Senior Process Engineer, Technical Operations, Small Molecule Drug Substance

MSD

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Quick summary

Work type
On-site
Location
Elkton, VA
Salary
$117,000–$184,200 / yr
Posted
27 days ago
Freshness
Confirmed live today
Closes
Oct 1, 2026
Nearby
9 roles within 25 mi

Market check

Salary context

Competitive pay

How this pay compares to similar roles

Similar $160k
This role $151k
$108k most similar roles pay here $203k

This role pays less than 56% of similar roles. Most pay $139,375–$180,500 — the shaded band above. At the midpoint, this role pays about $151k versus about $160k 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.

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View all roles at MSD

At a glance

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

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The Senior Process Engineer, Technical Operations - Small Molecule Drug Substance joins a technical operations team focused on small molecule manufacturing. This role provides technical leadership and process ownership for active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) across chemical synthesis, purification, isolation, crystallization, and drying operations. The individual will manage facility design, commissioning, qualification, startup, technology transfer, and validation while driving operational excellence through data-driven decision-making and root cause analysis. Key responsibilities include overseeing scale-up strategies, manufacturing process validation, and the integration of new technologies into production. Candidates must possess expertise in cGMP standards, chemical engineering principles, and pharmaceutical operations to resolve complex technical issues during manufacturing campaigns. The role requires proficiency in process optimization, batch documentation, and cross-functional collaboration with R&D, Quality, and Supply Chain teams to ensure high-quality drug substance production and regulatory compliance.

What does a Process Engineer earn?

Median $150600 from 37 postings across 7 companies.

See salary data

Skills

cGMP Chemical Engineering API Manufacturing Process Optimization Technology Transfer Root Cause Analysis (RCA) Manufacturing Process Validation Chemical Synthesis Purification Crystallization Drying Operations Scale-up Data Integrity Change Control Deviation Management Commissioning Qualification

What you'll do

  • Provide technical leadership for API manufacturing processes including chemical synthesis, purification, crystallization, and drying operations.
  • Act as the subject matter expert and process owner for assigned unit operations, equipment, and product processes.
  • Lead capital project activities including design reviews, commissioning, qualification, and startup readiness.
  • Manage technology transfers from R&D and network sites to ensure robust knowledge transfer and successful manufacturing starts.
  • Analyze process data to drive evidence-based decisions and implement improvements in yield, quality, and throughput.
  • Provide advanced troubleshooting support during manufacturing campaigns to resolve complex technical issues and deviations.
  • Develop and optimize batch documentation, process instructions, and industrialization of new technologies.
  • Ensure all operations comply with cGMP standards while supporting regulatory inspections and audit readiness.

What we're looking for

  • Degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or a related discipline.
  • Typically 5+ years of experience in API manufacturing, process development, or pharmaceutical operations (PhD may offset experience).
  • Strong experience in API processing operations and scale-up to commercial manufacturing.
  • Demonstrated involvement in technology transfer, validation, and process support.
  • Good understanding of cGMP manufacturing and regulatory expectations.
  • Experience in troubleshooting and process optimization within a manufacturing environment.
  • Ability to interpret complex data to drive decisions and lead technical workstreams.
  • Strong communication skills to influence cross-functional stakeholders and manage multiple priorities.

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