Associate Director, Equipment Development and Facility Engineering Technology Engineer

Associate Director, Equipment Development and Facility Engineering Technology Engineer

Merck’s Enabling Facilities (EF) group within the Chemical Engineering Research & Development (CERD) Department seeks a highly motivated individual to lead equipment development, system commissioning, and operational readiness for the new Modality Agnostic Chemistry Scaleup (MACS) Center and existing API Pilot Facilities. This fast‑paced role reports to the Associate Director, Engineering and resides at the Rahway, NJ facility.

• Network with partner groups (Project Teams, Enabling Technologies, Manufacturing Division, Quality, Safety, and Commercial Facilities) to scout emerging technologies.
• Partner with chemists and engineers to develop business cases for new technology investments.
• Assess pilot plant equipment and infrastructure capabilities to ensure capacity for future programs.
• Perform early assessments of proposed technologies to identify feasibility.
• Develop proposals for capital or expense projects to meet defined needs.
• Define process, mechanical, electrical, safety, and instrumentation requirements.
• Assess vendor offerings and provide technical oversight to internal/external construction efforts.
• Plan and execute prototyping and initial demonstration activities.
• Coordinate commissioning, qualification, and characterization for new equipment and technologies used for GMP manufacture.
• Socialize technology initiatives through internal and external presentations and publications.
• Engage with partner organizations to scale up processes to commercialization.

• Bachelor of Science in Engineering or a related scientific field with a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience.
• Master’s degree with 9 years of relevant experience.
• PhD degree with 6 years of relevant experience.

• Strong process and mechanical aptitude, capable of reading P&IDs and technical/mechanical diagrams.
• Regular hands‑on presence on the plant/shop floor.
• Process scale‑up experience from laboratory to pilot plant and/or pilot plant to commercial.
• Experience with pilot‑plant scale process equipment, instruments, and automation design.
• Familiarity with US and EU safety and GMP compliance regulations.
• Experience with GMP facility design, equipment start‑up, and/or qualification.
• Knowledge of electrical classifications for solvent and dust (Class I and II, Div I and II).
• Track record of establishing productive relationships with process scientists, operators, and external vendors.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to multi‑task.
• Effective interpersonal and written communication skills.
• Collaborative mindset and willingness to learn, contribute, and lead.
• Independent problem‑solving capability.

• Experience operating/maintaining pilot‑scale or prep‑lab scale equipment.
• Experience with potent compound processing and containment systems (e.g., isolators) or clean‑room facilities.
• Familiarity with change‑management processes and principles.
• Experience preparing SOPs and cGMP documents.
• History interacting with skilled trades (piping, electrical, millwrights, instrumentation, 3rd‑party contractors, and vendors).

Salary Range: $ – $
Bonus and long‑term incentive eligibility may apply.
Benefits include medical, dental, vision, retirement (401(k)), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate/sick days. For full benefits details visit Merck Compensation & Benefits.

Shift: Not Indicated
Travel:
No Travel Required
Relocation:
Domestic
Visa Sponsorship:
No
Hybrid Work Model:
Employees in U.S. office‑based positions work a hybrid schedule of three onsite days per week (Monday‑Thursday) with Friday remote, except for positions that require daily onsite presence.

02/7/2026

R379223

As an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, we provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. For more information about personal rights under U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment laws, visit the EEOC website.

We are committed to an inclusive workplace and encourage applicants to contact us if accommodations are needed during the application or hiring process.