Associate Director of HVAC Engineering

About the role

The Global Engineering Solutions (GES) organization executes a wide variety of capital and expense projects to ensure the company has the capabilities and facilities to meet its goal of providing World Class Supply of Medicines and support life-saving objectives. This Associate Director of HVAC Engineering role reports to the Technology Center Director of the Global Design Engineering Solutions (DES) team within GES.

The role participates in leading the development of holistic global design solutions that support critical manufacturing and business objectives across multiple programs and business units. It provides HVAC Engineering subject matter expertise across the front-end planning lifecycle, from early concept development and site selection through FEL 3 Basis of Design. The focus is on delivering solutions that align with business needs, internal standards, and industry best practices; enabling successful capital project execution through clear engineering definition; and ensuring systems are efficient, compliant, and fit for purpose.

The candidate will develop technical solutions for capital projects supporting business objectives of Company Operating Units, bringing strong expertise in HVAC system design to capital project activities ranging from business case and concept development through start-up and commissioning. The role collaborates with GES and Integrated Project Team (IPT) members (Project Management, Technology, Quality, Automation, Plant Operations, Safety), Engineering Firms, and Equipment Vendors to develop capital project design deliverables. Flexibility with travel and work location is required.

Responsibilities

• Lead or support project HVAC design efforts, providing compliant, innovative solutions that meet business needs
• Provide technical guidance to project teams for HVAC systems during project scoping and front-end planning stages, including evaluation of alternative solutions for implementation on sterile, bulk biological, solid dosage, and laboratory facilities worldwide
• Assist in supporting sustainability and energy-saving efforts on projects
• Support major project design efforts and may lead small or minor project design efforts that meet business objectives
• Ensure deliverables produced on projects conform to company standards, are technically sound, and sufficiently complete
• Collaborate with and provide SME guidance to project teams during detailed design, construction, and installation of HVAC systems
• Author and maintain engineering design standards, guidelines, practices, and position papers
• Provide technical support and guidance during startup planning, commissioning, and qualification activities of HVAC systems on critical capital projects
• Collaborate with global manufacturing site engineering teams to troubleshoot HVAC issues
• Conduct project peer reviews and provide subject matter expertise on various projects
• Develop and maintain knowledge of the latest industry technology trends
• Interface and collaborate with Global Quality and Global Safety & the Environment in the development and implementation of divisional guidance documents and initiatives
• Interface with HVAC equipment vendors
• Support and conduct field walk-downs during construction or troubleshooting on active capital projects
• Mentor and coach junior engineers through oversight and technical guidance
• Participate in industry professional or technical organizations
• Operate within project and department cost and schedule constraints

Requirements

Education

Bachelor of Science in Engineering or applicable science degree required.

Required Experience & Skills

• Minimum of ten (10) years of experience in the design of HVAC and associated mechanical systems
• Strong working knowledge of HVAC and mechanical utility system design, engineering fundamentals, regulatory requirements, equipment sizing, specifications, and system troubleshooting
• Prior experience with engineering design of HVAC systems in the pharmaceutical, biotech, or related industry
• Knowledge of and ability to apply building and industry-related codes
• Broad knowledge of HVAC system materials and fabrication techniques
• Ability to generate drawing deliverables, project specifications, facility User Requirement Specifications (URS), and written design reports

Preferred Experience & Skills

• Experience with commissioning, startup, and troubleshooting of HVAC utility systems
• Experience with cold temperature units (CTUs) and refrigeration systems
• Strong leadership and teamwork skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong analytical abilities and a solid foundation in engineering fundamentals
• Experience with capital projects that follow a stage-gate capital management process
• Proficiency in AutoCAD and other 2D/3D design tools, with the ability to produce layout, PFD, and P&ID deliverables
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally; approximately 30% global travel anticipated

Skills

Required Skills

• 3D Designing
• Adaptability
• Autodesk AutoCAD
• Automation Systems
• Capital Project Management
• Change Management
• Clinical Manufacturing
• Communication Sciences
• Data Analysis
• Decision Making
• Drug Product Manufacturing
• Electromechanical Systems
• Energy Conservation
• Engineering Design
• Engineering Principle
• High Technology Industry
• HVAC Design
• HVAC Engineering
• HVAC Systems
• Industry Knowledge
• Interpersonal Relationships
• Leadership
• Lean Manufacturing
• Manufacturing Scale-Up

Plus 9 additional required skills.

Benefits

Comprehensive package including medical, dental, and 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 available at https://jobs.merck.com/us/en/compensation-and-benefits.

Pay

Salary range for the primary location (West Point, PA): $142,400.00 - $224,100.00 base salary. The successful candidate will be eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable. Position within the salary range based on relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, government requirements, and business or organizational needs. Different compensation guidelines may apply for additional locations (Rahway, NJ; Durham, NC; Elkton, VA).

Schedule & Location

• Primary work location: West Point, PA
• Secondary work locations: Rahway, NJ; Durham, NC; Elkton, VA
• Travel requirements: 25% (approximately 30% global travel anticipated)
• Flexible work arrangement: Hybrid
• Shift: 1st - Day
• Relocation: Not provided
• Visa sponsorship: Not provided

Requisition ID: R423808. Job posting effective until 11/5/2026 (11:59:59 PM the day before the listed end date of 11/6/2026).