Job Description

Our company is expanding its global recombinant human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine production network by investing $650 million and have added a 225,000-square-foot building within the footprint of the Maurice R. Hilleman Center for Vaccine Manufacturing in Durham, NC. The new facility is being used to produce the bulk active ingredient for the HPV vaccine, comprised of fermentation, microfiltration/ultrafiltration, and chromatography steps.

Approximately 614,000 people are diagnosed with certain HPV-related cancers each year. Our company manufactures the two HPV vaccines that are predominantly utilized to eradicate these cancers globally. In recent years, countries around the world have enacted new or expanded HPV vaccination programs, which has created an unprecedented increase in global demand. The manufacturing facility in Durham will play a critical role in the network of plants that produce life-saving medicines and vaccines, including our HPV vaccines.

This Individual will provide leadership as the automation engineer for HPV Vaccine Facility directly supporting Alum production. Responsible for problem resolution, implementation of process control, data collection techniques, and troubleshooting in compliance with SDLC, GMP, safety, and environmental regulations. Actively support, participate and embrace an empowered team culture including significant interaction with manufacturing, quality and engineering groups. Supports a large spectrum of sophisticated automated systems within Manufacturing Operations; providing multiple opportunities to learn new automation technologies and make a positive impact. Provides direct support to Automation Lead including leading cross functional teams and providing direct guidance to the Automation team. Also provides technical coverage on automated systems.

Primary Activities include, but are not limited to:

Understands and supports all Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), safety, and environmental regulations. Review and approve automation documents, preventive maintenance, and SOPs to ensure compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices and safety.
Leads investigations of automation incidents and problems to prevent recurrence including the development and implementation of corrective actions.
Evaluates automated and information technology systems, and develops strategies to optimize and ensure quality and stability of automation systems through future expansion, replacement, or upgrade.
Assists in the Automation Lead in the training, development, motivation, and assignments for employees and contractors.
Coordinates projects with staff group for timely implementation.
Uses technical knowledge to assure the efficient operation of variety of automated processing and information technology systems. Leads in installing and placing new equipment into operations. Develops solutions for automation problems.
Participates in audits and training programs in the area of responsibility.
Project coordination leadership and implementation of troubleshooting activities and change control.
Initiate and lead collaboration within the Operations, Quality and Technical organizations to resolve complex problems.
On-floor support of manufacturing activities.
Identify and implement process/equipment improvements and manufacturing efficiencies.
Serves as liaison with corporate and divisional automation and IT groups.

Education Minimum Requirement:

High School Diploma or equivalent; or greater

Required Experience and Skills:

Minimum 7 years of experience in process automation or equivalent Or 5 years with BS degree
Experience programming Emerson DeltaV version 12+ required including Batch control
Minimum of 4 years of GMP Computer validation and systems life-cycle development methodology experience required.
Proven track record of analytical skills, problem solving and attention to detail
Strong data integrity acumen
Strong understanding of manufacturing principles/ processes and ability to translate manufacturing and business requirements into Automation/digital solution

Preferred Experience and Skills:

BS degree preferably in Engineering, Science, or Information Technology
Experience in the following areas is desired: DeltaV Version 14, DeltaV Live, SQL (basic querying), DeltaV SIS
Experience working with Information Technology teams.
Experience with regulatory audits and working knowledge of data integrity principles.
Understanding of Lean Manufacturing /Six Sigma methodology.
Strong leadership, interpersonal and communication skills.

#MSJR

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US and Puerto Rico Residents Only:

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. As a federal contractor, we comply with all affirmative action requirements for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. For more information about personal rights under the U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment laws, visit:

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We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing together, talented, and committed people with diverse experiences, perspectives, skills and backgrounds. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when people with diverse ideas, broad experiences, backgrounds, and skills come together in an inclusive environment. We encourage our colleagues to respectfully challenge one another’s thinking and approach problems collectively.

U.S. Hybrid Work Model

Effective September 5, 2023, employees in office-based positions in the U.S. will be working a Hybrid work consisting of three total days on-site per week, Monday - Thursday, although the specific days may vary by site or organization, with Friday designated as a remote-working day, unless business critical tasks require an on-site presence.This Hybrid work model does not apply to, and daily in-person attendance is required for, field-based positions; facility-based, manufacturing-based, or research-based positions where the work to be performed is located at a Company site; positions covered by a collective-bargaining agreement (unless the agreement provides for hybrid work); or any other position for which the Company has determined the job requirements cannot be reasonably met working remotely. Please note, this Hybrid work model guidance also does not apply to roles that have been designated as “remote”.

San Francisco Residents Only: We will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment in compliance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Los Angeles Residents Only: We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance

Search Firm Representatives Please Read Carefully
Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, also known as Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, Rahway, NJ, USA, does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. All CVs / resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at our company without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of our company. No fee will be paid in the event a candidate is hired by our company as a result of an agency referral where no pre-existing agreement is in place. Where agency agreements are in place, introductions are position specific. Please, no phone calls or emails.

Employee Status:

Regular

Relocation:

Domestic

VISA Sponsorship:

No

Travel Requirements:

10%

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Hybrid

Shift:

Not Indicated

Valid Driving License:

No

Hazardous Material(s):

n/a

Required Skills:

Applied Engineering, Audit Management, Automation, Automation Solutions, Biochemical Analysis, Business Process Improvements, Communication, Data Collection Methods, Data Management, Environmental Regulations, Environment Health and Safety, GMP Compliance, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Lean Manufacturing, Manufacturing Processes, Problem Management, Process Automations, Quality Management, Real-Time Programming, Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC), Systems Development Lifecycle (SDLC)

Preferred Skills:

Job Posting End Date:

07/17/2025

*A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFORE the listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date.