This role pays less than
59%
of similar roles. Most pay
$132,000–$194,000
— the shaded band above.
At the midpoint, this role pays about
$151k
versus about
$163k
for comparable roles.
Based on 239 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.
The Sr. Specialist, Operational Readiness Lead serves as a critical technical support and enablement partner within a high-capacity pharmaceutical manufacturing facility. This role focuses on building workforce readiness, ensuring operational reliability, and maintaining environmental compliance across all site facilities. You will design and implement formal training curriculums for operators, manage Standard Operating Procedures, and establish technical competency matrices to stabilize processes. Key responsibilities include developing contingency plans, facilitating simulation drills for utility failures, and supporting root cause analysis investigations. You will also oversee the integration of new equipment and provide reliability coaching for aging assets. The role requires expertise in boiler operations, chillers, cooling towers, HVAC, compressed air, and wastewater treatment systems. Essential skills include curriculum development, labor relations with unionized staff, and proficiency in Lean Six Sigma tools to ensure regulatory compliance and audit readiness.
Design and implement a formal technical curriculum for operators and first-line managers to replace informal onboarding.
Review and update Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and coordinate mandatory training for all operational staff.
Establish technical competency matrices and structured coaching programs to stabilize processes and preserve institutional knowledge.
Develop, maintain, and execute contingency plans and simulation drills for utility failures and disaster recovery.
Support root cause analysis investigations and after-action reviews to identify corrective actions for compliance near-misses.
Create training materials and standard procedures for the integration of new equipment into operations.
Develop troubleshooting guides and reliability coaching for managing aging or end-of-life facility assets.
Align technical curricula with state and federal environmental permits to ensure daily operations meet regulatory requirements.
What we're looking for
High School Diploma/GED with 8 years of experience, Associate degree with 6 years of experience, or Bachelor degree with 4 years of experience in industrial utilities/infrastructure operations.
Proven experience designing, writing, and executing formal technical curriculums or operator qualification programs.
Experience designing, planning, and coordinating operational readiness drills and business continuity preparation.
Demonstrated track record of working collaboratively with both salaried employees and unionized operating staff.
Current state-issued licenses and certifications for wastewater, potable water, and ASOPE (or ability to obtain within one year).
Deep technical understanding of boiler operations, chillers, cooling towers, HVAC, compressed air, wastewater treatment, and digital control systems.
Proficiency in Root Cause Analysis (RCA), Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA), and Lean Six Sigma tools.
Experience in facility engineering, manufacturing quality control, and ensuring compliance with state and federal environmental regulations.
Systems Engineering
Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE)
IBM DOORs
Cameo
Requirements Management
Risk Management
Product Development Cycle
Trade Studies
System Architecture
Rocket Propulsion Systems
SATCOM
Data Link Systems
MBSE
Requirements Management
System Architecture
Interface Control Documents
Signal Generators
Spectrum Analyzers
Power Meters
Network Testers
Configuration Management
Cybersecurity
Type 1 Encryption
Digital Engineering
Modeling and Simulation