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Job Description

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: R424311

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

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