Associate Process Engineer, Technical Operations, Small Molecule Drug Substance

MSD

Confirmed live today High trust

Quick summary

Work type
On-site
Location
Elkton, VA
Salary
$71,900–$113,200 / yr
Posted
25 days ago
Freshness
Confirmed live today
Closes
Oct 1, 2026

Market check

Salary context

Below market

How this pay compares to similar roles

Similar $153k
This role $93k
$58k most similar roles pay here $204k

This role pays less than 96% of similar roles. Most pay $131,000–$174,750 — the shaded band above. At the midpoint, this role pays about $93k versus about $153k for comparable roles.

Based on 240 similar postings.

Employer

About MSD

MSD (Merck Sharp & Dohme) is the international name for Merck & Co., a major U.S.-based pharmaceutical company.

MSD currently has 47 open roles on FindRole.

Listed pay typically runs $117,000–$184,200 across 47 roles with salary data.

Most-posted roles

View all roles at MSD

At a glance

TL;DR · Associate Process Engineer, Technical Operations, Small Molecule Drug Substance

Associate Process Engineer, Technical Operations - Small Molecule Drug Substance will join the technical operations team to provide essential support for facility design, commissioning, qualification, and the ongoing commercial manufacture of active pharmaceutical ingredients. Working within a cross-functional team, the individual will manage technology transfers from external sites, oversee manufacturing scale-up, and perform process optimizations to improve robustness and product quality. Day-to-day responsibilities include analyzing process data for troubleshooting, conducting deviation investigations and root cause analyses, and ensuring all activities comply with cGMP standards. The role requires a bachelor’s degree in chemical or process engineering and experience in API manufacturing or pharmaceutical environments. Key competencies include technical problem-solving, data analysis, and collaborative communication to manage complex projects involving equipment ownership, batch documentation review, and the integration of new technologies into production workflows.

What does a Process Engineer earn?

Median $150600 from 37 postings across 7 companies.

See salary data

What you'll do

  • Provide technical support for facility design, commissioning, qualification, and startup readiness.
  • Manage assigned process equipment and manufacturing processes while identifying opportunities to overcome operational constraints.
  • Execute technology transfers for new products and processes from external sites into the production facility.
  • Analyze process data to monitor performance, troubleshoot issues, and implement improvements in product quality.
  • Provide on-the-floor technical support during active manufacturing campaigns.
  • Conduct deviation investigations, root cause analyses, and implement corrective actions (CAPAs).
  • Develop and review batch documentation, process instructions, and campaign preparation materials.
  • Ensure all operations comply with cGMP, safety, and environmental standards.

What we're looking for

  • Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering, or a related discipline.
  • 1–4+ years of experience in API manufacturing, process development, or a related pharmaceutical environment.
  • Experience in one or more of the following: process support/development, technology transfer, or manufacturing operations.
  • Exposure to API processing operations and scale-up.
  • Understanding of cGMP manufacturing and regulatory expectations.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to resolve technical issues and interpret data.
  • Excellent communication skills for cross-functional collaboration and guiding complex projects.
  • Ability to manage priorities, meet deadlines, and deliver quality outcomes in a fast-paced environment.

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