Senior Specialist - External Engineering (SM API manufacturing) – Chemical Technical Operations

Job Description

Our Small Molecule API Chemical Technical Operations Unit is seeking a highly motivated individual to fill an open Technical Lead position to support drug substance tech transfer and commercial manufacture within our External Manufacturing Network. This is an exciting opportunity to work with key strategic external partners, grow technical experience in API manufacturing, and work on high visibility network initiatives. Our team strives to provide technical excellence in our work and be strong partners, collaborators, and leaders within the small molecule line of business at our company.

This position reports to the Director, Chemical Technical Operations, Small Molecule API External Manufacturing.  

The Technical Lead will be responsible for the management of the technical interface between us and our External Partners (EP).  The technical lead will provide process support to External Partners for existing supply products to resolve production issues, evaluate and manage process change requests, proactively assess, and manage process/technical risks, and provide guidance on process improvement and capacity optimization. The technical lead will also provide oversight of External Partners during New Product Introductions and Technical Transfers, proactively identifying process/technical risks as part of pre-execution activities, providing on-site support during execution, and supporting post-execution activities.

The ideal candidate will be based in Northwestern Italy, preferably Veneto, or in Barcelona or the surrounding area, as the role requires on-site (CMO) presence.

Key Responsibilities:

• Operate independently on priorities established with assigned External Partners.
• Foster proactive partnerships with External Partners to meet business goals, identify and mitigate risks, and continuously enhance performance.
• Maintain a strong focus on compliance and Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) to drive supply excellence.
• Serve as the primary technical contact for assigned External Partners while coordinating with impacted company sites and External Partners.
• Collaborate with internal teams to ensure seamless product supply with an end-to-end mindset.
• Initiate and drive change controls to completion.
• Provide rapid support to External Partners to resolve manufacturing challenges and minimize supply disruptions.
• Collaborate with Research Laboratories groups during New Product Introductions/Technical Transfers and new technology development.
• Offer on-site support (Person In Plant) at External Partners as required, proactively identifying risks and supporting all phases of execution.
• Conduct technical due diligence assessments and provide expert consultation on chemical manufacturing matters.
• Review process change requests and deviation reports while ensuring regulatory compliance.

Education and Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, chemistry sciences or related discipline with a minimum of 5 years in Small Molecule API manufacturing or development, in the areas of process start up, technology introduction, manufacturing process development & optimization, and technical transfer.

What You Bring:

• Exceptional organizational skills and the ability to work independently.
• Proven leadership attributes including a global mindset, an end-to-end supply chain perspective, and strong collaborative abilities across functions and geographies.
• Demonstrated capacity to solve complex technical challenges, lead project teams, and influence stakeholders effectively.
• A solid understanding of small molecule API manufacturing processes.
• Fluency in English is essential
• Fluency in Italian and / or Spanish
• Ability to travel up to ~50%

The salary range for this position (in the primary location - Italy) is €45300 - €77000 (gross) .

This is the lowest and highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. This will be based on an individual’s experience, skills, organizational needs and compensation levels within their peer group. If applicable, employees may also be eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentives or other benefits. Our Talent Acquisition team will provide further information to you, if applicable.

This role is part of national collective labor agreement “CCNL Chimico-Farmaceutico" - "Quadro A3".

Required Skills:

Adaptability, Biopharmaceutical Manufacturing, Clinical Supply Chain Management, Contract Management, Contract Manufacturing, Driving Continuous Improvement, External Manufacturing, Lean Six Sigma Continuous Improvement, Manufacturing Operations, Process Optimization, Production Scheduling, Resource Staffing, Risk Management, Strategic Thinking, Technical Transfer

Preferred Skills:

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Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, also known as Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, Rahway, NJ, USA, does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. All CVs / resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at our company without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of our company.  No fee will be paid in the event a candidate is hired by our company as a result of an agency referral where no pre-existing agreement is in place. Where agency agreements are in place, introductions are position specific. Please, no phone calls or emails. 

Employee Status:

Regular

Relocation:

VISA Sponsorship:

Travel Requirements:

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Remote

Shift:

Valid Driving License:

Hazardous Material(s):

Job Posting End Date:

06/23/2026

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