Senior Principal Workflow Automation Expert

Novartis AG; Basel; On-site; CHF 94,000 - 174,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible/hybrid working options

Competitive benefits

Job summary

Novartis AG in Basel, Switzerland is seeking a Workflow Automation Engineer to transform manual processes into automated, scalable solutions. You will collaborate with scientists, process owners and stakeholders to design and implement automation using workflow platforms, APIs, data, robotics and AI, ensuring compliance and maintainability.

The role emphasizes strong engineering expertise with business partnering to accelerate scientific outcomes, with a base salary range and generous benefits.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, computer science, data science, life sciences or related discipline.
• 4+ years of experience delivering technology solutions that improve workflows (apps, integrations, RPA, AI-enabled).
• Proficiency in at least one programming or scripting language with API integration experience.
• Ability to translate user and business needs into reliable, secure and maintainable solutions with testing and deployment practices.
• Hands-on AI experience (ML, generative AI or agentic systems) for automation.
• Strong ability to explain approaches to technical and non-technical audiences.

Responsibilities

• Partner with scientists, process owners and stakeholders to identify automation opportunities.
• Analyze and redesign processes for automation readiness.
• Translate business and user needs into clear requirements and a value case.
• Design and integrate solutions using workflow platforms, software, APIs, data, cloud services, robotics and AI.
• Ensure solutions align with security, compliance and governance standards.
• Establish reusable components, engineering practices, frameworks and documentation.
• Support adoption and measure improvements in efficiency, reliability and user experience.
• Explain technical approaches and trade-offs to diverse audiences.

Skills

Programming / scripting

AI / ML experience

Requirements gathering

Stakeholder communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field

Job description

Summary

The Workflow Automation Engineer drives workflow transformation by converting manual and fragmented processes into intelligent, automated and scalable solutions. Working closely with scientists, process owners and business stakeholders, this role leverages workflow platforms, integrations, data, robotics and AI to improve efficiency, reliability, compliance and user experience. The position balances technical engineering expertise with business partnership to deliver solutions that accelerate scientific and operational outcomes.

Summary

The Workflow Automation Engineer drives workflow transformation by converting manual and fragmented processes into intelligent, automated and scalable solutions. Working closely with scientists, process owners and business stakeholders, this role leverages workflow platforms, integrations, data, robotics and AI to improve efficiency, reliability, compliance and user experience. The position balances technical engineering expertise with business partnership to deliver solutions that accelerate scientific and operational outcomes.

Location: Basel, Switzerland

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

Responsibilities

About the Role

• Partner with scientific experts, process owners and cross‑functional stakeholders to identify valuable automation opportunities.


• Apply systems thinking to analyse, model and redesign processes for automation readiness.


• Translate business and user needs into clear requirements, product features and a compelling value case.


• Design and integrate solutions using appropriate combinations of workflow platforms, software, APIs, data, cloud services, robotics and AI.


• Ensure solutions align with enterprise platforms and applicable security, compliance and governance standards.


• Establish reusable components, engineering practices, frameworks and documentation that improve delivery quality and maintainability.


• Partner with process owners and users to support adoption and measure improvements in efficiency, reliability and user experience.


• Explain technical approaches and trade‑offs clearly to technical and non‑technical audiences.

Essential For The Role

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, computer science, data science, life sciences or a related discipline, or equivalent professional experience demonstrating substantial technical and engineering expertise.


• At least four years of relevant experience designing and delivering technology solutions that improve workflows, such as software applications, systems integrations, robotic process automation, laboratory automation or AI‑enabled solutions.


• Proficiency in at least one programming or scripting language, with experience integrating applications, services or data through APIs or other integration methods.


• Demonstrated ability to translate user and business needs into reliable, secure and maintainable solutions, including appropriate testing, documentation and deployment practices.


• Hands‑on experience applying AI, such as machine learning, generative AI or agentic systems, to automate or improve workflows, with an understanding of its limitations and how to evaluate results.


• Ability to guide technical decisions, communicate clearly with technical and non‑technical audiences and influence stakeholders across teams without formal authority.

Desirable For The Role

• Experience working in life sciences, pharmaceutical or similarly regulated environments.


• Experience mentoring or developing others in automation, process engineering, software engineering or artificial intelligence.

Benefits & Rewards

At Novartis, we’re committed to reimagining medicine together - and rewarding the people who make it happen.

Expected Annual Base Salary Range for role: CHF 93,800 to CHF 174,200

The base 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.

The rewards of being part of our team go far beyond base pay and incentives. We also offer a variety of competitive benefits in kind to help you thrive personally and professionally, such as insurance plans, retirement plans, wellbeing resources and global recognition programs. In addition, we provide flexible and hybrid working options, where possible, and minimum 14 weeks paid parental leave.

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.

Read our brochure to learn more about our global total rewards offering: https://www.novartis.com/sites/novartis_com/files/novartis-life-handbook.pdf

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 pro

Commitment To Diversity & Inclusion

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

Accessibility And Accommodation

Novartis is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to all individuals. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the recruitment process, or to receive more detailed information about the essential functions of a position, please send an e‑mail to [e-mail] and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message.

Barrierefreiheit und Zugänglichkeit

Wenn Sie aufgrund einer Erkrankung oder Behinderung spezielle Unterstützung während des Rekrutierungsprozesses brauchen und/oder deswegen detailliertere Informationen über die wesentlichen Funktionen einer Stelle benötigen, senden Sie bitte eine E‑Mail [e-mail] und teilen Sie uns die Art Ihres Anliegens und Ihre Kontaktinformationen mit. Bitte vergessen Sie nicht, dabei die Referenznummer der Stellenausschreibung anzugeben.

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)