2026 Future Talent Program - Associate Specialist, Process Engineer - Global Engineering Solutions Co-op​ (Spring 2026 Start)

Our ability to excel depends on the integrity, knowledge, imagination, skill, diversity, and teamwork of an individual like you. To this end, we strive to create an environment of mutual respect, inclusion, and teamwork. As part of our global team, you'll have the opportunity to collaborate with talented and dedicated colleagues while developing and expanding your career.

Global Engineering Solutions (GES) is responsible for the design, construction, and delivery of advanced manufacturing facilities and laboratories worldwide. We provide premier engineering solutions in the pharmaceutical industry through technical innovation and project management to deliver important life-saving medicines and vaccines to patients. With our extensive range of facilities and environments, our Engineers have opportunities to impact Large and Small Molecule areas within our Manufacturing Division and Animal Health lines of business, including Biological, Chemical, Automation, Capital Projects, Maintenance, Safety, Process Development, Technical Services, Utilities and Validation. Our Engineers provide solutions for internal and external manufacturing needs in support of operational efficiencies, continuous improvement, and innovations. This position in Global Engineering Solutions (GES) will help the successful candidate develop leadership, communication, and technical skills needed to be successful in a fast-paced engineering environment.

The Future Talent Program features co-operative assignments that last up to 6 months and will include one or more primary assignments as well as smaller secondary assignments. These opportunities can provide you with great development and a chance to see if we are the right company for your long-term goals. This Engineering Co-op position is targeted for college students in their Junior or Senior year. The role involves learning and applying skills related to process engineering of pharmaceutical grade equipment for use in drug product and drug substance manufacturing. During your assignment you will be surrounded with a support network and receive coaching from your assignment manager, mentors and a "buddy".

We are seeking candidates with outstanding academic records of achievement and demonstrated leadership abilities, candidates who are analytical and inquisitive about the interrelationships of various components, and perceptive, quick learners committed to making a difference in the pursuit of manufacturing high-quality, market-leading pharmaceutical and vaccine products.

The successful candidate's area of focus and specific assignments will be determined by business need at and during the co-op duration. The specific assignments and responsibilities will be determined closer to the co-op start date. During the assignment, general responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Apply technical knowledge, data analysis and troubleshooting skills in the support of pharmaceutical manufacturing processes and facilities, in a team-based environment.
• Utilize superior communication and interpersonal skills, a team player with the ability to work independently.
• Develop leadership skills in the areas of diverse team building, vendor management, and process equipment development/design.

Responsibilities specific to the position include but are not limited to:

• This position will function as a Process Engineer supporting API, Oral Solid Dosage, Biologics, Vaccine or Sterile Projects.
• Experience with an equipment life cycle approach including specification, selection, testing & commissioning, troubleshooting and qualification.
• Excellent collaboration and engagement as a team player with strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Analytical and Problem Solving Skills
• Project/Time Management skills which deliver on time and quality work
• Ability to travel, both domestic and international. Main base location will be at the Rahway, NJ Site.

Education Minimum Requirement:

• This position is targeted for candidates in their Junior or Senior year at an accredited college/university.
• Candidates must be currently pursuing a bachelor's or master's degree in Engineering (e.g. Chemical, Biomedical, Mechanical, etc.) or equivalent discipline. No prior experience is required.
• Candidates must be U.S. citizens or lawful permanent resident of U.S.

Preferred Experience and Skills:

• Interface with IPT members in support of Capital Project Delivery
• Ability to assess multiple options and select a leading approach
• Core knowledge should include specification of unit operations, P&ID development, Hazard Analysis, equipment operation, commissioning & qualification
• Operating within cost and schedule constraints of project and department
• Maintaining knowledge of best practices & industry trends; may participate in professional/technical organizations
• Ensures that deliverables conform to our company's 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 in the execution of the work, written and oral communication, and problem-solving skills with desire to be innovative.
• Prior experience with capital equipment specification and installation.
• Candidates possessing prior intern or co-op experience in the manufacturing or engineering sector, preferably Pharmaceutical will be given clear preference.

Please note that this position may be closed before the posted end date or may remain open longer, at the discretion of the company.

Salary range:
The salary range for this role is $39,600.00-$105,500.00 USD

MD2026

FTP2026

Current Employees apply HERE

Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

US and Puerto Rico Residents Only:

Our company is committed to inclusion, ensuring that candidates can engage in a hiring process that exhibits their true capabilities. Please click here if you need an accommodation during the application or hiring process.

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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We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing together, talented, and committed people with diverse experiences, perspectives, skills and backgrounds. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when people with diverse ideas, broad experiences, backgrounds, and skills come together in an inclusive environment. We encourage our colleagues to respectfully challenge one another's thinking and approach problems collectively.

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U.S. Hybrid Work Model

Effective September 5, 2023, employees in office-based positions in the U.S. will be working a Hybrid work consisting of three total days on-site per week, Monday - Thursday, although the specific days may vary by site or organization, with Friday designated as a remote-working day, unless business critical tasks require an on-site presence.This Hybrid work model does not apply to, and daily in-person attendance is required for, field-based positions; facility-based, manufacturing-based, or research-based positions where the work to be performed is located at a Company site; positions covered by a collective-bargaining agreement (unless the agreement provides for hybrid work); or any other position for which the Company has determined the job requirements cannot be reasonably met working remotely. Please note, this Hybrid work model guidance also does not apply to roles that have been designated as "remote".

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:
Intern/Co-op (Fixed Term)

Relocation:
No relocation

VISA Sponsorship:
No

Travel Requirements:
10%

Flexible Work Arrangements:
Hybrid

Shift:
Not Indicated

Valid Driving License:
No

Hazardous Material(s):
N/A

Required Skills:
Applied Engineering, Applied Engineering, Capital Projects, Clinical Research, Cloud Data Catalog, Communication, Construction, Data Analysis, Database Management, Data Science, Data Security, Data Visualization, Data Wrangling, Detail-Oriented, Event Planning, Global Engineering, Key Performance Indicators (KPI), Manufacturing, Oral Communications, Pharmaceutical Manufacturing, Pharmaceutical Systems, Process Engineering, Project Management, Python (Programming Language), Software Proficiency {+ 5 more}

Preferred Skills:

Job Posting End Date:
11/3/2025
*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.

Requisition ID: R362257