Associate Principal Scientist, Glass & Critical Components, Device Development and Technology

Job Description

We are seeking a highly experienced and skilled Senior Glass and Critical Component Technical Expert to join our team as a key technical support resource for our pharmaceutical and combination product engineering projects. The ideal candidate will have extensive knowledge and expertise in the design, development, and manufacturing of glass components such as syringes and vials for pharmaceutical and combination product applications.

Position title

• Associate Principal Scientist — Glass & Critical Components

Location

• West Point, PA or Rahway, NJ (Hybrid). Travel up to 15–25% as needed.

Reporting

• Reports to: Distinguished Scientist, Glass & Critical Components

Role summary

• The Associate Principal Scientist — Glass & Critical Components is a senior technical contributor and subject-matter specialist responsible for engineering, qualification, supplier technical oversight, and lifecycle support of glass primary containers (syringes, vials, cartridges) and other critical components used in pharmaceutical combination products and drug-delivery devices. The role applies materials science, failure analysis, process control, and regulatory knowledge to ensure component performance, manufacturability, supply robustness, and patient safety across development, transfer, and commercialization phases. The Associate Principal Scientist will lead technical investigations, drive component qualification strategies, and collaborate cross-functionally with device engineering, formulation, quality, regulatory, and suppliers.

Key responsibilities

• Technical expertise and problem solving

  • Serve as a primary technical resource for glass and related critical components, applying deep materials science knowledge to characterize component performance and failure modes (e.g., fractography, strength testing, contamination).

  • Lead root-cause investigations into glass breakage, handling, and other component-related events; develop evidence-based corrective and preventive actions.

• Component design, qualification & development

  • Define material and component specifications, acceptance criteria, and test strategies aligned to product use and regulatory expectations.

  • Lead and execute qualification packages for new components, including feasibility studies, performance testing, compatibility considerations, and documentation to demonstrate fitness for use.

• Process control and manufacturing readiness

  • Develop process control strategies and acceptance criteria for suppliers and manufacturing, using >

    Current Employees apply HERE

    Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

    US and Puerto Rico Residents Only:

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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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    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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    The salary range for this role is

    $142,400.00 - $224,100.00

    This 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:

    Regular

    Relocation:

    Domestic

    VISA Sponsorship:

    No

    Travel Requirements:

    25%

    Flexible Work Arrangements:

    Hybrid

    Shift:

    Not Indicated

    Valid Driving License:

    No

    Hazardous Material(s):

    N/A

    Job Posting End Date:

    07/4/2026

    *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.