Associate Principal Scientist Engineer, Drug and Device Combination Products (Onsite)

Job Description

The Associate Principal Scientist / Engineer of Method Development, Testing & Transfer will be responsible for helping to lead the Center of Excellence (CoE) focused on developing and validating platform and innovative device/CP functional test methods with high technical rigor in support of development activities, IND-enabling stability, commercial stability, and Design Verification. This role involves leading the method development technical strategy across multiple products and programs, and defining the transfer strategy and execution to internal and external GMP testing nodes in support of clinical and PPQ supplies. Additionally, the Associate Principal Scientist / Engineer will be responsible for the management and technical development of a small team (4-5 scientist / engineers) responsible for providing routine functional testing support for Device Characterization (DC) and Design Verification (DV) deliverables across development to commercialization for our Company's rapidly expanding medical device and combination product (MDCP) portfolio.

Key Responsibilities:

• Technical (co)leadership of a Center of Excellence (CoE) focused on developing and validating platform and innovative device/CP functional test methods with high technical rigor to support development, IND-enabling stability, commercial stability (PSS), and Design Verification (DV).
• Lead method tech transfer strategy and execution to internal and external GMP testing nodes in support of clinical and PPQ supplies.
• Lead, manage, and develop a team responsible for providing routine functional testing support for Device Characterization (DC) and Design Verification (DV) deliverables across development to commercialization.

• Collaborate with Analytical Research & Development (AR&D), Design Controls & Risk Management (DCRM), Quality, Regulatory, and Quality Control (QC) facilities to ensure that functional testing methods meet regulatory requirements, industry standards, and internal Quality Management System (QMS) compliance.
• Talent retention, training/upskilling, and recruiting of top talent as needed to deliver on pipeline and innovation projects.
• Ensure training, safety, and compliance requirements are met and roles and responsibilities are clearly understood and followed.
• Employee development and growth opportunities.

Qualifications:

• Advanced degree (PhD) preferred
• Demonstrated leadership experience in leading and managing teams, preferably in a regulated industry.
• Extensive knowledge of method development, validation, and transfer, with an understanding of regulatory requirements and industry best practices.
• Experience in collaborating with cross-functional teams including Quality, Regulatory, and QC facilities.
• Strong project management skills and the ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects effectively.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders.

Required Education, Experience & Skills

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or equivalent field.
• 7+ years of experience in method development, validation, and testing within the pharmaceutical, medical device, or combination product industry.

#eligibleforERP

#PRD

Required Skills:

Analytical Chemistry, Chemical Biology, Collaborative Development, Combination Products, Design Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (DFMEA), GMP Compliance, Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical Testing, Medical Device Quality Systems, Medicinal Chemistry, Project Management, Project Management Support, Quality Control Management, Quality Management Systems (QMS), Test Method Validation

Preferred Skills:

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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.

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The salary range for this role is

$142,400.00 - $224,100.00

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:

No

Travel Requirements:

25%

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Not Applicable

Shift:

1st - Day

Valid Driving License:

No

Hazardous Material(s):

n/a

Job Posting End Date:

08/3/2026

*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.