2025 University Recruiting - Plant Engineering Co-op

Job Description

The Future Talent Program features Cooperative (Co-op) education that lasts up to 6 months and will include one or more projects. These opportunities in our Animal Health Division can provide you with great development and a chance to see if we are the right company for your long-term goals.

Position Overview

Our company's Animal Health in De Soto, Kansas, is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Engineering Co-op Student to join the Plant Engineering Department. This role will provide hands-on experience in supporting a range of engineering and maintenance functions. The successful candidate will contribute to capital projects, renewable energy initiatives, automation and controls initiatives, and facilities maintenance, with a particular focus on Predictive Maintenance (PdM) processes.

This is an excellent opportunity for an engineering student to gain valuable industry experience in a fast-paced pharmaceutical manufacturing environment, working alongside experienced professionals and contributing to the optimization and sustainability of plant operations.

Key Responsibilities

1. Capital Projects Support

• Assist in the design, planning, and execution of capital projects, including facility upgrades, equipment installation, and process improvements.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure projects meet safety, quality, timeline and budget requirements.

• Support documentation and regulatory compliance efforts, including 9 CFR and 21 CFR (Code of Federal Regulations) adherence.

2. Renewable Energy Initiatives

• Contribute to the assessment and implementation of renewable energy projects aimed at reducing the site's carbon footprint and enhancing energy efficiency.

• Perform data analysis, cost-benefit studies, and research on emerging technologies in renewable energy relevant to the site.

• Participate in the identification of energy-saving opportunities within existing plant operations.

3. Automation and Controls Initiatives

• Work on the development, implementation, and optimization of automation systems and controls to improve production efficiency and reliability.

• Assist in troubleshooting, maintaining, and upgrading control systems, including PLCs, HMIs, and SCADA systems.

• Collaborate with engineering and operations teams to ensure seamless integration of automation technologies.

4. Facilities Maintenance Support

• Provide technical support for ongoing facilities maintenance activities, including HVAC systems, utilities, and building infrastructure.

• Assist in the development and implementation of Predictive Maintenance (PdM) processes, including vibration analysis, thermography, and ultrasonic testing.

• Support the development and refinement of maintenance procedures to improve equipment reliability and minimize downtime.

5. Data Collection and Analysis

• Collect, analyze, and report data related to equipment performance, energy usage, and maintenance activities.

• Assist in generating reports and presentations for project stakeholders, providing insights to drive decision-making and continuous improvement efforts.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a Bachelor's degree program in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, or related field).

• Strong academic record with a focus on engineering principles, project management, and sustainability.

• Basic knowledge of CAD software, automation/control systems, and energy efficiency practices is preferred.

• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills, with the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

• Excellent communication and organizational skills, with attention to detail and a proactive approach to work.

• Ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Key Competencies

• Adaptability: Willingness to take on diverse tasks and challenges within a dynamic manufacturing environment.

• Initiative: Demonstrates self-motivation and a drive to contribute meaningfully to the team and company goals.

• Collaboration: Works effectively with cross-functional teams, maintaining a positive and professional attitude.

• Technical Aptitude: Displays an eagerness to apply academic knowledge to real-world engineering challenges.

Work Schedule and Duration

• This is a full-time co-op position with a duration of 6 months.

• The position will be based on-site at the De Soto, Kansas facility.

Under New York City, Colorado State, Washington State, and California State law, the Company is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the salary range for this job. Final determinations with respect to salary will take into account a number of factors, which may include, but not be limited to the primary work location and the chosen candidate’s relevant skills, experience, and education.

Expected salary range:

$39,600.00-$105,500.00

FTP2025

MAH2025

Employees working in roles that the Company determines require routine collaboration with external stakeholders, such as customer-facing commercial, or research-based roles, will be expected to comply not only with Company policy but also with policies established by such external stakeholders (for example, a requirement to be vaccinated against COVID-19 in order to access a facility or meet with stakeholders).  Please understand that, as permitted by applicable law, if you have not been vaccinated against COVID-19 and an essential function of your job is to call on external stakeholders who require vaccination to enter their premises or engage in face-to-face meetings, then your employment may pose an undue burden to business operations, in which case you may not be offered employment, or your employment could be terminated. Please also note that, where permitted by applicable law, the Company reserves the right to require COVID-19 vaccinations for positions, such as in Global Employee Health, where the Company determines in its discretion that the nature of the role presents an increased risk of disease transmission.

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We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.  For more information about personal rights under the U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment laws, visit:

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U.S. Hybrid Work Model

Effective September 5, 2023, employees in office-based positions in the U.S. will be working a Hybrid work consisting of three total days on-site per week, generally Tuesday, Wednesday and either Monday or Thursday, although the specific days may vary by site or organization, with Friday designated as a remote-working day, unless business critical tasks require an on-site presence.  This Hybrid work model does not apply to, and daily in-person attendance is required for, field-based positions; facility-based, manufacturing-based, or research-based positions where the work to be performed is located at a Company site; positions covered by a collective-bargaining agreement (unless the agreement provides for hybrid work); or any other position for which the Company has determined the job requirements cannot be reasonably met working remotely. Please note, this Hybrid work model guidance also does not apply to roles that have been designated as “remote”.

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Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, also known as Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, Rahway, NJ, USA, does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. All CVs / resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at our company without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of our company.  No fee will be paid in the event a candidate is hired by our company as a result of an agency referral where no pre-existing agreement is in place. Where agency agreements are in place, introductions are position specific. Please, no phone calls or emails. 

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