Senior Specialist - Biologics Pilot Plant Automation Engineer (On-site)

Merck • Durham, NC

6d • $117,000 - $184,200 • Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Specialist, Pilot Plant Automation Engineer joins the Research & Development Division Biologics Pilot Plant Automation Engineering Group. The role leads and executes automation activities supporting pilot-scale GMP manufacturing campaigns for bulk biologics, including vaccines and therapeutic proteins used in clinical development. The engineer provides technical leadership for automation systems, supports clinical manufacturing operations, and drives implementation, qualification, and continuous improvement of automation solutions in the pilot plant environment.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical discipline.
• At least 5 years of relevant experience, including at least 3 years of automation engineering.
• Hands-on automation experience with Ignition and/or DeltaV platforms.
• Experience supporting GMP manufacturing operations within the pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical, or vaccine industry.
• Strong motivation and ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Strong organizational, planning, and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and within cross-functional teams.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with manufacturing equipment automation, process control systems, and/or process hazard analysis (PHA).
• Experience integrating equipment automation systems with enterprise IT-managed environments, including MES, virtualized environments, industrial networking infrastructure, Windows administration, cybersecurity, patching, and antivirus management.
• Familiarity with Agile and Waterfall project management methodologies.
• Experience using Jira, Confluence, RACI matrices, and Gantt-based planning tools.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership and ongoing support for facility automation systems.
• Serve as the automation subject matter expert for GMP clinical manufacturing campaigns.
• Lead and/or execute integration, commissioning, qualification, and startup of new equipment and automation projects.
• Author, review, and approve GMP documentation, including change controls, test protocols, SDLC documentation, SOPs, safety assessments, deviation investigations, and corrective actions.
• Lead maintenance, lifecycle management, and upgrade initiatives for automation systems.
• Evaluate and implement new automation technologies to improve plant reliability, efficiency, and operational performance.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams in a multidisciplinary project environment.
• Cross-train across multiple technologies, systems, and manufacturing processes to expand technical expertise.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision healthcare, and other insurance benefits for employees and family.
• Retirement benefits, including 401(k).
• Paid holidays, vacation, compassionate days, and sick days.
• Eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior