data Analysis
Detail-Oriented
Engineering Standards
Equipment Maintenance
Estimation and Planning
Field Failure Analysis
GMP Compliance
Identifying Risks
Mammalian Cell Culture
Manufacturing Processes
Manufacturing Quality Control
Mentorship
Microbiology
Pharmaceutical Sciences
Process Design
Process Improvements
Product Formulation
Regulatory Requirements
Scientific Problem Solving
Statistical Analysis

Nice To Haves

Experience with bioprocess scale-up and technology transfer
Knowledge of vaccine manufacturing processes
Working knowledge of USDA regulatory requirements
Familiarity with process monitoring, statistical analysis, and data interpretation

Responsibilities

Contribute as a team member to the development and scale-up of bioprocesses, including microbial, viral, and cell culture systems, as well as downstream purification and final formulation of vaccines and biologics.
Support technology transfer activities from development into manufacturing, ensuring processes are robust, scalable, and compliant with operational requirements.
Participate in process development and optimization efforts to meet product quality, safety, consistency, and cost-effectiveness targets.
Support technical investigations, validation activities, and continuous improvement initiatives, applying a structured and data-driven approach to problem-solving.
Analyze and troubleshoot issues by considering multiple perspectives, including safety, compliance, process, equipment, and operational factors, to identify root causes and implement solutions.
Collaborate cross-functionally with teams such as Manufacturing, Quality Control (QC), R&D, Regulatory, and Technical Services to enable scientific decision-making and project execution.
Contribute to the evaluation, introduction, and implementation of new technologies to support product and process improvements.
Support project management activities, including development of project charters, timelines, deliverables, risk identification, and mitigation plans.
Track and communicate project status, risks, and key milestones to stakeholders; escalate issues proactively as needed.
Develop, review, and maintain technical documentation, including protocols, reports, validation documents, and change control records, in compliance with regulatory and internal standards.
Ensure compliance with GMP, USDA, and other applicable regulatory requirements, and support inspection readiness activities.
Apply standardized engineering and process tools, and support design and execution of experimental studies at laboratory and/or manufacturing scale.
Demonstrate strong collaboration across global and cross-functional teams, contributing to team effectiveness and knowledge sharing.
Support environment, health, and safety (EHS) initiatives and continuous improvement efforts within the department.
Provide training, guidance, and mentorship to junior staff or trainees as needed.
Participate in off-shift or weekend work, as required to support operations or project timelines.