Senior Manager, Process Engineering

Job Description Summary

At Novartis, you will play a key role in shaping the future of biologics manufacturing. As a Senior Manager, Process Engineering, you will lead a team of engineers responsible for the lifecycle engineering of process and laboratory equipment, with a strong focus on equipment design, system integration, commissioning, qualification, and operational readiness.

This role plays a critical leadership role in the startup of a new large molecule manufacturing facility, supporting equipment specification, installation, and qualification to ensure successful delivery of manufacturing capability.

Following site startup, you will transition to driving ongoing process equipment performance, continuous improvement, and lifecycle optimization, ensuring systems remain reliable, compliant, and aligned with Good Manufacturing Practice requirements.

Job Description

#LI-Onsite

Location: Durham, NC
Relocation Support: This role is based in Durham, United States. Novartis is unable to offer relocation support: please only apply if accessible.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and evolve lifecycle engineering strategies for large-scale biologics process and laboratory equipment
• Lead design, configuration, and integration of custom-engineered manufacturing systems supporting biotechnology processes
• Oversee commissioning and qualification activities to ensure equipment readiness, compliance, and operational performance
• Provide technical expertise on biologics process equipment across upstream and downstream manufacturing systems
• Partner with Manufacturing Science and Technology, Operations, and Quality on process performance and technology transfer
• Support startup of new manufacturing facility, ensuring successful equipment installation, testing, and qualification
• Own lifecycle strategies to optimize equipment performance and long-term manufacturing capability
• Lead root cause investigations and implement sustainable solutions for complex process equipment issues
• Develop technical specifications including user requirements, functional, and detailed design specifications
• Drive equipment upgrades and continuous improvement initiatives to support evolving process and capacity needs

Essential Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical, Biochemical, Mechanical, or related engineering field with 9+ years relevant experience
• Experience in process engineering or manufacturing science within biologics or pharmaceutical manufacturing environments
• Expertise supporting large-scale biologics manufacturing equipment, including upstream or downstream process systems
• Experience with equipment design, commissioning, and qualification, delivering systems from concept through operational readiness
• Experience working with custom-engineered equipment supporting biotechnology processes, including integration and performance evaluation
• Experience supporting facility startup, expansion, or technology transfer in a regulated manufacturing environment
• Strong knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practice and regulatory requirements for biologics manufacturing systems
• Ability to analyze process and equipment performance data to drive optimization, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement

Desirable Requirements

• Experience supporting large-scale biologics manufacturing, including upstream or downstream process systems
• Experience supporting stainless based equipment manufacturing facilities for large-scale biologics production

Novartis Compensation and Benefit Summary:

The salary for this position is expected to range between $114,100 and $211,900/year. 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.

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 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 to perform the essential functions of a position, please send an e-mail to View email address on click.appcast.io or call View phone number on click.appcast.io and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message.

Salary Range

$114,100.00 - $211,900.00

Skills Desired

Business Continuity, Cost Management, Data Analytics and Digital, Decision Making, Engineering Operations Management, Engineering Technical Expertise, GDP Knowledge, gmp knowledge, HSE Knowledge, Manufacturing Process (Production), Operational Excellence, Problem Solving, Project Management, Quality Compliance, Resilience and Risk Management, Resource Planning and Forecasting, Risk Management, Stakeholder Management, Vendor Management