Engineering Senior Specialist, Global Engineering Solutions

Merck•Elkton, VA

9d•$117,000 - $184,200•Hybrid

About The Position

Global Engineering Solutions (GES) delivers capital projects using innovative technology and engineering solutions. GES Manufacturing Production Systems (MPS) partners with integrated project teams and external partners to embed MPS principles in projects and support long-term operability and operational excellence. Under the direction of the GES MPS Leader, the Senior Specialist works with GES project teams and stakeholders across Technical Operations, Operations, Supply Chain, and Quality to design facilities and technology solutions for pipeline and in-line products using MPS methodology and tools. With minimal supervision, the role drives improvement and right-first-time design at project and systems levels, aiming for high quality, short lead times, and low cost. The position has exposure to the Manufacturing Division's Capital Management Process and the GES Asset Delivery Process, and shapes the application of World Class Supply Chain Design principles from Front-End Loading design phases through Start-up Readiness. Expected travel is approximately 25%, subject to change.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree; an engineering degree or a degree in a related field is desired.
At least 5 years of experience in manufacturing, engineering, or consulting environments.
Hands-on application of Lean tools and techniques, including standardized work, scientific problem solving, value stream mapping, mistake proofing, and 5S-Visual Factory.
Experience applying Lean and understanding and successfully applying MPS critical-thinking skills.
Consultative skills, including influencing decision-making and interacting with all levels of the business, from senior leaders to shop-floor working teams.
Project management skills, solid business acumen, proven team-building skills, strong listening skills, a results-oriented approach, strong analytical skills, and prior process-improvement experience.
Proven experience coaching and teaching others to think, behave, and apply Lean methods and tools.
Group facilitation and capability-building skills, including willingness to speak up and keep teams focused on a common goal.
Experience enabling and leveraging diverse perspectives and talents to achieve business outcomes.
Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
Ability to develop business acumen to support business-case analysis.

Nice To Haves

Use of the Toyota Business Practice (8 Step) for problem solving.
Training in Lean based on the Toyota Production System (TPS).
Yellow belt, Green belt, and/or Black belt certification.
Experience utilizing MPS in a cross-functional environment.
Experience analyzing complex end-to-end supply chains and driving process improvement.
Strong skills using IT applications to organize and analyze data, such as MS Access, MS Excel, Minitab, and Power BI; coding knowledge in MS Excel or a related application is a plus.
Experience in operations management, manufacturing, or related disciplines.
Experience in a vaccines or sterile pharmaceutical environment.

Responsibilities

Use tools, techniques, and House of MPS principles to design, analyze, and improve process and facility designs on assigned projects, delivering simple, reliable, flexible, and cost-effective solutions.
Support process design from FEL 0 through FEL 3 and Start-up Readiness as a member of GES integrated project teams, including MPS support for developing project delivery management systems.
Teach and coach project teams to transfer Lean skills and develop their knowledge of MPS and its application.
Design and lead project workshops for information gathering, solution development, and relationship building.
Coach and lead improvements to GES business processes, including systems that enable project design and execution.
Engage and coach project teams and stakeholders at all levels to design solutions that meet standards for OA, changeover, facility layout, and process design and support long-term operability.
Manage teams to mitigate risk, allocate resources, and complete initiatives on time.
Mentor others in effective communication and active listening to understand client and customer needs and expectations.
Recognize and mitigate barriers to initiatives.
Promote continuous improvement and challenge the status quo.
Build trust and develop relationships with internal and external clients to collaborate and achieve successful outcomes.