Sr. Engineer/Scientist, Drug/Device Combination Products

Job Description

Are you passionate and motivated about developing tailored testing strategy for unique combination products? Join our Company’s Device Development & Technology team as Senior Engineer/Scientist and be at the forefront of innovation, leading the charge in designing and implementing specialized testing methodologies for each combination product we develop. We are seeking individuals with expertise in test method development/validation and design verification for the development and commercialization of combination products, including prefilled syringes, auto-injectors, on-body infusers/injectors, inhalers, and more. As a subject matter expert in medical device and combination product design verification, the candidate will lead the strategy and execution of design verification activities from concept to commercialization. As part of our dynamic and diverse team of experts, the candidate will spearhead the technical and scientific feasibility evaluation of the combination product and its components. The candidate will be responsible for establishing design input requirements and essential drug delivery outputs (EDDOs) and developing the respective design verification testing strategy and execution plan. The candidate’s expertise in testing methodologies development and validation strategies will be crucial in ensuring the reliability and accuracy of our results. Furthermore, the candidate will play a pivotal role in driving seamless technology transfers and conducting investigations as needed for our cutting-edge combination products. Join us and be part of a fulfilling and exciting journey in revolutionizing healthcare through the development of life-changing combination products where your expertise and drive will be valued and celebrated.

 

Education Requirement (minimum):

• B.S.  in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent field is required

 

Preferred Education:

• M.S or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent field

 

Specific requirements include:

• B.S. in Mechanical Engineering (or an equivalent field) + 6 years relevant industry experience; M.S. in Mechanical Engineering (or an equivalent field) + 3 years of experience in the medical device and/or combination product industry; or a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering (or an equivalent field).

• Ability to assess program needs, formulate, develop, and execute strategy, proactively identify and mitigate risks, engage, collaborate, mentor, and inspire team members.

• Strong working knowledge of ISO standards such as 11608, 11040 performance tests and studies including break loose and extrusion force (BLEF), breakage and burst resistance, dose accuracy, and container closure integrity to mention a few.

• New mechanical test method development, qualification, and validation.

• Working knowledge of analytical test method tech transfer processes and procedures (internal and external).

• Working knowledge of design controls and risk management processes for medical devices and combination products, including establishment of design inputs, design outputs, design verification, and risk management integration.

 

Expertise in testing, characterization, and troubleshooting of:

• Combination product drug delivery device components – plastic, metal, glass, elastomeric materials, etc. – fracture, stress-strain response, friction, hardness, surface roughness, surface energy quantification.

• Combination product sub-assemblies (including electro-mechanical) – system tear down analysis, gear ratio optimization, weakest link component identification and optimization, etc.

• Material characterization and failure mode analysis and integration with combination product risk management.

• Stress-strain testing of different materials under different environmental conditions, i.e., temperature, humidity.

• Conduct aging studies (e.g., accelerated and real time) and root cause investigations of drug delivery systems, e.g., inhalers, auto injectors, pen injectors, on-body infusers/injectors, etc…

• Eagerness to identify lab capability gaps, drive procurement of new equipment, and quickly upskill (also train others) on operation.

• Experience with analytical or numerical simulation.

• Excellent collaboration and ideation skills, including facilitating brainstorming sessions, developing proof of concepts, and generating feasibility data.

• Skilled in laboratory good documentation practices and electronic documentation systems.

• Excellent communication skills, written and oral.

• Promote and leverage diversity to achieve best outcomes.

 

Preferred experiences include:

• Experience in the development and commercialization of drug delivery combination products from design verification standpoint.

• Strong familiarity with regulatory landscape associated with drug delivery combination product design verification requirements.

• Strong familiarity with compression/tensile testing (Instron, Zwick, Texture Analyzer), rheology (TA Instrument), metrology/non-destructive inspection (XRCT [Zeiss], Optical microscopy [Keyence], CMM, high speed imaging)

• Experience in 3D CAD (Solidworks) and rapid manufacturing techniques (machining, 3D printing) for fixture development and device redesign efforts.

 

Fluency with industry-related guidance & standards:

• 21 CFR Part 4

• 21 CFR 820

• 21 CFR 211

• USP <1>

• USP <697>

• FDA Guidance for Industry, Container Closure Systems for Packaging Human Drugs and Biologics

• ISO 13485

• ISO 14971

• ISO 11608

• ISO 11040

• ISO 10993

• ISO 23908

• ISTA 3A/B

• ASTM F1886

• ASTM D4169

• ASTM F1980

Required Skills:

Combination Products, Commercialization, Cross-Functional Teamwork, Data Analysis, Design Controls, Design Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (DFMEA), Design Verification, Device Development, Drug Delivery Technology, Innovative Thinking, Interpersonal Relationships, ISO Standard, Mechanical Testing, Medical Devices, Process Optimization, Project Leadership, Quality Management Systems (QMS), Tensile Strength Testing, Test Method Validation, Troubleshooting

Preferred Skills:

Current Employees apply HERE

Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

US and Puerto Rico Residents Only:

Our company is committed to inclusion, ensuring that candidates can engage in a hiring process that exhibits their true capabilities. Please click here if you need an accommodation during the application or hiring process.

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.

Learn more about your rights, including under California, Colorado and other US State Acts

The salary range for this role is

$117,000.00 - $184,200.00

This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An employee’s position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, government requirements, and business or organizational needs.

The successful candidate will be eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable.

We offer a comprehensive package of benefits.  Available benefits include medical, dental, vision healthcare and other insurance benefits (for employee and family), retirement benefits, including 401(k), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate and sick days. More information about benefits is available at https://jobs.merck.com/us/en/compensation-and-benefits.

You can apply for this role through https://jobs.merck.com/us/en (or via the Workday Jobs Hub if you are a current employee). The application deadline for this position is stated on this posting.

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:

Yes

Travel Requirements:

25%

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Not Applicable

Shift:

Not Indicated

Valid Driving License:

No

Hazardous Material(s):

n/a

Job Posting End Date:

05/19/2026

*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.