Senior Specialist, DDT-Lab Automation, Lab Automation / Controls Engineer

MSD

Confirmed live today High trust

Quick summary

Work type
On-site
Location
Rahway, NJ
Salary
$117,000–$184,200 / yr
Posted
3 days ago
Freshness
Confirmed live today
Closes
Sep 25, 2026

Market check

Salary context

Competitive pay

How this pay compares to similar roles

Similar $157k
This role $151k
$109k most similar roles pay here $195k

This role pays more than 50% of similar roles. Most pay $136,347–$176,687 — the shaded band above. At the midpoint, this role pays about $151k versus about $157k 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 24 open roles on FindRole.

Listed pay typically runs $117,000–$184,200 across 24 roles with salary data.

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View all roles at MSD

At a glance

TL;DR · Senior Specialist, DDT-Lab Automation, Lab Automation / Controls Engineer

Senior Specialist, DDT–Lab Automation, Lab Automation / Controls Engineer (SCADA/Ignition) joins the Lab Automation team to build the digital backbone of automated laboratories. This role involves designing and developing SCADA-based solutions, such as Ignition, to connect laboratory equipment, workflows, and data pipelines into cohesive, scalable systems. The successful candidate will translate scientific workflows into robust digital implementations by collaborating with automation engineers and IT teams. Key responsibilities include managing technical scope for integration projects, establishing development standards, and creating reusable design patterns. The role requires expertise in SCADA or orchestration software like Ignition, DeltaV, or WinCC OA, along with experience in scripting languages such as Python, C#, VBA, JavaScript, or R. This position solves complex integration challenges within the pharmaceutical domain by connecting instruments and automation platforms to create end-to-end digital workflows for drug development.

What you'll do

  • Design and develop SCADA-based solutions using platforms like Ignition to connect laboratory equipment and workflows into cohesive systems.
  • Translate complex scientific workflows into scalable digital implementations by collaborating with researchers and automation engineers.
  • Manage the full lifecycle of integration projects, including technical scope, stakeholder coordination, and delivery with minimal guidance.
  • Solve complex integration challenges by applying systems-level thinking across software, hardware, and laboratory processes.
  • Develop and maintain the operation technology stack, including back-end architecture, equipment modules, and user interfaces.
  • Establish standard development practices, documentation, and reusable design patterns to ensure long-term system scalability.
  • Mentor colleagues and establish best practices for laboratory SCADA and orchestration development.
  • Integrate instruments, automation platforms, and data systems to create end-to-end digital workflows.

What we're looking for

  • Hold a B.S. in Engineering, Computer Science, Robotics, Mechatronics, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related field.
  • Possess at least 4 years of relevant experience in the field.
  • Experience designing and deploying production solutions using SCADA or orchestration software like Ignition, DeltaV, or WinCC OA.
  • Demonstrated automation experience supporting process development or production in life sciences.
  • Proven ability to apply scripting/programming best practices including version control and clean code.
  • Ability to independently deliver automation solutions and lead cross-functional workstreams with minimal guidance.
  • Strong communication skills to collaborate with researchers, technicians, and vendors to define requirements.
  • Experience with Python, C#, VBA, JavaScript, or R; experience with PLC/microcontrollers; and knowledge of IT networking (preferred).

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