Job Description
Join a premier research‑intensive biopharmaceutical organization at the forefront of delivering innovative health solutions. We are seeking a Sr. Mechanical Engineer / Assistant Project Manager to support the design and delivery of mechanical systems for our Desoto, KS facility. This role combines mechanical (HVAC, piping, plumbing) design with project coordination, budget support, and construction oversight.
You will work closely with end users, design-build partners, OEMs, and internal engineering and operations teams to turn business requirements into practical, robust engineering solutions. From design reviews and construction support to startup and handover, you’ll play a key role in ensuring systems are technically sound, safe, compliant, and ready for reliable operation. This position offers the opportunity to contribute directly to large, multidisciplinary capital projects while building your expertise in a highly regulated, cutting-edge biopharmaceutical environment.
Key Responsibilities
Design & Engineering
- Design HVAC, mechanical piping, and plumbing systems for new builds and renovations.
- Perform load and system sizing calculations using industry‑standard tools.
- Produce construction documents and models using AutoCAD, Revit (plus Plant 3D/Navisworks as needed).
- Evaluate mechanical/electrical options and recommend cost‑effective, constructible solutions.
- Apply applicable codes and standards (e.g., mechanical code, IPC, IFGC, cleanroom/aseptic guidelines).
Project Management & Coordination
- Assist with managing project scope, schedule, budget, and deliverables.
- Develop budgetary M/E estimates from programmatic and schematic design information.
- Coordinate with other disciplines, contractors, and clients throughout design and construction.
- Review RFIs, submittals, and shop drawings; support change order evaluation and negotiations.
- Provide scheduling input and help sequence work to meet project milestones.
Construction & Quality
- Support field construction activities to verify compliance with design intent.
- Conduct on‑site assessments of existing mechanical equipment and systems and prepare recommendations.
- Participate in construction quality assurance, including site reports and issue tracking.
- Help develop and implement quality control processes and tools.
- Mentor junior staff and contribute to continuous improvement of engineering workflows.
Qualifications Required
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering
- 5+ years of experience supporting engineering projects and/or multiple capital construction projects valued at $1M or greater
- Demonstrated ability to develop engineering specifications (URS/FRS/DDS), read/interpret drawings and P&IDs, and lead FAT/SAT and CQV activities
- Proven experience establishing and managing schedules, and change control; proficiency with MS Project and office productivity tools
- Strong problem solving and root-cause analysis across safety, compliance, automation, equipment, and process domains
- Excellent communication, leadership, stakeholder management, and team facilitation skills; ability to influence across functions and levels
- Ability to work in manufacturing environments with exposure to temperature extremes, noise, moving mechanical parts, and production chemicals
Desired Background
- Mechanical and /or Electrical Engineering design experience
- Experience in USDA-regulated and/or pharmaceutical manufacturing sites and capabilities
- PMP (Project Management Professional) or equivalent project management certification
- Lean/Six Sigma training or certification
- Experience with SAP or similar CMMS/ERP for parts, maintenance history, and asset data
- Working knowledge of end-to-end supply chain processes and their impact on engineering projects
- Advanced English; strong presentation skills and business acumen
Required Skills
Construction Drawings, Construction Engineering, Engineering Design, Mechanical Design Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Design, Project Engineering, Schematic Design
Preferred Skills
Project Management
Current Employees apply HERE
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.
Requirements
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:
EEOC Know Your Rights
EEOC GINA Supplement
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
U.S. Hybrid Work Model
Effective September 5, 2023, employees in office-based positions in the U.S. will be working a Hybrid work consisting of three total days on-site per week, Monday - Thursday, although the specific days may vary by site or organization, with Friday designated as a remote-working day, unless business critical tasks require an on-site presence.This Hybrid work model does not apply to, and daily in-person attendance is required for, field-based positions; facility-based, manufacturing-based, or research-based positions where the work to be performed is located at a Company site; positions covered by a collective-bargaining agreement (unless the agreement provides for hybrid work); or any other position for which the Company has determined the job requirements cannot be reasonably met working remotely. Please note, this Hybrid work model guidance also does not apply to roles that have been designated as “remote”.
The salary range for this role is
$114,700.00 - $180,500.00
This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An employee’s position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, government requirements, and business or organizational needs.
The successful candidate will be eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable.
We offer a comprehensive package of benefits. Available benefits include medical, dental, vision healthcare and other insurance benefits (for employee and family), retirement benefits, including 401(k), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate and sick days. More information about benefits is available at https://jobs.merck.com/us/en/compensation-and-benefits.
You can apply for this role through https://jobs.merck.com/us/en (or via the Workday Jobs Hub if you are a current employee). The application deadline for this position is stated on this posting.
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
1st - Day
Valid Driving License
Yes
Hazardous Material(s)
Yes
Job Posting End Date
02/27/2026
- 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.
Requisition ID:R374024
