Operations Specialist, Manufacturing Support

Job Description

A fantastic opportunity has arisen for an Operations Specialist, Manufacturing Support within our Drug Product manufacturing team at our state-of-the-art, fully integrated vaccine facility in Dundalk, Ireland. This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a fast-growing, dynamic team working with cutting-edge technology at the forefront of vaccine manufacturing.

The Operations Specialist will play a key role in supporting day-to-day manufacturing through troubleshooting, process monitoring, deviation investigation, risk assessment, documentation management, and continuous improvement. The role also contributes to readiness activities including engineering batches, process validation, APS, technology transfer, and commercial manufacturing preparations, helping to strengthen manufacturing capability and Right First Time performance.

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

• Providing technical support within the Drug Product Manufacturing team, including areas such as Formulation, Filling, Lyophilisation, Capping, and Automated Visual Inspection. Supporting manufacturing deliverables within Drug Product to support the successful product launch.
• Providing technical support to the operations teams during Aseptic Process Simulation (APS), engineering batches, and commercial manufacturing.
• Providing technical support for (Right First Time) RFT implementation and execution.
• Leading/participating in manufacturing investigations with cross-functional teams to ensure that detailed root cause analysis is completed, and appropriate CAPAs are implemented.
• Leading deviation root cause analysis and impact assessments.
• Explaining complex technical issues to external customers / agencies.
• Supporting Batch Disposition activities by providing SME technical support for comment resolution.
• Identification and implementation of projects to continuously improve the compliance and manufacturing capabilities within the DP Upstream Manufacturing area.
• Creating and revising technical documents including manufacturing batch records, Risk Assessments, SOPs, and technical memorandums.
• Supporting equipment qualification deliverables during execution of project phase including equipment Commissioning & Qualification, Installation & Operational Qualification (IOQ).
• Participating in Regulatory, Client and Internal audits inspections as the technical representative.

What skills you will need:

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

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Science or related discipline or, relevant proven experience.
• Minimum 3 years working in a cGMP biological, vaccine or pharma facility.
• cGMP experience with biological, vaccine or pharma facility with prior aseptic manufacturing experience is an advantage.
• Ability to operate within a matrix team to execute on the floor activities such as FAT, SAT, IQ/OQ and Engineering batches.
• Experience in leading and resolving complex technical investigations.
• Experience in a risk-based approach to manufacturing through the use of tools such as FMEA.

• Demonstrated skills in planning skills are mandatory.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities as project demands change.
• Understanding USP1790 and industry/ regulatory.
• Experience with AVI/MVI and creation of library of defects is an advantage.
• Experience in data driven approach to root cause analysis and prioritization of continuous improvement initiatives e.g., Six Sigma, Leam Manufacturing.

As a cutting-edge, state-of-the-art vaccines facility spanning over 15,500 square metres across three stories, our Dundalk site will focus on qualification, continued product development and expanding its capabilities within our network. Featuring drug substance manufacturing, drug product manufacturing and quality control labs that will support the global supply of vaccine products - strengthening our ability to make an impact on people and patients worldwide by adding new capabilities to our already industry-leading network. 

Required Skills:

cGMP Compliance, Operational Qualification, Operations Support, Process Optimization, Regulatory Compliance, Root Cause Investigations, Technical Writing, Training and Development

Preferred Skills:

Current Employees apply HERE

Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

Secondary Language(s) Job Description:

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.

As an equal opportunity employer, we are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing inclusive, talented, and committed people together.

Please don't hesitate to contact the Talent Acquisition Advisor assigned to this role should you need any support during our recruitment process.

So, if you are ready to:

Invent solutions to meet unmet healthcare needs, please apply today.

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:

09/22/2026

*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.