Head of Process Technology

Merck•Allentown, PA

9d•Onsite

About The Position

As the Head of Process Technology US, you will lead a critical engine for our regional process technology capability growth. Based out of Allentown, PA, you will orchestrate a high-performing team of Process and Process Controls engineers dedicated to delivering the future of semiconductor and chemical manufacturing by supporting both CAPEX and OPEX projects. This is a high-impact, hands-on leadership role where your strategic vision and technical mastery collide. You will oversee execution of process and process controls engineering for a diverse capital project portfolio—ranging from brownfield plant expansions to high-tech equipment installations. Your leadership will be the bridge between complex engineering management and successful operational handovers. In this role, you will bridge the gap between high-level strategy and technical execution. Your day-to-day will be a mix of people’s leadership and technical decision-making.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related technical field with 5+ years of experience; in lieu of degree, directly related work experience may be considered.
Deep engineering experience, ideally within the high-stakes worlds of semiconductors or specialty chemicals.
Demonstrated success managing cross-functional teams and external engineering partners to deliver complex capital projects.
Strong technical fluency in both chemical process technology and automation/controls innovation.
A Professional Engineer (PE) certification or an Advanced Degree (MS/PhD) in Engineering.
3+ years of experience leading and developing engineering teams, with a passion for mentorship and professional growth.
Firsthand experience navigating the complexities of retrofitting and expanding existing chemical process plants.
Deep knowledge of OSHA PSM and a rock-solid comprehension of chemical piping, equipment installation, construction safety practices, and hardwired/software shutdown methodology.
A strong awareness of the specialty materials market and the robust project systems required to manufacture them safely and sustainably.
Self-starting approach with the analytical "grit" to solve unique engineering management puzzles.

Responsibilities

Provide vision and direction for the US Process and Process Controls team.
Responsible for individual work allocation, resource utilization, and mentoring the next generation of engineering talent.
Drive the technical success of our capital project portfolio, ensuring every project is executed with a rigorous focus on strategy, design quality, and seamless handover to operations.
Serve as the critical link between the US and Global Engineering groups, ensuring US-based projects have the necessary multi-disciplinary resources to succeed through alignment with global strategies.
Seamlessly pivot between leading your team (50-75%) and diving into high-level individual technical contributions (25-50%) to solve the region's most complex engineering puzzles.
Oversee all process and controls activities to ensure they meet or exceed industry regulations, OSHA PSM requirements, and EMD Electronics global safety and quality benchmarks.
Lead the implementation of engineering best practices and "Smart Manufacturing" tools to keep US operations at the forefront of industry.
Continuously assess and leverage the capabilities of external engineering service providers and suppliers.