Associate Director, Pharmaceutical Data Engineer

MSD is seeking an Associate Director in Pharmaceutical Data Engineering based in West Point, Pennsylvania. This onsite role sits within Digital Operations and focuses on moving from traditional BI reporting to a modern data foundation that supports end-to-end clinical and commercial supply chain needs.

The position leads the design and delivery of scalable data pipelines and architectures, builds custom web applications for proof-of-concept work, and applies agentic AI workflows to automate decision-making and enable more proactive insights across drug substance and drug product manufacturing and supply operations.

What You’ll Do

• Design, build, and implement modern data foundations and pipelines that execute solutions aligned to business needs.
• Use innovation and technology solutions including Databricks, Python, and Agentic AI to manage data and generate advanced insights.
• Develop custom WebApps for proof-of-concept solutions that can be industrialized in the React Platform.
• Streamline processes and reduce manual effort through automation and machine learning.
• Support the advancement of the Data Strategy and Strategic Roadmap, helping organizations transition to future-ready systems and intelligent data architectures.
• Build and optimize scalable data engineering foundations using Databricks Lakehouse architecture with Delta Lake and Unity Catalog.
• Transform operational data from systems such as SAP, MES, and LIMS into analytics-ready, accessible data foundations for drug substance and drug product manufacturing and supply operations.
• Translate stakeholder needs into clear business requirements and precise technical specifications by working across supply chain planning, quality, and manufacturing partners.
• Design, test, and implement agentic AI workflows and machine learning models to automate decision-making and generate proactive business insights.
• Develop and deploy user-friendly WebApps that support business operations, data entry, and interaction with underlying data models.
• Manage code using modern development environments such as VS Code and AI coding assistants such as Cline, with GitHub for robust version control.
• Coordinate with data architects to ensure secure, scalable data models that support both analytical and transactional workloads.
• Document processes, code, data models, and system architectures, and provide training and technical support as new technologies are introduced.

Required Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in industrial, pharmaceutical, or relevant data engineering (role-level minimum).
• Strong expertise in Python and advanced SQL.
• Deep, hands-on experience with Databricks Lakehouse architecture, Delta Lake, and Unity Catalog for data governance.
• Proven experience building custom data products and rapid-prototype front ends (including Streamlit and/or React).
• Strong familiarity with SAP as a primary source for complex supply chain and manufacturing data.
• Track record gathering complex requirements from non-technical stakeholders and translating them into actionable technical roadmaps.
• Familiarity with or strong interest in Agentic Modeling, LLMs, and integrating AI agents into workflows (for example, using Copilot Studio).
• Experience working in an Agile/Scrum environment using Jira Cloud and Confluence.
• High comfort level working in VS Code and leveraging AI-assisted coding tools to accelerate development.
• Strong experience with GitHub for version control, PR-based reviews, and CI/CD pipelines.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to tackle complex data challenges and turn them into technical solutions.
• Ability to build trust-based relationships across technical and non-technical stakeholders and drive change while executing priorities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain technical concepts across global professional levels.
• Independent decision-making with a proactive approach to leading projects and delivering results.

Technologies and Tools

• Python, SQL
• Databricks (Lakehouse architecture), Databricks Unified Data Analytics Platform
• Delta Lake, Unity Catalog
• Dataverse
• SAP, MES, LIMS
• VS Code, Cline, GitHub (PRs), CI/CD
• Streamlit, React, React Platform, WebApps
• Copilot Studio
• Jira Cloud, Confluence
• Agentic AI, Agentic Modeling, Large Language Models (LLMs), machine learning

Education

• M.S. in Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Operations Research, or a closely-related field, with at least 5 years of relevant industrial, pharmaceutical, or data engineering experience.
• B.S. in Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Operations Research, Management Information Systems (MIS), or a closely-related quantitative field, with at least 7 years of relevant industrial, pharmaceutical, or data engineering experience.

Preferred Domain Exposure

• Familiarity with pharmaceutical drug substance or drug product supply chain operations, including topics such as process orders, batch genealogy, MRP/MPS planning, tech transfer, quality management, or global distribution.
• Experience with SAP (MM/PP/QM/SD modules) or related manufacturing execution systems (MES/LIMS) is a strong plus.

Additional Employment Details

• Location: West Point, PA (onsite)
• Employee status: Regular
• Flexible work arrangements: Hybrid
• Salary range: $129,000 - $203,100 (yearly)
• Requisition ID: R424311
• Posting effective until: 11/13/2026 (effective through 11:59:59 PM the day before)

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision healthcare, and other insurance benefits for employee and family
• Retirement benefits including 401(k)
• Paid holidays
• Vacation
• Compassionate and sick days
• Annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable