Sr. Specialist, Research Automation Systems Integrator

Job Description Join our company, a leading research-driven biopharmaceutical organization committed to advancing the prevention and treatment of diseases in people and animals. Through cutting-edge science, we develop innovative health solutions that improve and save lives around the world. As a Software Engineering Senior Specialist, you will play a key role in designing, building, and maintaining advanced software systems that support this mission. Within the RaDS IT Research Infrastructure Product Line (RIPL), the Engineering team is seeking a Senior Specialist - Research Automation Systems Integrator to support the Research Automation Operations product (Laboratory and Plant). In this role, you will define and implement solution architectures, guiding engineering teams through high-level requirements, design principles, and integration strategies. You will lead the development of scalable solutions by assessing current and future state architectures and aligning them with business needs. Leveraging your experience in screening data automation, plant automation, and system integration, you will contribute to the development of new platforms and the optimization of existing systems to improve efficiency and productivity across drug discovery and clinical development. You will collaborate closely with cross-functional stakeholders across Research & Development and IT—including scientists, engineers, architects, infrastructure, quality, and external partners—to design, enhance, and support automation systems. This role is primarily based in West Point, PA or Rahway, NJ, with support provided to additional sites as needed. Responsibilities Construct, amend, and verify complex software systems, components, and integrations by writing advanced software programs, adhering to estimation, measurement, quality processes, appropriate documentation, and continuous improvement practices. Enable and maintain sophisticated software configuration management capabilities across diverse technology environments, architectures, and platforms. Create and adapt advanced software configuration applications and interfaces, ensuring seamless integration and functionality. Develop and employ robust software capabilities that empower the creation, renewal, update, and destruction of data, adhering to stringent objectives regarding security, compliance, policy, scalability, efficiency, reliability, fidelity, flexibility, and portability. Validate and test integrated systems rigorously, ensuring compliance with organizational standards regarding security, reporting, observation, and control. Act as a technical resource within the work group/project team, providing expertise and guidance on software engineering best practices. Apply deep technical and functional knowledge to conduct experiments and research, contributing to the advancement of the project and the broader field. Recognized as a technical expert, contribute to significant internal publications and may publish and/or present technical papers to external audiences. Make informed decisions by choosing between multiple options or developing new solutions to resolve moderately complex problems. Navigate and work effectively in ambiguous situations within the work group/project team, explaining difficult issues and building alignment around complex situations. Explore through experimentation, using novel approaches and integrating new ideas and knowledge with increasing frequency. Demonstrate effective use of technology to complete assignments, applying and adapting standard methods and techniques based on prior work experience and consulting others as needed. Qualifications Bachelor's degree in automation, engineering, computer science, or computer engineering related degree; a Master's degree is preferred. Over five (5+) years' hands‑on software development and operations in the pharmaceutical High Throughput Screening (HTS) automation, interfacing with research scientists, robotic engineers, safety, and quality personnel. Over four (4+) years' experience with sample management systems and operations, such as Titian Mosaic, Screenwork, BioInventory, FreezerPro, etc. Have experience developing integration APIs with other laboratory systems. Over four (4+) years' experience with commercial laboratory robotics scheduler software such as Momentum, GreenButtonGo, Cellario, etc. Over four (4+) year's hands‑on experience programming robotic arms, laboratory instrument using LabView, C#, Java, Oracle and/or SQL server database in direct support of high throughput screening. Familiar with networking, switches, vlans, subnets, firewalls, Windows active directory in virtual and physical environments. Experienced problem solver/troubleshooter, skilled in root cause analysis. Multi‑tasker with ability to lead multiple IT and automation projects. Able to work independently and as part of a cross‑functional team. Excellent collaboration and communication skills. Strong technical writing skills. Required Skills Automation Systems, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Data Modeling, Design Applications, Information Technology (IT) Services, Java (Programming Language), Laboratory Automation, Laboratory Safety, Managing Engineering Teams, Market Trends, Oracle Database, Product Development, Release Management, Requirements Management, Robot Framework, Robotics Programming, Sample Management, Software Applications, Solution Architecture, SQL Databases, System Designs, System Integration Preferred Skills Automation Technology Benefits 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 Equal Employment Opportunity 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr Merck & Co.