Associate Director, Pharmaceutical Data Engineer

Merck is hiring an Associate Director to lead digital operations by building modern data foundations, automation, and AI-enabled workflows for pharmaceutical supply chain data.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, and implement modern data foundations and pipelines to meet business needs.
• Apply innovation and technology solutions (e.g., Databricks , Python , Agentic AI ) to manage data and enable advanced insights.
• Develop custom WebApps for proof-of-concept solutions, with later industrialization in the React Platform .
• Streamline processes and reduce manual work through advanced automation and machine learning .
• Contribute to the Data Strategy and Strategic Roadmap for future-ready systems and intelligent data architectures.
• Design, build, and optimize scalable data pipelines and architectures using Databricks , Python , Dataverse , and advanced SQL .
• Transform raw operational data into analytics-ready foundations, including SAP , MES , LIMS , and manufacturing and supply operations data for drug substance and drug product.
• Serve as a bridge between business and technology by translating stakeholder needs into business requirements and technical specifications.
• Design, test, and implement agentic AI workflows and machine learning models to automate decision-making and deliver proactive insights.
• Build and deploy user-friendly WebApps to support business operations, data entry, and interaction with underlying data models.
• Use modern development tooling (VS Code ) and AI coding assistants (Cline ) with GitHub for version control and code quality.
• Partner with data architects to support scalable, secure, and efficient data models for both analytical and transactional workloads.
• Document processes, code, data models, and system architectures; provide training and technical support to end-users as technologies roll out.

Requirements

• 5+ years of experience.
• Strong expertise in Python and advanced SQL .
• Deep, hands-on experience with Databricks Lakehouse architecture , Delta Lake , and Unity Catalog for data governance.
• Proven experience building custom data products and rapid-prototype front ends (Streamlit/React ).
• Strong familiarity with SAP (or similar ERP/manufacturing systems) as a primary source for complex supply chain and manufacturing data.
• Proven ability to gather complex requirements from non-technical stakeholders and translate them into actionable technical roadmaps.
• Familiarity with or strong interest in Agentic Modeling , Large Language Models (LLMs) , and integrating AI agents into workflows (e.g., Copilot Studio ).
• Experience working in Agile/Scrum using Jira Cloud for planning, story estimation, and tracking, and Confluence for multi-system technical documentation.
• High comfort level working in VS Code and leveraging AI-assisted coding tools to accelerate development.
• Strong experience with GitHub for version control, PR-based code reviews, and CI/CD pipelines .
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills for complex data challenges.
• Ability to develop trust-based relationships to drive change with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills across global audiences and levels.
• Independent decision-making with a proactive approach to leading projects and delivering results.

Preferred domain knowledge

• Familiarity with pharmaceutical drug substance or drug product supply chain operations, including process orders, batch genealogy, MRP/MPS planning, tech transfer, quality management, or global distribution.
• Experience with SAP (MM/PP/QM/SD modules) or related manufacturing execution systems (MES/LIMS) .

Technologies

• Python, SQL
• Databricks, Databricks Lakehouse architecture, Delta Lake, Unity Catalog
• Dataverse
• Agentic AI, Agentic Modeling, Large Language Models (LLMs), Copilot Studio
• Streamlit, React, WebApps
• SAP, MES, LIMS
• VS Code, Cline
• GitHub (PRs), Jira Cloud, Confluence, CI/CD

Compensation and logistics

• Location: Rahway, NJ (onsite)
• Flexible work arrangements: Hybrid
• Primary location for this posting: USA - Pennsylvania - West Point
• Salary range: $129,000.00 - $203,100.00 (yearly)
• Employee status: Regular
• End date: 11/13/2026
• Requisition ID: R

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision healthcare and other insurance benefits (for employee and family)
• Retirement benefits, including 401(k)
• Paid holidays
• Vacation
• Compassionate and sick days