Principal Scientist, Engineering

MSD

Remote

Quick summary

Work type
Remote
Location
West Point
Salary
$173,200–$272,600 / yr
Posted
6 days ago
Closes
Jun 23, 2026

Market check

Salary context

Above market

How this pay compares to similar roles

Similar $196k
This role $223k
$134k most similar roles pay here $287k

This role pays more than 74% of similar roles. Most pay $161,500–$229,518 — the shaded band above. At the midpoint, this role pays about $223k versus about $196k 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 14 open roles on FindRole.

Listed pay typically runs $117,000–$184,200 across 14 roles with salary data.

Most-posted roles

View all roles at MSD

At a glance

TL;DR · Principal Scientist, Engineering

The Principal Scientist role within Our Company’s Manufacturing Division focuses on advancing and commercializing biologics pipeline programs as part of the Sterile Drug Product Commercialization team. This senior-level position involves executing and overseeing biologics product and process design, development, characterization, technology transfer, and robust commercial validation while leading cross-functional working groups to manage drug product activities through filing and Process Performance Qualification (PPQ). The Principal Scientist will ensure programs meet scientific, quality, reliability, schedule, and cost requirements, driving strategic initiatives for efficient commercialization. Key responsibilities include developing process and product plans, influencing decisions on packaging design, and authoring regulatory submissions. Preferred skills encompass experience with drug product optimization, scale-up, technology transfer, and a working knowledge of GMPs, ICH Quality norms, and statistical methods. This role demands expertise in sterile drug product fill finish processes and proficiency in biologics manufacturing at pilot and commercial scales.

What you'll do

  • Executes and oversees biologics product development, technology transfer, and commercial validation.
  • Leads cross-functional teams in process characterization, scale-up, and PPQ readiness activities.
  • Ensures commercialization programs meet scientific, quality, schedule, and cost requirements.
  • Innovates best practices for tech transfer, facility fit, and DP control strategy at commercial sites.
  • Develops and executes DP development studies, new product introductions, and process validations.

What we're looking for

  • Ph.D. in a relevant field with 8+ years of experience or equivalent.
  • Extensive experience in biologics drug product process development and optimization.
  • Proven track record in late-stage commercialization of biologics programs.
  • Expertise in sterile drug product fill finish manufacturing processes.
  • Strong background in technology transfer and scale-up to pilot/commercial scales.
  • Excellent communication skills for multi-disciplinary team environments.
  • Working knowledge of regulatory requirements and GMPs for sterile products.

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