2026 Future Talent Program - Associate Specialist, Process Engineer - Global Engineering Solutions Co-op (summer/fall 2026 Start)

Merck Merck · Pharma · KS

Co-op position for college students in their Junior or Senior year pursuing a degree in Engineering. The role involves learning and applying skills related to process engineering of pharmaceutical grade equipment for use in drug product and drug substance manufacturing. Responsibilities include applying technical knowledge, data analysis, and troubleshooting skills to support manufacturing processes and facilities, developing leadership skills, and supporting Biologics/Vaccine Projects in Animal Health.

What you'd actually do

  1. Apply technical knowledge, data analysis and troubleshooting skills in the support of pharmaceutical manufacturing processes and facilities, in a team-based environment.
  2. Utilize superior communication and interpersonal skills, a team player with the ability to work independently.
  3. Develop leadership skills in the areas of diverse team building, vendor management, and process equipment development/design.
  4. This position will function as a Process Engineer supporting a Biologics/Vaccine Project in Animal Health.
  5. Experience with an equipment life cycle approach including specification, selection, testing & commissioning, troubleshooting and qualification.

Skills

Required

  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering (e.g. Chemical, Biomedical, Mechanical, etc.) or equivalent discipline
  • Junior or Senior year student status
  • Technical knowledge
  • Data analysis
  • Troubleshooting skills
  • Communication skills
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Team player
  • Ability to work independently
  • Leadership skills
  • Vendor management
  • Process equipment development/design
  • Specification of unit operations
  • P&ID development
  • Hazard Analysis
  • Equipment operation
  • Commissioning & qualification
  • Project/Time Management skills

Nice to have

  • Interface with IPT members in support of Capital Project Delivery
  • Ability to assess multiple options and select a leading approach
  • Operating within cost and schedule constraints of project and department
  • Maintaining knowledge of best practices & industry trends
  • Ensures that deliverables conform to our company standards and practices, and are technically sound
  • Liaises with other technical functions to ensure successful technology transfers of new and in-line products
  • Collaborates effectively with contractors, suppliers and other team members
  • Prior experience with capital equipment specification and installation
  • Prior intern or co-op experience in the manufacturing or engineering sector, preferably Pharmaceutical