Associate Director, Pharmaceutical Data Engineer
Backend Developer
Manager
Analytics
Artificial Intelligence
Big Data
Bigdata
Business Intelligence
Cloud Data Engineering
Cloud Data Platform
Cloud Platform
Cloud Platforms
Data
Data Analysis
Data Analytics
Data Architecture
Data Engineer
Data Engineering
Data Governance
Data Integration
Data Lakehouse
Data Management
Data Pipeline
Data Platform
Data Processing
Data Science
Data Security
Data Visualization
Data Warehouse
Database
Databases
Databricks
Databricks Lakehouse
Design
Digital Marketing
Generative AI
Healthcare Data
Information Technology (IT)
Large Language Models
Machine Learning
Pharmaceutical
Programming
Programming Language
Programming Languages
Reporting and Analytics
Software Development
SQL
Visual Design
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