Senior Process Expert (m/f/d)

Novartis; Österreich; On-site; EUR 59,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Childcare facilities

Learning and development opportunities

Worldwide career possibilities

Job summary

Novartis in Kundl, Austria seeks a Senior Process Expert to shape the design of a next-generation biologics facility. You will bridge Operations, Engineering and Technology to translate requirements into robust, scalable GMP-compliant solutions from design through start-up and readiness.

You will collaborate with cross-functional teams, drive readiness activities, and contribute to governance as a trusted deputy to the Project Director in a cutting-edge manufacturing program.

Qualifications

• University degree in Biotechnology, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Microbiology or a related discipline.
• Several years of experience in pharmaceutical manufacturing, process engineering, MS&T or technical operations.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a hands-on mindset to translate requirements into scalable solutions.

Responsibilities

• Act as the Manufacturing SME for process equipment, manufacturing processes and operational requirements across all project phases.
• Shape and influence the design of a new facility embedding GMP and business requirements from the start.
• Drive manufacturing readiness through commissioning, qualification, process validation and start-up activities.
• Collaborate with Engineering, MS&T, Quality, Automation and external partners to develop efficient manufacturing solutions.
• Identify process risks and ensure safe, compliant operations.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Fluent German

Education

University degree in Biotechnology/Engineering/ Chemistry or related

Job description

Summary

Location: Kundl, Austria.

This role is based in Kundl, Austria. Novartis is unable to offer relocation support for this role: please only apply if this location is accessible for you.

Are you passionate about shaping the future of pharmaceutical manufacturing?

As Senior Process Expert within the RPP5 project, you will play a key role in the design and realization of a next-generation biologics manufacturing facility. Working at the intersection of Operations, Engineering and Technology, you will ensure that future manufacturing requirements are translated into robust, scalable and GMP‑compliant process solutions. This is a unique opportunity to influence the design of a new production platform from its earliest stages through start‑up and operational readiness, while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and industry‑leading experts to create a state‑of‑the‑art manufacturing environment.

About The Role

Major accountabilities

• Act as the Manufacturing Subject Matter Expert (SME) for process equipment, manufacturing processes and operational requirements throughout all project phases.
• Shape and influence the design of a new manufacturing facility by ensuring that operational, GMP and business requirements are embedded into facility and equipment concepts from the start.
• Drive manufacturing readiness by supporting commissioning, qualification, process validation and start‑up activities.
• Collaborate closely with Engineering, MS&T, Quality, Automation and external partners to develop innovative and efficient manufacturing solutions.
• Identify process risks, develop mitigation strategies and ensure safe, compliant and reliable manufacturing operations.
• Support technology transfer activities and contribute to the successful implementation of future manufacturing processes.
• Coach and support future operations teams by sharing process knowledge and technical expertise.
• Contribute to project governance, decision‑making and stakeholder alignment as trusted deputy to the Project Director.

Essential Requirements

• University degree in Biotechnology, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Microbiology or a related scientific or engineering discipline.
• Several years of experience in pharmaceutical manufacturing, process engineering, MS&T or technical operations.
• Experience in recombinant protein manufacturing, microbial fermentation and/or downstream processing.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills combined with a hands‑on and proactive mindset with the ability to translate complex operational requirements into practical and scalable technical solutions.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills with the ability to work effectively across functions and organizational levels.
• Fluent German and English, both written and spoken.

Desirable Requirements

• Experience in large capital investment projects and/or large‑scale greenfield or brownfield pharmaceutical projects.
• Experience in facility design, commissioning, qualification or start‑up of pharmaceutical production facilities.
• Knowledge of process risk management, operational excellence and manufacturing readiness methodologies.

For this position, we offer a 2‑year temporary contract.

Rewards

You can find everything you need to know about our benefits and rewards in the Novartis Life Handbook. https://www.novartis.com/careers/benefits-rewards. In addition to a market‑competitive base salary, we offer an attractive incentive program, a modern company pension scheme, childcare facilities, learning and development opportunities as well as worldwide career possibilities within the Novartis group. In accordance with Austrian law, we are obliged to disclose the minimum salary as stated in the collective bargaining agreement. For this position the minimum salary is €65,605.54 /year (on a full time basis). We also offer a potential market oriented excess payment in line with your experience and qualifications. The salary offered is determined based on gender‑neutral objectives, such as relevant skills, competencies and experience in accordance with the Novartis pay setting policy and upon joining Novartis will be reviewed periodically. In addition to your base salary, you may be eligible for a performance‑based bonus depending on certain performance parameters. Further details will be provided during the application process. Pay equity is a fundamental principle of our employment policy and reflects our commitment to create a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment that treats all employees with dignity and respect, as outlined in our Code of Ethics.

Note: Benefits and compensation may vary by country and are subject to local legal requirements, including provisions of collective bargaining agreements where applicable. A full overview of your compensation package, including any relevant collective bargaining agreement details applicable to your role based on your employment location and Novartis employer entity, will be communicated separately to you during the application process.

Commitment To Diversity And Inclusion / EEO Paragraph

Novartis is committed to building an outstanding, inclusive work environment and diverse teams’ representative of the patients and communities we serve.

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? https://www.novartis.com/about/strategy/people-and-culture

Benefits and Rewards:

Learn about all the ways we’ll help you thrive personally and professionally.

Read our handbook (PDF 30 MB)