Senior Specialist, DDT –Lab Automation, Lab Automation / Controls Engineer (SCADA/Ignition)

Job Description

In the Development Sciences and Clinical Supply (DSCS) organization, we believe digital is the force multiplier that enables faster experiments, smarter decisions, more robust supply chains, and is ultimately redefining how we bring medicines to patients.

Within DSCS, the DSCS Digital Technologies (DDT) team is building the next generation of data-rich, connected lab environments, where hardware, software, and AI-driven tools work together to accelerate pharmaceutical development. Our goal is simple but ambitious: embed advanced digital capabilities into the DNA of how we work. We believe this future starts with an effective foundation of laboratory tools: innovative robotics, process analytical technology (PAT), high-throughput technologies, reliable instrumentation, and integrated systems that seamlessly transition data from the physical labs to the digital world. We believe innovation is fueled by diverse teams that come together to build technologies that truly impact how our scientists conduct research. We’re looking for a Senior Specialist to help make this vision real.

We are seeking a Senior Specialist, Laboratory Automation / Controls Engineer to join our Lab Automation team in Rahway, NJ. In this role, the candidate will help us execute towards our goal of automated and connected laboratories through the utilization and deployment of laboratory SCADA systems and orchestration platforms. The candidate will leverage industry standard and emerging technologies such as DeltaV or Ignition in concert with operational technologies to enable integration, orchestration, and visualization of laboratory systems and workflows. This position will work collaboratively across laboratory automation, digital engineering, and IT teams to play a hands-on role in building foundational digital infrastructure that connects laboratory equipment, automation systems, and data pipelines into cohesive, scalable solutions aligned with our future vision.

How You’ll Make an Impact

Build the digital backbone of automated laboratories by developing SCADA-based (e.g. Ignition) solutions that connect equipment, workflows, and data into cohesive systems

Translate scientific workflows into scalable systems by partnering with researchers and automation engineers to convert laboratory needs into robust digital implementations

Develop across the operations technology platform stack, including back-end architecture (in collaboration with IT), equipment modules, user interfaces, and orchestration logic

Solve complex integration challenges by applying systems-level thinking across software, automation, and laboratory workflows

Connect the ecosystem by integrating instruments, automation platforms, and data systems to enable end-to-end digital workflows

Continuously improve platform capabilities to enhance performance, reliability, usability, and maintainability

Empower the organization by training and upskilling colleagues on laboratory SCADA and orchestration core capabilities and development best practices

Build for sustainability by creating clear documentation and reusable design patterns that support long-term scalability

Education Minimum Requirement:

A B.S. in an Engineering (i.e. Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical), Computer Science, Robotics, Mechatronics, Pharmaceutical Sciences or a closely related field with at least 6 years of relevant experience

Required Experience and Skills:

Experience with SCADA or orchestration software (DeltaV, Ignition, WinCC OA, etc)

Previous automation experience supporting process development or production.

Experience with scripting/programming following accepted best practices (version control, design patterns, clean code)

Demonstrated ability to work in an entrepreneurial and independent manner on cross-functional teams

Efficient scientific collaboration and communication skills with the ability to navigate conversations with end-users, technicians, and vendors

Preferred Experience and Skills:

Experience with scripting/programming in one or more of the following: Python, C#, VBA, JavaScript, R

Previous automation experience supporting process development or production of pharmaceuticals, biopharmaceuticals, or vaccines.

Experience with automation edge devices and controllers (PLC, microcontrollers, etc)

Ability to recognize, prototype, and deploy innovative technologies in laboratory automation

Understanding of data science and AI/ML concepts and their application to automation systems

Understanding of (bio)pharmaceutical process research and development, drug product development, and/ or analytical development

Experience with manufacturing equipment, process control, tuning, networking, data analysis

Motivated to learn new skills, willingness to take on new challenges, and scientific curiosity

Deep interest and desire to understand how systems work. Self-proclaimed maker, builder, tinkerer

Understanding of IT networking: system architecture, infrastructure integration, and deployment approaches

Required Skills:

Biopharmaceutical Industry, Chemical Engineering, Computer Programming, Data Management, Electrical Engineering, Emerging Technologies, Emerson DeltaV, Ignition Systems, Instrumentation Engineering, Laboratory Automation, Mechanical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Robotic Automation, Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA), Systems Architecture

Preferred Skills:

Machine Learning (ML), Product Development, Research and Development, Siemens PLC

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/International

VISA Sponsorship:

Yes

Travel Requirements:

10%

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Not Applicable

Shift:

1st - Day

Valid Driving License:

No

Hazardous Material(s):

n/a

Job Posting End Date:

08/18/2026 *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.

Requisition ID:R404280