Senior Specialist Engineering

MSD • De Soto, KS

1d • $117,000 - $184,200 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Specialist, Bioprocess Engineer is an individual contributor and key technical expert for vaccine manufacturing technology transfers within the region. The role leads end-to-end transfer of vaccine processes, ensuring robust, compliant, and efficient implementation at receiving sites. It owns regional knowledge management for assigned processes, conducts proactive technical risk assessment and mitigation, and supports process robustness after transfer. The position leads cross-functional technical projects without direct reports, trains and mentors new hires, and provides expert support to manufacturing, quality, and other partners on complex technical topics.

The role is based primarily in De Soto, Kansas, with a hybrid work arrangement. The base schedule is first shift, Monday through Friday; off-shift coverage may be required based on manufacturing or transfer activities. Travel requirements are 10%.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree with significant relevant experience in Biotechnology, Biochemical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Pharmacy, or a related life science or engineering field.
• At least 5 years of experience in biopharmaceutical or vaccine manufacturing, process development, or technology transfer.
• Track record of leading technology transfers or major technical projects as an individual contributor.
• Strong understanding of upstream, downstream, fill-finish, and/or lyophilization processes in vaccine or biopharmaceutical manufacturing.
• Experience in vaccine or biopharmaceutical regulated environments.
• Experience with process characterization, scale-up/scale-down, and process robustness.
• Technical and problem-solving skills to motivate cross-functional teams responsible for implementation.
• Ability to train, coach, and influence others, with strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• High degree of ownership, scientific rigor, and a continuous improvement mindset.
• Proficiency in technical risk assessment and data analysis for process performance.
• Ability to prioritize, focus on, and obtain business results.
• Able to work first shift, Monday through Friday as the base schedule; off-shift coverage may be required based on manufacturing or transfer activities.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree.
• Familiarity with USDA regulatory expectations.
• Excellent technical writing and communication skills for diverse stakeholders.
• Strong project leadership and cross-functional collaboration without formal line authority.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and own regional knowledge management implementation for assigned processes, including transfer packages, playbooks, lessons learned, best practices, and consistent adoption across sites.
• Lead regional vaccine technology transfers end-to-end and ensure technical readiness and successful implementation at receiving sites.
• Identify and mitigate technical risks before transfer execution using structured assessments and data-driven action plans.
• Lead cross-functional technical projects and workstreams that enable transfer success and improve process performance.
• Train and mentor new hires to strengthen team capability and promote consistent ways of working.
• Ensure post-transfer process robustness through monitoring, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement in partnership with sites and Quality.
• Deliver compliant technical documentation and clear stakeholder communication aligned with quality, regulatory, and internal governance requirements.

Benefits

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

What This Job Offers

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