Job Description

We are excited to announce an opening for the position of Equipment & Improvement Engineer in our Production/Maintenance department at our Carlow site! Reporting to the Maintenance Manager, the successful candidate will play a vital role in the production and supply of our life changing medicines through the initiation and delivery of equipment upgrades, project management and process improvements. Key responsibilities include supporting the technical team who execute planned maintenance, troubleshooting equipment issues, leading process improvement projects using Lean methodologies, and championing training programs to enhance team skills. Additionally, the engineer will support audit compliance, facilitate root cause analyses, and identify financial savings opportunities while ensuring adherence to operational procedures and documentation standards.

The ideal candidate will possess a strong manufacturing background, preferably within a GMP environment, and will be responsible for fostering a culture of safety and compliance in line with global policies and regulations. Leadership and team management skills are essential, as the engineer will coach the maintenance team and ensure they have the necessary resources for technical development. A strong focus on regulatory compliance and current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) is critical, along with the ability to perform additional related duties as assigned. Experience with Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) and a Lean Six Sigma Certification (Green or Black) are highly desirable.

We welcome candidates who can clearly demonstrate relevant engineering experience within a manufacturing environment, including those from non-pharmaceutical sectors such as food or packaging.

We also offer flexible working arrangements, which will be discussed in detail during the hiring process. Join us in making a significant impact at our Carlow site!

What you will do:

Bring energy, knowledge, innovation, and leadership to carry out the following:

Planned Maintenance and Calibration: Ensure the completion of scheduled planned maintenance and calibration tasks, collaborating with colleagues and other departments to achieve best practice outcomes.Troubleshooting and Equipment Optimization: Identify and troubleshoot equipment problems, driving change through the Change Control System to optimize throughput and reduce process cycle times.Process and Equipment Improvement: Manage improvement projects, applying lean tools and methodologies to analyze data and implement enhancements, focusing on continuous process improvement using Lean principles.Training and Continuous Skills Development: Deliver training programs that emphasize continuous skills development and knowledge enhancement while adhering to operational procedures and maintenance standards.Audit Support and Compliance: Support audits and inspections, ensuring department compliance and readiness, while participating in the development of corrective actions based on audit findings.Root Cause Analysis and Issue Resolution: Conduct root cause analysis using standard tools and methods to identify system failures and equipment performance issues, implementing necessary investigations and approving resolutions.Financial Savings and Project Support: Identify cost savings opportunities, provide resources and expertise for financial savings projects, and participate in the development of profit plans and budgets.Operational Procedures and Documentation: Oversee the writing, revising, and rollout of accurate operational procedures, training materials, and maintenance procedures, ensuring adherence to standards.Leadership and Team Management: Provide leadership, coaching, and management to the maintenance team, ensuring the availability of necessary resources and programs for technical skills development.Regulatory Compliance and cGMP: Ensure compliance with global policies and regulatory requirements, executing current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) in daily activities and job functions.Safety Culture and Compliance: Collaborate to promote a safe and compliant culture, participating in activities that support safety and adherence to regulations.Perform any other assigned duties as necessary. 

What skills you will need:

In order to excel in this role, you will more than likely have:

Educational background with a Degree (Hons) in Chemical/Process, Mechanical, Electrical, or Instrumentation engineering.Minimum of 5 years of direct engineering experience in a manufacturing environment, preferably within Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) settings, with expertise in sterile filling processes and equipment.Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting capabilities.Proven experience in managing budgets and vendor relationships.Comprehensive knowledge of health and safety compliance standards.Ability to make data-driven decisions through thorough analysis.Demonstrated project leadership and successful project management skills.Evidence of participation in and leadership of continuous improvement initiatives.Familiarity with lean manufacturing principles and practices.Experience with change control processes and documentation.Understanding of mechanical, electrical, and pneumatic processes.Proficient in troubleshooting and maintaining process instrumentation and equipment.Proficient in Microsoft Office and job-related computer applications.Experience with SAP systems.Skills in report, standards, and policy writing.Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.Understanding of responsibilities and interactions among various Carlow departments.Commitment to customer service and flexibility in approach.Self-motivated with strong change management and negotiation skills.Project management and risk management capabilities.Excellent time management, multitasking, and organizational skills.Attention to detail and ability to initiate and complete tasks.Strong goal/results orientation, data analysis, and training skills.Experience using Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS).Lean Six Sigma Certification (Green or Black) is highly desirable.

At our company, we work at the forefront of science and technology to advance manufacturing excellence and R&D across our Irish sites and global company network. We’re always looking to make a difference for people, patients, and communities – from Ireland to the world.

Our Commitment to Ireland:

Our Company Ireland is one of the Ireland’s leading healthcare companies, having first established here over 50 years ago. We have a dynamic and diverse team of over 3,000 employees currently working across seven sites in Ballydine, Co Tipperary, Brinny, Co Cork, Dunboyne, Co Meath, Carlow, and Dublin, where, in addition, operate substantial Human Health and Animal Health businesses. Through our long-standing footprint in Ireland and over $6 billion invested across our Irish operations, our Irish sites manufacture many of the company’s top products, helping save and enhance lives in over 140 countries around the world.

The Carlow site broke ground in 2008 and is a filling site for the launch and commercial supply of vaccines, biologics, and small molecule drug product. Since its initial launch, the site has attracted significant internal investment and is now home to a number of state-of-the-art production facilities, laboratories, and temperature-controlled warehousing units. The Carlow site is a significant employer in the South East region and attracts high performing talent through close collaborations with universities and colleges in the region.

As a company, we are committed to ‘Inventing for Life’ in all that we do. We keep the patient at the very heart of all that we do and strive to find solutions and treatments for some of the world’s most challenging healthcare needs. 

We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing diverse, talented, and committed people together. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when diverse ideas come together in an inclusive environment.

So, if you are ready to:

Invent solutions to meet unmet healthcare needs, Impact the future by driving one of the world’s leading healthcare companies, and inspire your team to reach their full potential and push the boundaries of science and technology, please apply today.

Current Employees apply HERE

Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

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:

VISA Sponsorship:

Travel Requirements:

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Not Applicable

Shift:

Valid Driving License:

Hazardous Material(s):

Job Posting End Date:

01/8/2025

*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:R322640