Senior Process Engineer, Technical Operations - Molecule Drug Substance
Job in
Elkton, Rockingham County, Virginia, 22827, USA
Listed on 2026-07-18
Listing for:
Merck
Full Time
position Listed on 2026-07-18
Job specializations:
-
Engineering
Process Engineer, Quality Engineering, Manufacturing Engineer, Validation Engineer
Job Description & How to Apply Below
Location: Elkton
** Job Description*
* We have an exciting opportunity for a
** Senior Process Engineer, Technical Operations - Drug Substance
** to join our growing team.
_At our company, we aspire to be the premier research-intensive biopharmaceutical company, using the power of leading-edge science to save and improve lives around the world. We are at the forefront of research to deliver innovative health solutions that advance the prevention and treatment of diseases in people and animals._
_Join a purpose-built, agile small molecule manufacturing site where your work will help bring important medicines to patients in the U.S. This facility is designed to move quickly and reliably, receiving technology transfers from commercialization sites and fast-following into production with a focus on quality, safety, and operational excellence._
_At our site, you'll be part of a team committed to creating a safe, environmentally responsible, and compliant workplace where people can do their best work. We are building deep small molecule expertise in the U.S., and we want team members who are excited to grow their skills, help improve how we operate, and contribute to a site positioned for future growth._
The successful candidate will provide
** technical leadership and process ownership
** supporting facility design, commissioning, qualification, and startup through to technology transfer, validation, and ongoing commercial manufacture of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs).
In this role, you will work as a key member of a cross-functional team, initially supporting the capital project and transitioning into
** process lead responsibilities across technology transfer and commercial manufacturing** , driving technical excellence and operational performance.
** Key Responsibilities*
* ** Technical & Process Leadership*
* + Provide technical leadership for API manufacturing processes, including:
+ Chemical synthesis
+ Purification and isolation
+ Crystallization and drying operations
+ Act as
** process owner / SME
** for assigned unit operations, equipment, or product processes
+ Lead technical input to the Capital Project Team, supporting design reviews, commissioning, qualification, and startup readiness
+ Lead or coordinate
** process scale-up, technology transfer, and validation activities** (e.g. pre-PPQ, PPQ)
+ Analyze and interpret process data to drive
** data-driven decision-making and performance improvements*
* + Provide advanced troubleshooting support during manufacturing campaigns, resolving complex technical issues
** Technology Transfer & Commercialization*
* + Lead or play a key role in
** execution of technology transfers
** for new products and processes into the facility
+ Partner with global R&D and network sites to ensure
** robust process knowledge transfer and right-first-time startup*
* + Drive process fit assessments, scale-up strategy, and manufacturability evaluations
+ Own or guide development and optimization of
** batch documentation and process instructions*
* + Support integration and industrialization of
** new technologies
** into manufacturing operations
** Process Optimization & Operational Excellence*
* + Partner with Manufacturing to ensure
** safe, efficient, and reliable plant performance*
* + Identify, priorities, and implement improvements in:
+ Process robustness
+ Product quality
+ Yield and throughput
+ Lead or drive
** continuous improvement initiatives
** aligned with operational excellence objectives
+ Use structured problem-solving approaches (e.g. RCA) to resolve deviations and recurring issues
+ Monitor process performance, trends, and cycle times to proactively identify risks and opportunities
+ Contribute to
** debottlenecking, cleaning, and turnaround optimization strategies*
* ** Compliance & Documentation*
* + Ensure all activities are conducted in compliance with
** cGMP, safety, and environmental standards*
* + Provide technical leadership in
** campaign preparation, execution, and post-campaign review*
* + Own or approve key
** batch record updates and process documentation improvements*
* + Support regulatory inspections and audits, providing technical input and ensuring inspection readiness
+ Ensure high standards of
** data integrity and technical documentation quality*
* ** Cross-functional Collaboration & Influence*
* + Act as a
** technical representative
** within cross-functional teams including Manufacturing, Quality, Engineering, Supply Chain, and R&D
+ Provide clear technical direction and influence decision-making across projects and operations
+ Lead or contribute to
** cross-functional initiatives** , driving alignment and delivery of key milestones
+ Support knowledge sharing and best practice transfer across the network
*
* Qualifications:
*
* To excel in this role, you will have:
+ Degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or related discipline
+ Typically
** 5+ years' experience
** in API manufacturing, process development, or pharmaceutical operations _(PhD may offset experience)_
+…
Position Requirements
10+ Years
work experience
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