Associate Principal Scientist, Glass & Critical Components, Device Development and Technology

MSD

Associate Principal Scientist responsible for engineering and lifecycle support of glass components for pharmaceutical products. Collaborating cross-functionally to ensure component performance and safety across development cycles.

Posted 5/6/2026full-timeRahway • New Jersey, Pennsylvania • 🇺🇸 United StatesJuniorMid-Level💰 $142,400 - $224,100 per yearWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Serve as a primary technical resource for glass and related critical components, applying deep materials science knowledge to characterize component performance and failure modes
Lead root-cause investigations into glass breakage, handling, and other component-related events; develop evidence-based corrective and preventive actions
Define material and component specifications, acceptance criteria, and test strategies aligned to product use and regulatory expectations
Lead and execute qualification packages for new components, including feasibility studies, performance testing, compatibility considerations, and documentation to demonstrate fitness for use
Develop process control strategies and acceptance criteria for suppliers and manufacturing, using data-driven methods (DOE, SPC, capability studies) to characterize risk and variation
Collaborate with suppliers to assess technical capability, resolve quality or performance issues, review supplier change controls, and implement supplier improvement plans
Work closely with Quality and Regulatory Affairs to ensure component specifications, testing strategies, and documentation meet applicable standards and guidance (e.g., USP, ISO, FDA)

Requirements

What you’ll need

BS in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, or related field required
MS or PhD preferred
Typically 6–12 years of relevant industry experience in glass engineering, primary container/component engineering, or related roles supporting pharmaceutical or combination products
Demonstrated experience with glass syringes, vials, cartridges, or similar primary containers — including familiarity with manufacturing processes, common defects, handling-related damage mechanisms, and analytical methods (fractography, strength testing)
Experience leading component qualification, technical transfer, supplier technical management, and failure investigations
Working knowledge of regulatory expectations and industry standards relevant to primary containers (USP, ISO, FDA guidance)

Benefits

Comp & perks

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

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

materials scienceroot-cause analysisfailure mode analysistest strategiesprocess control strategiesdata-driven methodsdesign of experiments (DOE)statistical process control (SPC)capability studiesanalytical methods

Soft Skills

collaborationproblem-solvingleadershipcommunicationtechnical management