USA - Virginia - Elkton, United States of America
Onsite
Job Description
Position Summary
The Technical Project Manager (TPM) is responsible for delivering digital and automation scope within capital projects across the portfolio. This role leads defined project scopes or workstreams, ensuring the successful implementation of digital systems across the project lifecycle—from design through commissioning.
The TPM collaborates with cross-functional teams and partners to integrate automation, data, and manufacturing execution systems that enable facility startup, operational readiness, and manufacturing capability. This role operates within established project governance structures and contributes to delivery across a complex, multi-project portfolio.
Primary Responsibilities
Project Execution
Lead delivery of digital scope for assigned projects or workstreams across:
Front-End Loading (FEL)
Detailed Design
Execution and construction
Commissioning & Qualification (C&Q)
Manage scope, schedule, cost, and risks for defined project areas
Track progress against milestones and ensure alignment with overall project plan
Digital Scope Delivery
Execute defined digital scope components, including:
Process automation platforms (e.g., DeltaV, PLC systems)
Data integration and reporting solutions
Manufacturing systems (e.g., MES, historians)
Support development of scope documentation, estimates, and deliverables
Ensure quality and completeness of technical deliverables
Systems Integration
Coordinate integration activities across:
Automation systems
OEM equipment and packaged systems
Site and enterprise data platforms
Support resolution of technical integration issues and dependencies
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Partner with:
Engineering, Automation, and IT teams
Site stakeholders and operations
External vendors and system integrators
Facilitate coordination across teams to ensure aligned execution
Governance & Reporting
Support project governance processes:
Stage-gate reviews (FEL, design, execution checkpoints)
Internal PMO reporting requirements
Provide regular updates on status, risks, and issues
Maintain project documentation in alignment with PMO standards
Operational Readiness Support
Contribute to ensuring systems are ready for:
Startup and commissioning
Validation and qualification
Transition to operations
Support alignment with site readiness and business objectives
Role Expectations:
Scope & Autonomy
Manages defined project scopes or workstreams within larger capital projects
Works within established processes and governance frameworks
Receives direction on complex issues while independently managing day-to-day execution
Complexity
Supports delivery of medium-complexity digital and automation scopes
Coordinates across multiple stakeholders and technical disciplines
Influence
Engages with project team members, site stakeholders, and vendors
Supports alignment across technical and functional teams
Decision-Making
Makes decisions within assigned scope and project boundaries
Escalates risks, constraints, and cross-project impacts appropriately
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or related technical field
Experience supporting project delivery within pharmaceutical, biotech, or regulated manufacturing environments
Working knowledge of:
Automation platforms (e.g., DeltaV, PLC systems)
Manufacturing digital systems (MES, data integration, reporting tools)
Demonstrated ability to manage project scope, schedule, and deliverables
Preferred Qualifications
Experience supporting capital projects across lifecycle phases (FEL through C&Q)
Familiarity with project governance frameworks and stage-gate delivery
Exposure to GMP, validation, and data integrity requirements
Experience working with external vendors and system integrators
Key Competencies
Project Management Execution
Technical Coordination and Systems Integration
Stakeholder Communication
Risk Management and Issue Resolution
Collaboration and Teamwork
Working Relationships
Reports to: Capital Project Delivery Lead / Program Manager
Interfaces with:
Digital Manufacturing division/ MVT stakeholders
Engineering, Automation, and IT teams
Site leadership and operations
External partners and suppliers
Success Measures
Delivery of assigned digital scope on schedule, within budget, and to quality standards
Effective coordination of system integration and technical deliverables
Clear and accurate reporting of project status and risks
Contribution to successful project startup and operational readiness
Required Skills:
Capital Projects, Computer Science, Data Integrity, GMP Compliance, Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), Measurement Analysis, Portfolio, Programme, and Project Support, Program Management, Project Documentation, Project Governance, Project Management, Project Management System, Risk Management, Stakeholder Relationship Management, Systems Development Lifecycle (SDLC), Technical Management, Technical Projects, Waterfall ModelPreferred Skills:
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As an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, we provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. As a federal contractor, we comply with all affirmative action requirements for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. For more information about personal rights under the U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment laws, visit:
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The salary range for this role is
$117,000.00 - $184,200.00This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An employee’s position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, government requirements, and business or organizational needs.
The successful candidate will be eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable.
We offer a comprehensive package of benefits. Available benefits include medical, dental, vision healthcare and other insurance benefits (for employee and family), retirement benefits, including 401(k), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate and sick days. More information about benefits is available at https://jobs.merck.com/us/en/compensation-and-benefits.
You can apply for this role through https://jobs.merck.com/us/en (or via the Workday Jobs Hub if you are a current employee). The application deadline for this position is stated on this posting.
San Francisco Residents Only: We will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment in compliance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance
Los Angeles Residents Only: We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance
Search Firm Representatives Please Read Carefully
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:
RegularRelocation:
No relocationVISA Sponsorship:
NoTravel Requirements:
10%Flexible Work Arrangements:
Not ApplicableShift:
Not IndicatedValid Driving License:
NoHazardous Material(s):
n/aJob Posting End Date:
06/22/2026*A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFORE the listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date.
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