Tamaqua Process Scale Up Manager

The businesses of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany•Tamaqua, PA

7d•$163,600 - $219,000•Onsite

About The Position

We are looking for a visionary and execution-driven leader to lead our Hometown Scale-Up team, with a clear focus on semiconductor-grade chemical processes. In this role, you will shape the full development lifecycle – from early-stage scalable chemistry conceptualization and technology assessment through scale-up, piloting, technology transfer, and post-launch optimization. You will lead a high-caliber team, drive engineering rigor through simulation and data-driven methods and serve as a key interface between R&D, marketing, asset management, manufacturing, and other global stakeholders. Reporting to the New Product Development Assistant Director, you will lead a dedicated team of up to 40 engineers and technical staff as part of a global organization.

Requirements

B.S. in Chemical Engineering or closely related field
8 years of experience in chemical process development or closely related fields; semiconductor or specialty chemicals industry experience strongly preferred.
Demonstrated track record in process and technology development, scale-up, and technology transfer from lab to production.
Hands-on experience with pilot plants, reactors, separation processes, and downstream processing relevant to semiconductor or specialty chemical manufacturing.
Solid background in engineering simulation and optimization: CFD, reaction kinetics, process modeling, DOE.
Strong stakeholder management skills with experience navigating complex, matrixed organizations.
Experience employing influence and thought leadership in global, cross-cultural teams; demonstrated proficiency in navigating regulatory, safety, and quality expectations across US and Asian manufacturing environments.

Nice To Haves

M.S. or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
Additional qualifications or certifications in process control, optimization, or semiconductor manufacturing are an advantage.
Expert-level proficiency in engineering simulations (CFD, kinetics, process modeling) and data-driven optimization methodologies.
Strong analytical and structured problem-solving skills; ability to translate complex technical findings into clear business decisions.
Proven leadership and people management capabilities; track record of building, motivating, and developing high-performing teams.
Excellent communication and negotiation skills; fluency in English required. German and/or Asian languages (Mandarin, Korean, Japanese) are a significant advantage.
High attention to detail; strong commitment to safety, quality, and regulatory compliance.
Culturally agile; experienced in working effectively across international and cross-functional environments.
Knowledge of semiconductor industry quality practice, cleanroom, or semiconductor manufacturing environments is a plus.

Responsibilities

Line management responsibility for maintaining the highest level of safety and 100% compliance with all relevant rules.
Designing processes with inherent safety and quality in mind and providing technical leadership to do so in the most efficient manner possible.
Define and drive the technology and process development strategy for semiconductor-related chemical processes, from early concept selection through full-scale production readiness.
Lead technical risk assessments and ensure they are done with adequate rigor.
Direct project scoping, technology assessments, and feasibility studies; establish clear go/no-go criteria for program advancement.
Build and maintain technology roadmaps, risk registers, and stage-gate project plans aligned with business priorities.
Own and execute scale-up activities from laboratory and bench scale to pilot and full production scale; systematically de-risk processes for manufacturing readiness.
Lead technology transfer to production sites, including process validation, QA/QC integration, and comprehensive documentation packages.
Collaborate actively with the global process development organization to identify potentially valuable new technologies to be employed for current and future project scope.
Collaborate with equipment engineering on the design, specification, and procurement of process equipment and automation solutions.
Champion engineering simulation and modeling (CFD, reaction kinetics, process modeling, DOE) as core tools for design decisions and scale-up risk mitigation.
Drive post-launch optimization programs targeting productivity, yield improvement, and cost-of-goods-sold (COGS) reduction.
Ensure full compliance with regulatory, quality, EHS, and safety standards across all CPD activities.
Carry out capital projects on time and on budgets. Communicate any deviations promptly.
Serve as the primary interface for process development and production transfer with business stakeholders in the US and Asia; reporting line to the Germany-based Head of Global Chemical Process Development.
Coordinate cross-functional teams (R&D, asset management, marketing, manufacturing, QA, EHS, procurement, supply chain) across time zones and cultural contexts to ensure timely decision-making and program alignment.
Establish and maintain strong partnerships with regional manufacturing sites in the US and Asia, including transfer engineers, operations, quality, and supply chain teams.
Participate in global steering committees and program reviews; ensure transparent governance, risk management, and milestone tracking across regions.
Lead, mentor, and develop a team of up to 40 engineers and technical staff; foster a culture of engineering excellence, accountability, and continuous learning.
Establish close relationships with team members at all levels and actively listen to their input.
Drive performance management, succession planning, and capability development within the PDP department.
Develop a learning organization that sees negative results as an opportunity to be exploited.