2026 Future Talent Program - Vaccine Manufacturing Co-op
Merck
August 26, 2026
On-site
West Point, PA
Operations
This position will report to vaccine production or engineering management and support ongoing operational activities. Given the close interaction with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) manufacturing, candidates must comply with GMP gowning restrictions for some activities (e.g., remove jewelry/make-up/false nails).
This is a full-time Co-op position (Future Talent Program), featuring co-operative assignments lasting up to 6 months with one or more projects.
Responsibilities:
- Provide on-the-floor support of operational and technical issues; collaborate with the shop floor on manufacturing-critical projects/activities at the West Point, PA site.
- Perform deviation investigations to prevent re-occurrence (root cause, corrective/preventative actions, event scope, product impact assessment); complete investigational test protocols where applicable.
- Complete projects to improve process/manufacturing performance (Right-First-Time, prevent/reduce deviations; continuous improvement to improve yield, reduce cost, and lower processing cycle times).
- Support team safety, environmental, and compliance objectives.
- Collaborate with area Managers, Operators/Mechanics, and support groups (Maintenance, Automation, Technology, Quality, Supply Chain).
- Execute projects/studies in a right-first-time manner.
- Use and champion Lean Six Sigma (LSS) tools in problem solving and day-to-day operations.
- Provide progress updates to mentor; work with mentor to develop personal and professional skills.
Required Education/Experience:
- Pursuing an Associates, BS, or MS in Chemical, Mechanical, Biomedical, or related Engineering; or in Chemistry, Biology, Biotechnology, Microbiology, Virology, or Business and Engineering.
- Communication, leadership, and teamwork skills.
Preferred Skills/Experience:
- Biologics, vaccine, or bulk sterile manufacturing facility experience.
- Lean/Six Sigma tools experience.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks and lead small projects.
- Problem solving and/or troubleshooting experience.
Salary Range: $39,600.00-$105,500.00 USD
Requisition ID: R395900
Application: Current Employees apply HERE; Current Contingent Workers apply HERE.
This is a full-time Co-op position (Future Talent Program), featuring co-operative assignments lasting up to 6 months with one or more projects.
Responsibilities:
- Provide on-the-floor support of operational and technical issues; collaborate with the shop floor on manufacturing-critical projects/activities at the West Point, PA site.
- Perform deviation investigations to prevent re-occurrence (root cause, corrective/preventative actions, event scope, product impact assessment); complete investigational test protocols where applicable.
- Complete projects to improve process/manufacturing performance (Right-First-Time, prevent/reduce deviations; continuous improvement to improve yield, reduce cost, and lower processing cycle times).
- Support team safety, environmental, and compliance objectives.
- Collaborate with area Managers, Operators/Mechanics, and support groups (Maintenance, Automation, Technology, Quality, Supply Chain).
- Execute projects/studies in a right-first-time manner.
- Use and champion Lean Six Sigma (LSS) tools in problem solving and day-to-day operations.
- Provide progress updates to mentor; work with mentor to develop personal and professional skills.
Required Education/Experience:
- Pursuing an Associates, BS, or MS in Chemical, Mechanical, Biomedical, or related Engineering; or in Chemistry, Biology, Biotechnology, Microbiology, Virology, or Business and Engineering.
- Communication, leadership, and teamwork skills.
Preferred Skills/Experience:
- Biologics, vaccine, or bulk sterile manufacturing facility experience.
- Lean/Six Sigma tools experience.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks and lead small projects.
- Problem solving and/or troubleshooting experience.
Salary Range: $39,600.00-$105,500.00 USD
Requisition ID: R395900
Application: Current Employees apply HERE; Current Contingent Workers apply HERE.