Associate Director, Engineering- Small Molecule

Associate Director, Engineering, Packaging CommercializationReporting to the Director of Packaging Commercialization, the Associate Director, Engineering, Packaging Commercialization will lead packaging development for new oral solid dosage and parenteral products in our small molecule portfolio. This role involves collaborating with stakeholders across the end-to-end continuum of CMC areas and requires both an understanding of packaging as well as prior experience developing and commercializing new products on cross-functional teams. The Associate Director will be accountable for the definition and execution of overall packaging strategies that meet global network needs. Responsibilities include ensuring packaging system designs are robust, packaging processes are efficient, and control strategies are integrated with both upstream and downstream needs. They will ensure activities supporting these program deliverables are executed with technical rigor and drive risk understanding and reduction prior to product launch. The packaging development lead will be accountable for technical risk assessments, packaging specifications, and qualification activities, while ensuring compliance with all regulatory standards and sustainability goals. Individuals in this role will lead with ownership and accountability for representing, communicating, and balancing the interests of stakeholders. They will have an ability to effectively drive the right risk posture that balances technical probability, cost and resources, and trade-offs across various groups. The role requires strong technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and the capacity to navigate complex situations in a fast-paced environment, all while aligning packaging with product and patient needs.Minimum Education Requirement and Experience:+ Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Packaging Engineering, Packaging Science, Mechanical Engineering, or similar field with ten (10) years of relevant pharmaceutical development experience; OR + Master of Science (M.S.) in Packaging Engineering, Packaging Science, Mechanical Engineering, or similar field with eight (8) years of relevant pharmaceutical development experienceRequired Experience and Skills:+ Small molecule portfolio leadership, with experience supporting small molecule portfolio across oral solid dosage forms (tablets, capsules) + Demonstrated understanding of pharmaceutical development process and ability to design, develop, and test primary and secondary packaging components + Demonstrated understanding of the use of Risk Assessment tools + Demonstrated ability to work both independently and as part of a larger team + Demonstrated experience in leading cross-functional groups both internally and externally + Demonstrated project management experience and ability to provide technical leadership for complex projects while managing multiple projects in a fast-paced environment + Excellent technical written and oral communication skills that support presentation of information clearly and concisely for all levels of the organization + Demonstrated knowledge of current US, and global Regulations, ICH guidance, ISO standards, and quality system regulations for pharmaceutical packaging + Strong interpersonal skills and the demonstrated ability to influence senior leaders + Ability to manage complex programs and support multiple activities/projects + Willingness to grow and learn all areas of Pharmaceutical new product developmentPreferred Experience and Skills:+ Medical Device and Combination Product Packaging development experience + Quality Risk Management, Risk-Based Decision Making, and Quality by Design (QbD) experience + Experience in defining standard work processes and documents. + Experience specifying, processing and characterizing packaging materials including rigid and flexible barriers, pulp/paperboard and recyclables.Required Skills:Compliance Packaging, Cross-Functional Teamwork, Engineering Standards, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Leadership, Packaging Engineering, Packaging Processes, Pharmaceutical Development, Process Optimization, Project Management, Root Cause Analysis (RCA), Small Molecules, Technical LeadershipPreferred Skills:The salary range for this role is $129,000.00 - $203,100.00. 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.