Contractor Liaison / Mechanical Coordinator (On-site)
Merck
Summary
The Enabling Facilities group within the Chemical Engineering Research & Development Department is seeking a highly motivated individual to work in a fast-paced job that provides a high degree of practical technical, mechanical and planning responsibility. The Contractor Liaison / Mechanical Coordinator position will report to the Associate Director, Engineering and will be a member of the Equipment Development and Facility Engineering team at the Rahway NJ facility.
Job description
Responsibilities
This role at the Specialist level will serve as a team member supporting the Modality Agnostic Chemistry Scaleup (MACS) Center, a new potent, multi-modality Drug Substance development and GMP clinical manufacturing plant currently being constructed in Rahway, New Jersey. The Specialist will contribute to completing the capital project by supporting construction close-out, equipment and facility commissioning/qualification, and operations readiness workstreams, and will support the facility's operations after start-up in 2027.
Upon start-up, the selected candidate will lead the daily mechanical activities and be responsible for the planning, execution and supervision of preventative and corrective maintenance, facility improvements and yearly shutdown/turnaround efforts executed primarily by 3rd party contractors/vendors. This role additionally includes managing the contractor safety/management program for the MACS Center in compliance with company guidelines.
Daily Activities
- Prioritization of mechanical work to meet the timelines of the business
- Managing external vendors and ensuring compliance with global and site safety procedures regarding 3rd Party contractor management (sourcing, qualifying, training and work oversight)
- Issuing hazardous permits including line breaks, Class A & B hot work, elevated work, roof access and confined space entry
- Lockout/Tagout and Energy Control Procedure implementation and development
- Troubleshooting and supporting emergency repairs
- Guiding routine preventative maintenance and equipment calibrations
- Partnering with other Equipment Development and Facility Engineering Mechanical Coordinators supporting other components of the MACS Center strategic maintenance plan
- Process Equipment set-up and re-qualifications
- Supporting the design and execution of small expense and capital facility modifications
- Materials sourcing and coordinating with procurement
- Interaction with Computerized Maintenance Management System applications
The candidate will drive and ensure safe operations by 3rd party partners, liaise with operations specialists, facility engineers, compliance representatives, and other team members to ensure a safe work environment, the quality and safe delivery of clinical supplies, and an optimized work plan.
Additional Supported Areas
The Specialist may also support new and/or existing facilities across the Small Molecule Process Research & Development network and Enabling Facilities capital projects as required, including the Small Scale Organics Pilot Plant (SSO) and the Prep Lab Area.
Requirements
- BS in Engineering
- 3+ years' experience consisting of a mix of Project Engineering / Contractor Management in Pharmaceuticals, Chemical, Petrochemical, Food Processing/Manufacturing or other highly regulated environment
- Strong mechanical aptitude
- Maintenance, field engineer, project engineer or supervisor experience in chemical or manufacturing environments
- History interacting with skilled trades (e.g. Piping, Electrical, Millwrights, Instrumentation, 3rd party contractors and vendors)
- Ability to read and understand P&IDs and technical/mechanical diagrams
- Familiarity with Change Management and Compliance processes and principles
- Excellent organizational skills with an ability to multi-task
- Effective interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written
- A collaborative mindset
- Desire and willingness to learn, contribute and lead
- Track-record of independent problem-solving
- Fluent in Microsoft Office, use of email
Benefits
- Medical, Dental & Vision
- Retirement benefits
- 401(k)
- Paid holidays
- Vacation
- Compassionate leave
- 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.