Director, Manufacturing Automation
Merck
August 10, 2026
On-site
Elkton, VA
Operations
Responsibilities:
- Direct shopfloor automation technical activities across all manufacturing areas to meet business objectives through standard work and processes.
- Adapt and implement functional strategic plans/priorities based on division scorecard and digital strategy; address local business, service, and operational challenges.
- Lead teams across technical, compliance, security, and business acumen domains.
- Support regulatory inspections, audits, and validation activities.
- Lead digital process improvement, productivity, and system support projects.
- Develop individuals and teams; provide guidance to key stakeholders; ensure standards/principles/governance are followed.
- Support problem solving across inter-related units.
- Support project execution and Asset Life Cycle Management (LCM) for automation assets; manage shopfloor asset risks.
- Build partnerships with digital leaders across the business network and manage vendor relationships.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s (or higher) in Engineering or Computer Science; or Master’s/MBA (8 years) or PhD (5 years) in relevant experience.
- 10+ years in a production regulated industry (automation services counts); 5+ years direct people management.
- 5+ years in GMP manufacturing automation; experience with DeltaV (or equivalent), PLCs, MES, and PI (or equivalent).
- Strong relationship-building, leadership in matrix organizations, ability to translate manufacturing needs into Automation/IT solutions, and analytical/problem-solving skills.
- Excellent written/verbal communication and influencing skills.
Preferred:
- Lean Six Sigma.
Skills:
Audit management, business process improvements, problem/project management, quality management, regulatory inspections, SDLC, strategic planning/management, supplier relationship management, team leadership.
Benefits/Application:
- Eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive (if applicable) and a benefits package including medical/dental/vision, retirement (401(k)), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate/sick days.
- Apply via https://jobs.merck.com/us/en (current employees via Workday Jobs Hub).
- Direct shopfloor automation technical activities across all manufacturing areas to meet business objectives through standard work and processes.
- Adapt and implement functional strategic plans/priorities based on division scorecard and digital strategy; address local business, service, and operational challenges.
- Lead teams across technical, compliance, security, and business acumen domains.
- Support regulatory inspections, audits, and validation activities.
- Lead digital process improvement, productivity, and system support projects.
- Develop individuals and teams; provide guidance to key stakeholders; ensure standards/principles/governance are followed.
- Support problem solving across inter-related units.
- Support project execution and Asset Life Cycle Management (LCM) for automation assets; manage shopfloor asset risks.
- Build partnerships with digital leaders across the business network and manage vendor relationships.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s (or higher) in Engineering or Computer Science; or Master’s/MBA (8 years) or PhD (5 years) in relevant experience.
- 10+ years in a production regulated industry (automation services counts); 5+ years direct people management.
- 5+ years in GMP manufacturing automation; experience with DeltaV (or equivalent), PLCs, MES, and PI (or equivalent).
- Strong relationship-building, leadership in matrix organizations, ability to translate manufacturing needs into Automation/IT solutions, and analytical/problem-solving skills.
- Excellent written/verbal communication and influencing skills.
Preferred:
- Lean Six Sigma.
Skills:
Audit management, business process improvements, problem/project management, quality management, regulatory inspections, SDLC, strategic planning/management, supplier relationship management, team leadership.
Benefits/Application:
- Eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive (if applicable) and a benefits package including medical/dental/vision, retirement (401(k)), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate/sick days.
- Apply via https://jobs.merck.com/us/en (current employees via Workday Jobs Hub).