Ignition) (Onsite)

MSD•Rahway, NJ

1d•$87,300 - $137,400•Onsite

About The Position

We are a global biopharmaceutical leader with a portfolio of prescription medicines, oncology, vaccines and animal health products. We are driven by our purpose to develop and deliver innovative products that save and improve lives. With 69,000 employees operating in more than 140 countries, we offer state-of-the-art laboratories, plants and offices that are designed to inspire our employees as we learn, develop and grow in our careers. We are proud of our over 125 years of service to humanity and continue to be one of the world’s biggest investors in Research & Development. In the Development Sciences and Clinical Supply (DSCS) organization, we believe digital is the force multiplier that enables faster experiments, smarter decisions, more robust supply chains, and is ultimately redefining how we bring medicines to patients. Within DSCS, the DSCS Digital Technologies (DDT) team is building the next generation of data-rich, connected lab environments—where hardware, software, and AI-driven tools work together to accelerate pharmaceutical development. Our goal is simple but ambitious: embed advanced digital capabilities into the DNA of how we work. We believe this future starts with an effective foundation of laboratory tools: innovative robotics, process analytical technology (PAT), high-throughput technologies, reliable instrumentation, and integrated systems that seamlessly transition data from the physical labs to the digital world. We believe innovation is fueled by different teams that come together to build technologies that truly impact how our scientists conduct research. We’re looking for a Specialist to help make this vision real. We are seeking a Specialist, Laboratory Automation / Controls Engineer to join our Lab Automation team in Rahway, NJ. In this role, the candidate will help us execute towards our goal of automated and connected laboratories through the utilization and deployment of laboratory SCADA systems and orchestration platforms. The candidate will leverage industry standard and emerging technologies such as Ignition in concert with operational technologies to enable integration, orchestration, and visualization of laboratory systems and workflows. This position will work collaboratively across laboratory automation, digital engineering, and IT teams towards connecting laboratory equipment, automation systems, and data pipelines into cohesive, scalable solutions aligned with our future vision.

Requirements

A B.S. in Engineering (i.e. Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical), Computer Science, Robotics, Mechatronics, Pharmaceutical Sciences or a closely related field with at least 2 years of relevant experience
Experience developing, configuring, testing, or supporting solutions using SCADA or orchestration software (Ignition, DeltaV, WinCC OA, etc)
Automation experience supporting process development or production of pharmaceuticals, biopharmaceuticals, vaccines, or relevant life-sciences
Experience with scripting/programming following accepted best practices (version control, design patterns, clean code)
Demonstrated ability to contribute effectively on cross-functional teams and deliver automation solutions
Effective scientific collaboration and communication skills with the ability to work with end-users, technicians, and vendors

Nice To Haves

Experience with scripting/programming in one or more of the following: Python, C#, VBA, JavaScript, R
Experience with automation edge devices and controllers (PLC, microcontrollers, etc)
Ability to support the evaluation, prototyping, and deployment of technologies in laboratory automation
Understanding of data science and AI/ML concepts and their application to automation systems
Understanding of (bio)pharmaceutical process research and development, drug product development, and/ or analytical development
Experience with manufacturing equipment, process control, tuning, networking, data analysis
Motivated to learn new skills, willingness to take on new challenges, and scientific curiosity
Deep interest and desire to understand how systems work. Self-proclaimed maker, builder, tinkerer
Understanding of IT networking: system architecture, infrastructure integration, and deployment approaches

Responsibilities

Build the digital backbone of automated laboratories using defined SCADA-based (e.g. Ignition) components that connect equipment, workflows, and data
Contribute to translating scientific workflows into scalable systems by partnering with researchers and automation engineers to implement well-defined laboratory requirements
Develop defined components across the operations technology platform stack including equipment modules, user interfaces, and orchestration logic, with guidance on architecture and infrastructure integration
Solve a range of integration challenges by applying established methods, troubleshooting techniques, and systems-level thinking across software, automation, and laboratory workflows
Connect the ecosystem by supporting integration of instruments, automation platforms, and data systems within broader end-to-end digital workflows
Continuously improve platform capabilities by identifying issues and implementing agreed enhancements to performance, reliability, usability, and maintainability
Share knowledge across the organization by contributing to training materials, documentation, and development best practices
Build for sustainability by creating clear documentation and reusable components that support long-term scalability
Execute assigned work packages within larger laboratory automation projects while collaborating closely with senior engineers and project stakeholders

Benefits

medical, dental, vision healthcare and other insurance benefits (for employee and family)
retirement benefits, including 401(k)
paid holidays
vacation
compassionate and sick days

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