CPT Program Associate Jobs
Program Associate roles at nonprofits, research institutions, and policy organizations count as CPT-eligible work when your DSO can document a direct curricular tie, typically through a practicum course, capstone, or faculty-supervised project. Your I-20 must be updated before your start date, and part-time CPT (under 20 hours per week) keeps your full 12-month OPT eligibility intact.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
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 Manufacturing Division can provide you with great development and a chance to see if we are the right company for your long-term goals.
Global Engineering Solutions (GES) is responsible for the design, construction, and delivery of advanced manufacturing facilities and laboratories worldwide. We provide premier engineering solutions in the pharmaceutical industry through technical innovation and project management to deliver important life-saving medicines and vaccines to patients. With our extensive range of facilities and environments, our Engineers have opportunities to impact Large and Small Molecule areas within our Manufacturing Division and Animal Health (AH) lines of business, including Biological, Chemical, Automation, Capital Projects, Maintenance, Safety, Process Development, Technical Services, Utilities and Validation. Our Engineers provide solutions for internal and external manufacturing needs in support of operational efficiencies, continuous improvement, and innovations. This position in Global Engineering Solutions (GES) will help the successful candidate develop leadership, communication, and technical skills needed to be successful in a fast-paced engineering environment.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Future Talent Program features co-operative assignments that last up to 6 months and will include one or more primary assignments as well as smaller secondary assignments. These opportunities can provide you with great development and a chance to see if we are the right company for your long-term goals. This Engineering Co-op position is targeted for college students in their Junior or Senior year. The role involves learning and applying skills related to process engineering of pharmaceutical grade equipment for use in drug product and drug substance manufacturing. During your assignment you will be surrounded with a support network and receive coaching from your assignment manager, mentors and a “buddy”.
We are seeking candidates with outstanding academic records of achievement and demonstrated leadership abilities, candidates who are analytical and inquisitive about the interrelationships of various components, and perceptive, quick learners committed to making a difference in the pursuit of manufacturing high-quality, market-leading pharmaceutical and vaccine products.
The successful candidate’s area of focus and specific assignments will be determined by business need at and during the co-op duration. The specific assignments and responsibilities will be determined closer to the co-op start date. During the assignment, general responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Apply technical knowledge, data analysis and troubleshooting skills in the support of pharmaceutical manufacturing processes and facilities, in a team-based environment.
- Utilize superior communication and interpersonal skills, a team player with the ability to work independently.
- Develop leadership skills in the areas of diverse team building, vendor management, and process equipment development/design.
Responsibilities specific to the position include but are not limited to:
- This position will function as a Process Engineer supporting a Biologics/Vaccine Project in Animal Health.
- Experience with an equipment life cycle approach including specification, selection, testing & commissioning, troubleshooting and qualification.
- Excellent collaboration and engagement as a team player with strong interpersonal and communication skills.
- Analytical and Problem Solving Skills.
- Project/Time Management skills which deliver on time and quality work.
- Ability to travel domestic. Main base location will be at the DeSoto, Kansas.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- This position is targeted for candidates in their Junior or Senior year at an accredited college/university.
- Candidates must be currently pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree in Engineering (e.g. Chemical, Biomedical, Mechanical, etc.) or equivalent discipline. No prior experience is required.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Interface with IPT members in support of Capital Project Delivery.
- Ability to assess multiple options and select a leading approach.
- Core knowledge should include specification of unit operations, P&ID development, Hazard Analysis, equipment operation, commissioning & qualification.
- Operating within cost and schedule constraints of project and department.
- Maintaining knowledge of best practices & industry trends; may participate in professional/technical organizations.
- Ensures that deliverables conform to our company standards and practices, and are technically sound.
- Liaises with other technical functions to ensure successful technology transfers of new and in-line products.
- Collaborates effectively with contractors, suppliers and other team members in the execution of the work, written and oral communication, and problem-solving skills with desire to be innovative.
- Prior experience with capital equipment specification and installation.
- Candidates possessing prior intern or co-op experience in the manufacturing or engineering sector, preferably Pharmaceutical will be given clear preference.
Please note that this position may be closed before the posted end date or may remain open longer, at the discretion of the company.
SALARY RANGE
The salary range for this role is $39,600.00-$105,500.00 USD.
OTHER INFORMATION
Employee Status: Intern/Co-op (Fixed Term)
Relocation: No relocation
VISA Sponsorship: No
Travel Requirements: No Travel Required
Flexible Work Arrangements: Hybrid
Shift: Not Indicated
Valid Driving License: No
Hazardous Material(s): n/a
Job Posting End Date: 06/14/2026
A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFORE the listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date.
US and Puerto Rico Residents Only:
Our company is committed to inclusion, ensuring that candidates can engage in a hiring process that exhibits their true capabilities. Please click here if you need an accommodation during the application or hiring process.
As an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, we provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. As a federal contractor, we comply with all affirmative action requirements for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. For more information about personal rights under the U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment laws, visit:
- EEOC Know Your Rights
- EEOC GINA Supplement
We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing together, talented, and committed people with diverse experiences, perspectives, skills and backgrounds. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when people with diverse ideas, broad experiences, backgrounds, and skills come together in an inclusive environment. We encourage our colleagues to respectfully challenge one another’s thinking and approach problems collectively.
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”.
San Francisco Residents Only: We will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment in compliance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.
Los Angeles Residents Only: We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.
Search Firm Representatives Please Read Carefully
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.
INTRODUCTION
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 Manufacturing Division can provide you with great development and a chance to see if we are the right company for your long-term goals.
Global Engineering Solutions (GES) is responsible for the design, construction, and delivery of advanced manufacturing facilities and laboratories worldwide. We provide premier engineering solutions in the pharmaceutical industry through technical innovation and project management to deliver important life-saving medicines and vaccines to patients. With our extensive range of facilities and environments, our Engineers have opportunities to impact Large and Small Molecule areas within our Manufacturing Division and Animal Health (AH) lines of business, including Biological, Chemical, Automation, Capital Projects, Maintenance, Safety, Process Development, Technical Services, Utilities and Validation. Our Engineers provide solutions for internal and external manufacturing needs in support of operational efficiencies, continuous improvement, and innovations. This position in Global Engineering Solutions (GES) will help the successful candidate develop leadership, communication, and technical skills needed to be successful in a fast-paced engineering environment.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Future Talent Program features co-operative assignments that last up to 6 months and will include one or more primary assignments as well as smaller secondary assignments. These opportunities can provide you with great development and a chance to see if we are the right company for your long-term goals. This Engineering Co-op position is targeted for college students in their Junior or Senior year. The role involves learning and applying skills related to process engineering of pharmaceutical grade equipment for use in drug product and drug substance manufacturing. During your assignment you will be surrounded with a support network and receive coaching from your assignment manager, mentors and a “buddy”.
We are seeking candidates with outstanding academic records of achievement and demonstrated leadership abilities, candidates who are analytical and inquisitive about the interrelationships of various components, and perceptive, quick learners committed to making a difference in the pursuit of manufacturing high-quality, market-leading pharmaceutical and vaccine products.
The successful candidate’s area of focus and specific assignments will be determined by business need at and during the co-op duration. The specific assignments and responsibilities will be determined closer to the co-op start date. During the assignment, general responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Apply technical knowledge, data analysis and troubleshooting skills in the support of pharmaceutical manufacturing processes and facilities, in a team-based environment.
- Utilize superior communication and interpersonal skills, a team player with the ability to work independently.
- Develop leadership skills in the areas of diverse team building, vendor management, and process equipment development/design.
Responsibilities specific to the position include but are not limited to:
- This position will function as a Process Engineer supporting a Biologics/Vaccine Project in Animal Health.
- Experience with an equipment life cycle approach including specification, selection, testing & commissioning, troubleshooting and qualification.
- Excellent collaboration and engagement as a team player with strong interpersonal and communication skills.
- Analytical and Problem Solving Skills.
- Project/Time Management skills which deliver on time and quality work.
- Ability to travel domestic. Main base location will be at the DeSoto, Kansas.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- This position is targeted for candidates in their Junior or Senior year at an accredited college/university.
- Candidates must be currently pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree in Engineering (e.g. Chemical, Biomedical, Mechanical, etc.) or equivalent discipline. No prior experience is required.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Interface with IPT members in support of Capital Project Delivery.
- Ability to assess multiple options and select a leading approach.
- Core knowledge should include specification of unit operations, P&ID development, Hazard Analysis, equipment operation, commissioning & qualification.
- Operating within cost and schedule constraints of project and department.
- Maintaining knowledge of best practices & industry trends; may participate in professional/technical organizations.
- Ensures that deliverables conform to our company standards and practices, and are technically sound.
- Liaises with other technical functions to ensure successful technology transfers of new and in-line products.
- Collaborates effectively with contractors, suppliers and other team members in the execution of the work, written and oral communication, and problem-solving skills with desire to be innovative.
- Prior experience with capital equipment specification and installation.
- Candidates possessing prior intern or co-op experience in the manufacturing or engineering sector, preferably Pharmaceutical will be given clear preference.
Please note that this position may be closed before the posted end date or may remain open longer, at the discretion of the company.
SALARY RANGE
The salary range for this role is $39,600.00-$105,500.00 USD.
OTHER INFORMATION
Employee Status: Intern/Co-op (Fixed Term)
Relocation: No relocation
VISA Sponsorship: No
Travel Requirements: No Travel Required
Flexible Work Arrangements: Hybrid
Shift: Not Indicated
Valid Driving License: No
Hazardous Material(s): n/a
Job Posting End Date: 06/14/2026
A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFORE the listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date.
US and Puerto Rico Residents Only:
Our company is committed to inclusion, ensuring that candidates can engage in a hiring process that exhibits their true capabilities. Please click here if you need an accommodation during the application or hiring process.
As an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, we provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. As a federal contractor, we comply with all affirmative action requirements for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. For more information about personal rights under the U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment laws, visit:
- EEOC Know Your Rights
- EEOC GINA Supplement
We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing together, talented, and committed people with diverse experiences, perspectives, skills and backgrounds. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when people with diverse ideas, broad experiences, backgrounds, and skills come together in an inclusive environment. We encourage our colleagues to respectfully challenge one another’s thinking and approach problems collectively.
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”.
San Francisco Residents Only: We will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment in compliance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.
Los Angeles Residents Only: We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.
Search Firm Representatives Please Read Carefully
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.
See all 180+ CPT Program Associate Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new CPT Program Associate Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsProgram Associate CPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Program Associate role qualify for CPT authorization?
It qualifies if the work is an integral part of your curriculum, meaning your school's program of study must require or offer academic credit for the experience. Roles at nonprofits, policy organizations, and research centers typically align with public policy, international affairs, or social science programs. Your DSO makes the final determination based on your specific degree requirements and the employer's job description.
How do I find Program Associate jobs open to F-1 CPT students?
Migrate Mate lists Program Associate openings filtered by employers with a history of hiring F-1 students, using DOL Labor Condition Application data to show which organizations have sponsored international workers before. That's a more reliable signal than employer self-reporting. You can also check your university's career center for organizations that have partnered with your program for practicum placements.
Can I do part-time CPT as a Program Associate while taking classes?
Yes. Part-time CPT is authorized for 20 hours or fewer per week while school is in session, and it doesn't count against your 12-month OPT eligibility regardless of how many semesters you use it. Your I-20 must reflect each new CPT authorization period, so submit your DSO request well before each semester's add/drop deadline to avoid a gap in authorization.
What documents does my employer need to provide for CPT authorization?
Your employer needs to provide a written offer letter that includes your job title, start and end dates, weekly hours, work location, and supervisor contact information. Some DSOs also require a brief description of duties to confirm the role connects to your coursework. Give employers a checklist early in the offer process so the letter doesn't need revisions that delay your I-20 update.
Does CPT for a Program Associate role affect my future H-1B eligibility?
CPT itself doesn't affect H-1B visa eligibility, but the Program Associate role's classification matters. If the duties require at least a bachelor's degree in a specific field, the position can qualify as a specialty occupation under USCIS standards, making it a viable path to H-1B visa sponsorship after graduation. Check the O*NET profile for the Program Associate occupation code to review the typical education requirements employers cite in filings.