Job Description
Our Company's Device Product and Process Development (DPPD) Team is seeking a hands-on device characterization and design focused scientist. This position will be responsible for technical interrogation of the various drug delivery device technology platforms supporting our Company's pipeline to identify risks (i.e. when/how will the device fail?) and opportunities for improvement. They will utilize a wide variety of cutting-edge analytical instruments and methods, including in silico modeling, to build fundamental understanding of the devices’ material and functional properties and attributes. This understanding, combined with extensive data analysis/interpretation, will allow the role to design and develop functional improvements for these platforms and, as the opportunities arise, develop new and novel delivery technologies.
These drug delivery device technology platforms are often assemblages of glass pre-filled syringes, injection molded plastic components driving delivery of a drug, typically though mechanical or electro-mechanical means. Examples include, but not limited to, injector pens and inhalers.
Our Company is on a quest for cures and is committed to being the world’s premier, most research-intensive biopharmaceutical company. Today, we’re doubling down on this goal. Our Company's Research Laboratories is a true scientific research facility of tomorrow and will take our Company's leading discovery capabilities and world-class small molecule and biologics R&D expertise to create breakthrough science that radically changes the way we approach serious diseases.
Join us and experience our culture first-hand — one of strong ethics & integrity, diversified experiences, exceptional science, and a resounding passion for improving human health. As part of our global team, you’ll have the opportunity to collaborate with talented and dedicated colleagues while developing and expanding your career.
Education Requirement (minimum):
Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent field is required.
Required Experience and Skills:
A minimum of a Ph.D. plus 4 years of device design and engineering evaluation experience.
Fluency in structural finite element analysis (FEA).
Solid testing and troubleshooting skills able to work independently in a laboratory setting
Experience with mechanical testing, imaging, and measurement equipment and techniques. Including, but not limited to, mechanical testing, surface characterization, x-ray computed tomography, rheometry, and microscopy.
Experience in 3D CAD (e.g. Solidworks), geometric tolerancing and stack-up analysis.
Fluency in Design Failure Modes and Effect Analysis (FMEA, DFMEA).
Cross-functional communication – communicating complex mechanical engineering information in layman’s terms to facilitate cross-functional understanding and to support project timelines.
Development experience in risk-oriented, regulated environments
Development project leadership with a proven track record collaborating with and managing external vendors/research partners.
Preferred Experience and Skills:
Experience with medical device development with understanding of Design Controls (21 CFR 820.30)
Familiarity with the following standards: Quality Management – ISO 13485, Risk Management – ISO 14971, EU MDR, ISO 11608 Needle-based injection system for medical use.
Familiarity with Design Verification (DV) strategies and mechanical tests with validations, including engineering studies, design verification protocols, stability studies and validation protocols, ensuring appropriate selection of acceptance criteria and sampling plans. Ensures measurement systems analysis (MSA’s) for all finished product performance test methods as needed in tech transfer or lifecycle.
Additional familiarity/experience with the following knowledge is a plus:
21 CFR Part 4
21 CFR 211
FDA Guidance for Industry, Container Closure Systems for Packaging Human Drugs & Biologics
ISO 13485
ISO 14971
ISO 11040
ISO 10993
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:
EEOC Know Your Rights
EEOC GINA Supplement​
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
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”.
The Company is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the salary range for this job in certain states and cities within the United States. Final determinations with respect to salary will take into account a number of factors, which may include, but not be limited to the primary work location and the chosen candidate’s relevant skills, experience, and education.
Expected US salary range:
$139,600.00 - $219,700.00
Available benefits include bonus eligibility, long term incentive if applicable, health care and other insurance benefits (for employee and family), retirement benefits, paid holidays, vacation, and sick days. A summary of benefits is listed here.
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:
10%
Flexible Work Arrangements:
Not Applicable
Shift:
Not Indicated
Valid Driving License:
No
Hazardous Material(s):
n/a
Job Posting End Date:
05/14/2025
*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.
