Senior Operational Excellence Process Engineer/Digital Champion
Merck Healthcare KGaA
Summary
This role provides the opportunity to apply analytical thinking, data-driven storytelling, and stakeholder influence to unlock the highest-value productivity opportunities for Hometown Synthesis/Purification Operations (Thin Films and Specialty Gas). You will drive measurable productivity improvements by integrating Lean Six Sigma with Digital Solutions to deliver safe, reliable, and customer-focused outcomes.
Job description
Key Responsibilities
- Lead productivity initiatives across SYN/PUR product lines; develop and maintain Value Stream Maps (VSMs) & Daily Management Systems (DMS); drive process variation reduction (RCCAs, FMEA, DOE).
- Leverage dashboards, apps, and data platforms to access and interpret critical process data; apply SPC and analytics to improve OEE, throughput, and quality.
- Collaborate with Digital Solutions and Data & Digital IT (DDIT) to accelerate data access, data quality, and analytics readiness for manufacturing decisions.
- Own Management of Change (MOC) for OE implementations; design and deliver training on VSM, DMS, RCA, 5S, DOE, and digital tools; mentor site teams in problem-solving and data storytelling.
- Define and track KPIs (e.g., WAVE-related productivity, cycle time, scrap, yield, on-time delivery); provide regular leadership reporting; escalate risks and opportunities with clear remediation plans.
- Support technology transfer from pilot to commercial scale; contribute to commissioning/start-up activities for OE-driven projects; capture learnings for future scale-up across product lines.
Minimum Qualifications
- BS in Chemical Engineering or a related scientific field; advanced degree preferred
- 5+ years in manufacturing/process engineering with Lean Six Sigma experience; demonstrated problem-solving across chemical/physical processing environments
- Green Belt or similar certification (minimum); hands-on experience applying DFSS, DMAIC, RCCA, and FMEA
- Data literacy: experience with data storytelling, basic analytics, and using real time data to drive decisions
Preferred Qualifications
- MS or PhD in Chemical Engineering or related field
- Black Belt or Master Black Belt certification
- Data analytics experience (e.g., SPC/SQC, multivariate analysis) and familiarity with data platforms (e.g., Palantir Foundry or similar)
- Strong leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills; effective communicator across operators, engineers, and leadership
- Ability to thrive in a matrixed team, partner with multiple functions, and manage change with stakeholders
- Experience in technology transfer (small-to-large scale), commissioning/start-up, and operations of systems used in electronics materials manufacturing (synthesis, purification, filling, storage)
- Knowledge of semiconductor materials, packaging, processes, and customer experience
Requirements
- BS in Chemical Engineering or a related scientific field
- 5+ years in manufacturing/process engineering with Lean Six Sigma experience
- Green Belt or similar certification (minimum)
- Hands-on experience applying DFSS, DMAIC, RCCA, and FMEA
- Data literacy: data storytelling, basic analytics, and using real time data to drive decisions
- Demonstrated problem-solving across chemical/physical processing environments
Benefits
- Health Insurance
- Paid Time Off
- Retirement Contributions
- Performance-Based Bonuses
Company overview
Merck Healthcare KGaA is the healthcare business sector of the Merck Group, a German multinational science and technology company headquartered in Darmstadt. Founded in 1668, Merck is the world's oldest operating pharmaceutical and chemical company. The Healthcare division focuses on developing innovative therapies across multiple therapeutic areas including oncology, neurology & immunology, fertility, and cardiovascular, metabolic, and endocrinological disorders. With approximately 62,557 employees globally, Merck Healthcare operates in more than 65 countries and generated 40% of the Group's sales in 2024. The company's oncology portfolio includes blockbuster products like Erbitux (cetuximab) for colorectal and head and neck cancers, Bavencio (avelumab) for urothelial carcinoma, and Tepmetko (tepotinib) for MET-altered cancers. In neurology, Mavenclad (cladribine) has achieved blockbuster status for treating relapsing multiple sclerosis, while the fertility division has helped bring over 6 million babies into the world through products like Gonal-f. Merck Healthcare combines a strong established business with specialty innovation, delivering a diversified portfolio of therapies to millions of patients worldwide.