Automation Engineer

Band

Level 3

 

Job Description Summary

Imagine being at the forefront of the technology that enables life-changing medicines to reach patients around the world. As an Automation Engineer at Novartis, you will play a critical role in ensuring the reliability, performance, and continuous improvement of advanced manufacturing automation systems. Working alongside talented cross-functional teams, you will help deliver innovative solutions, optimize production processes, and maintain a compliant, high-quality manufacturing environment. This is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact, solve complex technical challenges, and contribute directly to the production of therapies that improve and extend lives.

 

Job Description

 Location:

• This position will be located in Durham, NC and will be an onsite role.
• Novartis is unable to offer relocation support for this role: please only apply if this location is accessible for you.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support design, configuration, installation, and maintenance of automation software and associated hardware.
• Lead integration of 3rd party equipment with plant DCS (DeltaV), BMS, reporting, and data retention systems.
• Prepare scopes of work and manage automation contractors to deliver projects on schedule.
• Develop automation project objectives aligned with user requirements and business priorities.
• Create and maintain URS, FS, and DDS/HDS/SDS documentation for automation systems.
• Support new product introductions and ensure successful transition into GMP manufacturing.
• Drive operational excellence initiatives and continuous improvement across manufacturing automation platforms.
• Troubleshoot automation and control system issues impacting production and manufacturing performance.
• Execute automation change controls, investigations, application upgrades, and system lifecycle activities.
• Provide 24x7 operational support through rotating on-call coverage and technical issue resolution.

Essential Requirements:

• Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field.
• 5+ years of pharmaceutical or biopharmaceutical GMP manufacturing experience, or equivalent industry experience.
• Experience across DCS (DeltaV), PLC, SCADA, MES, Historian, and manufacturing process equipment.
• Experience performing system-level validation testing in regulated manufacturing environments.
• Experience applying S88 principles within automated manufacturing systems.
• Working knowledge of field wiring, panel design, instrumentation, and control system troubleshooting.
• Experience writing and executing change controls with knowledge of GMP and 21 CFR Part 11 requirements.
• Strong communication, problem-solving, and technical support skills in fast-paced manufacturing environments.

Novartis Compensation and Benefit Summary:

The salary for this position is expected to range between $98,700 and $183,300 per hour/annually

The final salary offered is determined based on factors like, but not limited to, relevant skills and experience, and upon joining Novartis will be reviewed periodically. Novartis may change the published salary range based on company and market factors.

Your compensation will include a performance-based cash incentive and, depending on the level of the role, eligibility to be considered for annual equity awards.

US-based eligible employees will receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, life and disability benefits, a 401(k) with company contribution and match, and a variety of other benefits. In addition, employees are eligible for a generous time off package including vacation, personal days, holidays and other leaves.

#LI-Onsite

 

EEO Statement:

The Novartis Group of Companies are Equal Opportunity Employers. We do not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status. We strive to create an inclusive workplace that cultivates bold innovation through collaboration and empowers our people to unleash their full potential.

 

Accessibility and reasonable accommodations

The Novartis Group of Companies are committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, or in order to perform the essential functions of a position, please send an e-mail to [email protected] call +1 (877)395-2339 and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message.

https://www.novartis.com/careers/careers-research/notice-all-applicants-us-job-openings

 

Salary Range

$98,700.00 - $183,300.00

 

Skills Desired

Automation, Automation Testing, Debugging, Programming Languages, Python (Programming Language), Robotics, Software Testing, Technical Support, Test Automation