Process Engineer, Technical Operations, Small Molecule Drug Substance

MSD

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Quick summary

Work type
On-site
Location
Elkton, VA
Salary
$87,300–$137,400 / yr
Posted
25 days ago
Freshness
Confirmed live today
Closes
Oct 1, 2026
Nearby
9 roles within 25 mi

Market check

Salary context

Below market

How this pay compares to similar roles

Similar $156k
This role $112k
$75k most similar roles pay here $205k

This role pays less than 89% of similar roles. Most pay $133,875–$178,062 — the shaded band above. At the midpoint, this role pays about $112k versus about $156k 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 · Process Engineer, Technical Operations, Small Molecule Drug Substance

Role Posting Log in to save

The Process Engineer, Technical Operations - Small Molecule Drug Substance joins the technical operations team to provide essential support for active pharmaceutical ingredient manufacturing. This role involves supporting capital projects through design, commissioning, and qualification while transitioning into technology transfer and commercial manufacturing phases. The engineer will manage chemical synthesis, purification, isolation, crystallization, and drying operations while performing process scale-up, validation activities, and data analysis for performance monitoring and troubleshooting. Key responsibilities include identifying process improvements, conducting root cause analysis for deviations, and ensuring compliance with cGMP standards. Candidates should possess a degree in Chemical Engineering or Chemistry and experience in API manufacturing or process development. The role requires expertise in technical writing, project management, and cross-functional collaboration to optimize yield, cycle times, and cost efficiency within the small molecule drug substance production domain.

What does a Process Engineer earn?

Median $150600 from 37 postings across 7 companies.

See salary data

Skills

Chemical Engineering Chemistry cGMP API Manufacturing Process Development Technology Transfer Commissioning Qualification Validation Root Cause Analysis CAPA Data Analysis Lean Manufacturing Project Management Technical Writing Scale-up Process Optimization Equipment Troubleshooting

What you'll do

  • Provide technical support for API manufacturing processes including chemical synthesis, purification, crystallization, and drying.
  • Support capital projects through facility design, commissioning, qualification, and startup readiness.
  • Execute technology transfers of new products and processes from R&D into the manufacturing facility.
  • Analyze process data to monitor performance, troubleshoot issues, and implement improvements in product quality.
  • Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on increasing yield, reducing cycle times, and lowering costs.
  • Conduct deviation investigations, root cause analysis, and implement corrective actions (CAPAs).
  • Develop and review batch documentation, process instructions, and manufacturing protocols.
  • Ensure all operations comply with cGMP, safety, and environmental standards during production campaigns.

What we're looking for

  • Degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or a related discipline.
  • Typically 2–5+ years of experience in API manufacturing, process development, or a related pharmaceutical environment (PhD may offset experience).
  • Experience with API processing operations and scale-up.
  • Understanding of cGMP manufacturing and regulatory expectations.
  • Experience in one or more of: process support or development, technology transfer, or manufacturing operations.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to make sound technical decisions.
  • Ability to communicate and collaborate effectively across cross-functional teams.
  • Proactive, self-driven approach to continuous improvement.

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