Lead Maintenance Technician

Job Description

For over 130 years, we have pioneered groundbreaking science.  Today, we are driven by continuous innovation to develop breakthrough medicines, vaccines and technology.  Rooted in direct experience on the farm and in the clinic, we work hand in hand with our customers every step of the way.

Our singular focus is to empower those who care for animals, helping them manage their vital responsibility with confidence.  Because when it comes to animal health, no one sees it like we do.

Our Manufacturing Operations teams are the people that make our products. We work in the manufacturing plants with a “Safety First, Quality Always” mindset striving for continuous improvement. We work in the local plant connected to our global manufacturing network to ensure the highest quality of raw materials, intermediates and finished products.

The Lead Technician, Maintenance position is available at our Animal Health facility in De Soto, Kansas, located near Kansas City metropolitan area.  The DeSoto facility is expanding operations to manufacturing vaccines and biologics for large and companion animals.  Leveraging an experienced and innovative team environment, the key technologies at the site are biologics production using fermentation and cell culture platforms, filling and packaging.

The incumbent will be required to perform work in one or more special craft areas, and the work detail is to install, maintain, repair, and perform preventive maintenance on new and existing facilities equipment, electrical, mechanical, HVAC/R and computerized building management systems.  To repair equipment and recalibrate as needed.  To perform general building maintenance, mechanical and electrical troubleshooting and repair as needed.  To perform 24 hour emergency repair on a rotational basis.  Carries out industrial maintenance functions in accordance with current Good Manufacturing Practices and prepares technical documentation. Participates in the establishment and improvement of new and existing process equipment. Primary focus will involve maintaining process equipment by developing/performing PM's, documenting work using a computerized maintenance management system (CMMS - SAP) and other duties as requested by the Maintenance Manager.

Equipment:

• Utility Equipment:  steam boilers, chillers, air handlers, air compressors, DI water, etc.
• Process Equipment:  fermenters, process tanks, centrifuges, autoclaves, CIP systems, microfluidizers, etc.
• Packaging Equipment:  injection filler, unscramble, capper, labeler, tray packer, etc.
• Machine shop equipment: drill press, grinder, gas and electric welder, power cutting tools, etc.

Education Minimum Requirement:   

• High School diploma or equivalent required.
• Trade school, certifications, or college level courses related to construction/maintenance trades highly preferred.

Required Experience and Skills:  

• Five (5) years of industrial maintenance experience or two (2) year technical degree with three (3) years of maintenance experience or equivalent.
• A primary knowledge in the industrial maintenance environment is required.
• Mechanical and electrical trouble shooting skills are essential and must possess these skills to be effective in this area without further skills training.
• Must be able to read electrical prints and P&ID control loops.
• Must be able to demonstrate ability to maintain a strong safety culture with in daily activities.

Preferred Experience and Skills:

• Ability to use HMI (Human Machine Interface) & SCADA system for trouble shooting and repair preferred.
• Experience in FDA or USDA regulated environment preferred.

#MSJR

Required Skills:

Building Automation Systems, Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS), Electrical System Troubleshooting, HVAC Engineering, HVAC Maintenance, HVAC Systems, Hydraulic Systems, Instrumentation Systems, Instrument Calibrations, Manufacturing Equipment, Mechanical Troubleshooting, People Management, Pneumatic Systems, Preventive Maintenance, Prioritization

Preferred Skills:

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Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

US and Puerto Rico Residents Only:

Our company is committed to inclusion, ensuring that candidates can engage in a hiring process that exhibits their true capabilities. Please click here if you need an accommodation during the application or hiring process.

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.

Learn more about your rights, including under California, Colorado and other US State Acts

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:

No relocation

VISA Sponsorship:

No

Travel Requirements:

10%

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Not Applicable

Shift:

2nd - Evening

Valid Driving License:

No

Hazardous Material(s):

N/A

Job Posting End Date:

09/23/2026

*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.