Summary

Our Digital Manufacturing Operations Team supporting our vibrant West Point site is seeking a Process Automation Engineer Associate to join our team. This role will provide automation system support and expertise to enable our Manufacturing Division in the reliable and compliant supply of quality vaccine products to customers and patients across the globe. Responsible for problem resolution, implementation of process control, data collection techniques, and troubleshooting in compliance with SDLC, GMP, safety, and environmental regulations. Actively support and participate in a collaborative and respectful work environment, including significant interaction with Manufacturing, Quality, and Engineering groups. Supports a broad spectrum of automated systems within GMP Manufacturing Operations.

Job description

Position Overview

Our Digital Manufacturing Operations Team supporting our vibrant West Point site is seeking a Process Automation Engineer Associate to join our team. This role will provide automation system support and expertise to enable our Manufacturing Division in the reliable and compliant supply of quality vaccine products to customers and patients across the globe. Responsible for problem resolution, implementation of process control, data collection techniques, and troubleshooting in compliance with SDLC, GMP, safety, and environmental regulations. Actively support and participate in a collaborative and respectful work environment, including significant interaction with Manufacturing, Quality, and Engineering groups. Supports a broad spectrum of automated systems within GMP Manufacturing Operations.

Key Functions

Work independently and as a team member while demonstrating Integrity, Precision, Accomplishment, Motivational Ambition, and Respect.
Comply with Global Policies, Procedures, Guidelines, regulatory requirements, and current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) in the performance of day-to-day activities and all applicable job functions.
Provide automation system support and expertise to assist in the manufacture of quality vaccine products and support site priorities.
Support all automation system components associated with manufacturing processes, including shop floor support of manufacturing activities.
Design, implement, test, and close change controls related to automation corrective actions and continuous improvement initiatives.
Build relationships with functional counterparts and business stakeholders to proactively identify and resolve technical issues.
Lead or participate in investigations of automation incidents and issues to prevent recurrence, including development and implementation of corrective actions.
Maintain awareness of emerging automation technologies and industry trends and provide recommendations for adoption where appropriate.
Provide off-shift, weekend, evening, remote, or on-site automation support for 24/7 manufacturing operations as required.

Education

BS in Engineering, Computer Science or related field or High School Diploma and with 2 years of experience (GMP Manufacturing and/or Manufacturing Automation)

Experience, Skills & Knowledge

Required: Strong verbal and written communication skills and interpersonal abilities, with the capability to effectively interact with colleagues at all organizational levels and external partners. Ability to work effectively in a team environment while managing individual responsibilities.

Preferred: Experience in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry. Knowledge of and/or experience with process control systems. Experience supporting aseptic processing and/or sterile manufacturing operations. Technical and operational experience with computer systems, automation technologies, and programming.

Requirements

BS in Engineering, Computer Science or related field, or High School Diploma with 2 years of experience (GMP Manufacturing and/or Manufacturing Automation)
Strong verbal and written communication skills
Strong interpersonal abilities
Ability to interact effectively with colleagues at all organizational levels and external partners
Ability to work effectively in a team environment while managing individual responsibilities

Benefits

Medical, Dental & Vision
Retirement Benefits
401(k)
Paid Holidays
Vacation
Sick Days
Annual Bonus
Long-Term Incentive

Company overview

Merck & Co., Inc., known as Merck in the United States and Canada and MSD (Merck Sharp & Dohme) internationally, is a premier American multinational pharmaceutical company headquartered in Rahway, New Jersey. Founded in 1891 as the U.S. subsidiary of the German Merck Group, the company became independent following World War I and has since grown into one of the world's largest biomedical companies, ranking fourth globally by revenue. Merck operates across three core business segments: pharmaceuticals, vaccines, and animal health products. The company is renowned for its groundbreaking research and development, having brought numerous life-saving medicines to market including Keytruda (pembrolizumab), a leading immunotherapy for cancer treatment that generated $29.5 billion in 2024 revenue, and Gardasil, a revolutionary HPV vaccine. With approximately 75,000 employees worldwide, Merck maintains a robust pipeline of innovative therapies focused on oncology, vaccines, hospital acute care, cardiology, neuroscience, virology, immunology, and diabetes. The company invests heavily in R&D, spending $17.9 billion in 2024 alone, demonstrating its commitment to advancing scientific discovery. Merck's legacy spans over 130 years of bringing hope to humanity through important medicines and vaccines, operating with a purpose to use leading-edge science to save and improve lives globally while fostering an inclusive workforce and responsible business practices.