Assoc. Dir , Software Engineering

Product Technical Lead, Composition of Matter (COM)

We are seeking proactive and collaborative technical leaders to join our Research and Development Sciences (RaDS) value team. In this role, you will lead one of two product teams within the Composition of Matter (COM) domain: Chemical Modality Design or Biologic Modality Design. Both teams focus on delivering innovative data and technology solutions for the design of matter, with specialization in small molecule and chemical approaches or large molecule and biologic approaches, respectively. As the Product Technical Lead, you will drive the successful execution of the product vision by guiding a cross-functional team to build high-quality, user-focused solutions that support the Design, Make, Test, and Analyze cycles of Discovery and Development. Candidates may have experience or interest in both areas, and we will determine the best fit through the interview process.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the technical lead and single point of accountability for the delivery and quality of COM product solutions, ensuring alignment with the broader product line technology vision and roadmap.
• Collaborate closely with the Product Line Technical Lead and Product Manager to translate strategic objectives into actionable technical plans and deliverables.
• Lead the product team in applying best practices, tools, and methodologies to build scalable, maintainable, and innovative solutions that meet user needs.
• Foster a culture of continuous learning, technical excellence, and collaboration within the team, ensuring the right skills and knowledge are developed and maintained.
• Drive effective communication and collaboration within the product team and with external stakeholders, maintaining comprehensive and accessible documentation.
• Proactively identify and manage technical debt, risks, and opportunities for innovation to enhance product quality and team productivity.
• Implement and track key performance metrics related to delivery success, user satisfaction, technical quality, and team effectiveness, using insights to drive continuous improvement.
• Advocate for user experience and responsiveness by incorporating user feedback throughout the development lifecycle.
• Ensure adherence to the Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC), quality standards, and regulatory requirements as applicable.
• Promote cross-team collaboration and knowledge sharing to leverage shared technologies and architectural patterns across the organization.

Qualifications

Required

• B.A./B.S. or M.A./M.S. in a scientific or technical discipline such as computer science, engineering, chemistry, biology, or related fields.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in technical leadership roles within product teams, preferably in scientific or technology-driven environments.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional efforts to deliver complex technical solutions on time and with high quality.
• Strong technical expertise in software development, architecture, and product lifecycle management.
• Experience fostering team collaboration, continuous learning, and professional development.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders and facilitate effective knowledge sharing.
• Familiarity with Agile methodologies and software development lifecycle processes.
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills and ability to manage technical risks and debt.

Preferred

• Experience in drug discovery, chemistry, biology, or related scientific domains.
• Hands-on experience with product management and collaboration tools such as Jira, Confluence, or similar platforms.
• Knowledge of relevant industry trends, regulatory requirements, and scientific workflows related to Composition of Matter.
• Experience working in geographically distributed and culturally diverse teams.

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, Monday - 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".

The salary range for this role is $139,600.00 - $219,700.00. This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An employee's position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, government requirements, and business or organizational needs. The successful candidate will be eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable. 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 https://jobs.merck.com/us/en/compensation-and-benefits.