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Merck Engineering Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Head of Materials AI

San Jose, CA · On-site

$227K - $340K/yr

You will inherit a deployed portfolio of AI products with real users, a multidisciplinary team of scientists and engineers already in motion, and a committed strategic investment behind you. The ...

EHS Senior Manager

San Jose, CA · On-site

$144K - $216K/yr

Collaboration with R&D, Engineering, Facilities, and Construction teams is essential to manage capital projects, cleanroom expansions, and modified process safety systems. Key Responsibilities * Own ...

Collaborate cross-functionally with Quality Assurance, Manufacturing, Process and Analytical Development, Facilities & Engineering, global network and external partners and clients. * Promote a ...

Experience in using and/or programming manual, semi-automated or automated tools and machines (lathes, mills etc.) * Knowledge of the properties of metal and other material * Ability to read ...

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Merck Engineering information

See California salary details

$40K

$97.5K

$154.4K

How much do merck engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for merck engineering in California is $97,465.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,000.00 and $114,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Merck Engineering position, and why are they important?

To thrive in a Merck Engineering role, candidates typically need a bachelor’s or master’s degree in engineering (such as chemical, mechanical, or biomedical engineering) with strong problem-solving, analytical, and project management skills. Familiarity with industry regulations (such as GMP), process automation tools (like PLC/SCADA systems), and relevant certifications (such as Six Sigma or Lean Manufacturing) is important. Excellent communication, teamwork, and adaptability are valuable soft skills for collaborating across cross-functional teams and managing complex projects. These qualifications are crucial to ensure safe, efficient, and innovative engineering solutions that meet strict quality standards in the pharmaceutical industry.

What are the typical career development opportunities for engineers at Merck?

Engineers at Merck often have access to diverse career paths, including opportunities to move into specialized technical roles, project management, or leadership positions within the organization. The company supports ongoing professional development through training programs, mentorship, and cross-functional project involvement. Many engineers also gain experience by working on global teams, allowing for exposure to cutting-edge technologies and industry best practices. These opportunities empower employees to continuously grow their technical expertise and expand their career horizons within Merck.

What engineers make $200,000 a year?

Senior engineers in fields such as petroleum, aerospace, software, and electrical engineering can earn $200,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced certifications, or leadership roles. High-paying engineering positions often require specialized skills, advanced degrees, and work in industries like technology, energy, or defense.

What is a Merck Engineering job?

A Merck Engineering job involves designing, developing, and optimizing processes, equipment, and systems to support pharmaceutical manufacturing and research. Engineers at Merck work in areas such as automation, validation, process engineering, and facility design to ensure efficiency, compliance, and innovation. They collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance production, improve sustainability, and meet regulatory requirements.

How much do engineers at Merck make?

Engineers at Merck typically earn an average salary ranging from $80,000 to $120,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and specific engineering discipline. Compensation may also include bonuses, benefits, and opportunities for professional development within a pharmaceutical and healthcare environment.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering with extensive experience and advanced skills can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually, often including bonuses and stock options. These roles typically require advanced degrees, certifications, and leadership responsibilities within high-demand industries.

Is it hard to get hired at Merck?

Getting hired at Merck Engineering can be competitive, as the company seeks candidates with relevant technical skills, experience, and often advanced degrees or certifications. The hiring process typically involves multiple interviews and assessments to evaluate technical knowledge and problem-solving abilities.
What are the most commonly searched types of Merck Engineering jobs in California? The most popular types of Merck Engineering jobs in California are:
Infographic showing various Merck Engineering job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $97,465 per year, or $46.9 per hour.

Head of Materials AI

Merck Group

San Jose, CA • On-site

$227K - $340K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago


Job description

Work Location: San Jose, California
Shift:
Department: EL-CT CTO
Recruiter: Anthony Melino
This information is for internals only. Please do not share outside of the organization.
Your Role
EMD Electronics is in the middle of a fundamental shift in how R&D gets done. Over the next several years, AI, automation, and connected data infrastructure will reshape every stage of the materials discovery cycle, from ideation and simulation to lab experimentation and analysis. The Head of Materials AI leads the team and portfolio at the center of that transformation.
This is not a greenfield role. You will inherit a deployed portfolio of AI products with real users, a multidisciplinary team of scientists and engineers already in motion, and a committed strategic investment behind you. The mandate is to scale what works, sharpen what doesn't, and define the operating model for AI-amplified R&D before the industry converges around one.
Strategic Scope & Impact
  • Multi-year transformation portfolio spanning AI co-scientists, Bayesian optimization, ML-based simulation, lab digitization, and ELN infrastructure across all global R&D sites
  • Annual program budget from the technology leadership board and multi-year investment commitment
  • Direct influence on how R&D scientists design experiments, capture data, and analyze results closing the gap between AI capability and daily research practice
  • External representation of EMD Electronics' AI leadership e.g. at conferences etc.
Key Responsibilities
Strategy & Portfolio
  • Define and execute the Materials AI roadmap across the Connected → Amplified → System-Ready R&D phases
  • Own and prioritize a portfolio of concurrent AI and digital programs; manage budget, vendors, and delivery milestones
  • Present strategy and progress to the Technology Leadership Board and Electronics CTO
Team Leadership
  • Lead and develop a multidisciplinary team (AI engineers, computational scientists, product managers, data governance) across Germany, the US, and Asia
  • Foster cross-functional collaboration across CTO, R&D sites, DD&IT, and business functions globally
Technical & Operational Delivery
  • Architect and scale a deployed multi-agent AI co-scientist platform into the primary R&D workflow tool
  • Extend modeling and ML interatomic potential (MLIP) simulation capabilities to new material systems and R&D use cases
  • Complete global lab digitization: 100+ instruments connected to ELN, 1.7M historical experiments migrated
Stakeholder Management
  • Build and maintain relationships with Electronics CTO, Technology Leadership Board, R&D site leads, and external vendors and partners
  • Represent EMD Electronics' AI capabilities externally through conferences, partnerships, and customer engagements

Who You Are
Minimum Qualifications:
  • Advanced degree (PhD or equivalent) in computer science, data science, chemistry, materials science, or a related field or equivalent experience
  • 10 + years leading technical teams and large-scale digital transformation programs, including exposure to R&D or science-driven organizations
  • Hands-on experience with AI/ML - LLMs, Bayesian optimization, or data-driven modeling - in a real deployment context
  • Track record delivering digital products in a complex, multi-stakeholder environment; ability to bridge data/AI strategy and operational delivery

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience in new product development, scale up commercialization.
  • Proficiency in agentic AI architectures, large language model-based systems, and modern data infrastructure
  • Proven ability to drive technological adoption, not just building tools, but embedding them in how people work
  • Experience leading international and multi-site teams of scientists and engineers across disciplines
  • Understanding of scaled agile frameworks for managing concurrent digital programs
  • Familiarity with research and development workflows and scientific data, including wet lab, simulation, or instrumentation contexts
  • Background in semiconductor or specialty chemicals research and development is an advantage
  • Executive communication and presence; comfortable presenting to senior leadership and external audiences

Location: San Jose, United States; Germany; Taiwan; Korea; Japan
Base Pay Range for this position - $227,300-$340,900
The offer range represents the anticipated low and high end of the base pay compensation for this position. The actual compensation offered will be determined by factors such as location, level of experience, education, skills, and other job-related factors. Position may be eligible for sales or performance-based bonuses. Benefits offered by the Company include health insurance, paid time off (PTO), retirement contributions, and other perquisites. For more information click here:
The Company is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. No employee or applicant for employment will be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, gender identity, transgender status, marital status, or any other classification protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. This policy of Equal Employment Opportunity applies to all policies and programs relating to recruitment and hiring, promotion, compensation, benefits, discipline, termination, and all other terms and conditions of employment. Any applicant or employee who believes they have been discriminated against by the Company or anyone acting on behalf of the Company must report any concerns to their Human Resources Business Partner, Legal, or Compliance immediately. The Company will not retaliate against any individual because they made a good faith report of discrimination.