Job Description Summary
Ready to make a direct impact on the delivery of life-changing medicines? As a Sr. Automation Engineer - Downstream/Buffer, you will serve as a key technical leader supporting the automation systems that enable reliable, compliant, and efficient manufacturing operations. Working across complex GMP production environments, you'll drive automation strategy, lead critical projects, troubleshoot advanced control systems, and partner with cross-functional teams to continuously improve performance, quality, and operational excellence. This is an opportunity to combine deep technical expertise with meaningful influence in a highly collaborative manufacturing environment.
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:
- Lead automation system design, configuration, maintenance, and lifecycle support across manufacturing operations.
- Serve as the technical SME for DCS, BMS, MES, and associated control systems.
- Drive automation project execution from concept through implementation and operational handoff.
- Oversee integration of third-party equipment into site automation and manufacturing platforms.
- Develop URS, FS, and design specifications to support compliant system delivery.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to establish priorities, timelines, and project objectives.
- Support new product introductions and ensure successful transition into GMP manufacturing.
- Investigate automation-related non-conformances and implement effective corrective actions.
- Execute change controls, system upgrades, and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Provide technical support for manufacturing operations, including participation in on-call rotations.
Essential Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical discipline.
- 8+ years of automation experience within GMP pharmaceutical or biopharmaceutical manufacturing environments.
- Hands-on experience supporting DCS platforms, preferably Emerson DeltaV.
- Proven expertise with PLC, SCADA, HMI, and manufacturing automation systems.
- Strong knowledge of validation practices, GMP regulations, FDA requirements, and 21 CFR Part 11.
- Experience applying ISA-88 principles and developing automation standards within regulated environments.
- Demonstrated project leadership experience, including management of contractors and external partners.
- Strong troubleshooting, communication, and technical writing skills with the ability to solve complex challenges.
Novartis Compensation and Benefit Summary:
The salary for this position is expected to range between $108,500 and $201,500 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, 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 [email protected] or 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.
Salary Range
$108,500.00 - $201,500.00
Skills Desired
Business Continuity, Cost Management, Decision Making, Operational Excellence, Problem Solving, Project Management, Quality Compliance, Risk Management, Stakeholder Management, Vendor ManagementSkills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical discipline
- 8+ years of automation experience in GMP pharmaceutical or biopharmaceutical manufacturing environments
- Hands-on experience supporting DCS platforms, preferably Emerson DeltaV
- Expertise with PLC, SCADA, HMI, and manufacturing automation systems
- Knowledge of validation practices, GMP regulations, FDA requirements, and 21 CFR Part 11
- Experience applying ISA-88 principles and developing automation standards in regulated environments
- Project leadership experience, including management of contractors and external partners
- Strong troubleshooting, communication, and technical writing skills
Novartis Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Novartis and has not been reviewed or approved by Novartis.
-
Healthcare Strength — Pay and benefits are described as a strong overall package, supported by medical, dental, and vision insurance alongside FSAs/HSAs and disability and life coverage. Mental-health support is reinforced through an employee assistance program with psychological support and a network of mental health first aiders.
-
Retirement Support — Retirement support is positioned as a standout element, with an automatic company contribution plus dollar-for-dollar matching in the 401(k). Additional retirement funding is described through an age-based defined contribution program and access to an employee share purchase plan discount.
-
Parental & Family Support — Family-related benefits are framed as robust, including a global minimum of paid parental leave for new parents following birth or adoption. Added supports include domestic partner coverage, dependent-care resources, and benefits such as adoption assistance and child/elder care options.
Novartis Insights
What We Do
Novartis is an innovative medicines company. Every day, working to reimagine medicine to improve and extend people’s lives so that patients, healthcare professionals and societies are empowered in the face of serious disease. Our medicines reach more than 250 million people worldwide.
