Automation Engineer

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.

About the Role

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.

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Why Novartis: Helping people with disease and their families takes more than innovative science. It takes a community of smart, passionate people like you. Collaborating, supporting and inspiring each other. Combining to achieve breakthroughs that change patients’ lives. Ready to create a brighter future together?

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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, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.

Accessibility & 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 to perform the essential functions of a position, please send an e-mail to [email protected] or call Show phone number and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message.