Senior Principal Workflow Automation Expert

Novartis AG; Basel-Stadt; Hybrid; CHF 94,000 - 174,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work options

14 weeks parental leave

Wellbeing resources

Global recognition programs

Insurance plans

Retirement plans

Job summary

Novartis AG in Basel is seeking a Workflow Automation Engineer to transform manual and fragmented processes into intelligent, automated, scalable solutions. You will collaborate with scientists, process owners and business stakeholders to leverage workflow platforms, APIs, data, robotics and AI to improve efficiency, reliability, compliance and user experience.

The role balances technical engineering with business partnership to deliver solutions that accelerate scientific and operational

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent with substantial technical engineering expertise.
• 4+ years designing and delivering technology that improves workflows (apps, integrations, RPA, automation, AI).
• Proficiency in at least one programming or scripting language with API/data integration.
• Ability to translate user/business needs into reliable, secure, maintainable solutions with testing and deployment.

Responsibilities

• Identify automation opportunities with scientists and stakeholders.
• Analyze and redesign processes for automation readiness.
• Translate needs into clear requirements and features.
• Design/integrate solutions using workflow platforms, APIs, data, robotics and AI.
• Ensure alignment with security, compliance and governance standards.
• Create reusable components, engineering practices and documentation.
• Support adoption and measure improvements in efficiency and UX.
• Explain approaches clearly to technical and non-technical audiences.

Skills

Programming or scripting

AI/ML in workflows

Systems thinking

Technical translation

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering, CS, data science or life sciences

Tools

APIs

Robotics

AI platforms

Workflow platforms

Job description

Salary Range: CHF93,800.00 - CHF174,200.00

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.

Responsibilities

• 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 proces.

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.

Skills Desired

Algorithms, Computer Programming, Computer Science, Computer Vision, Data Science, People Management, Research and Development, Waterfall Model

Improving the lives of people living with disease takes more than innovative science. It takes a focus on the needs of people and a community committed to meeting them. It takes a team of people like you. Working together. Learning together. Thriving together. Discover how you can join us in changing people’s lives. Novartis is aware of employment scams which make false use of our company name or leader’s names or recruiter’s names to defraud job seekers. Novartis does not make job offers without interview and never asks candidates for money. If you have encountered a job posting or been approached with a job offer that you suspect may be fraudulent, we strongly recommend you do not respond, send money or personal information. Novartis is not responsible for any claims, losses, damages, or expenses resulting from scams. In the context of China Cross‑Border Data Transfer (CBDT) policy, if you need to apply for a position in China, please go to the local Recruiting System TaleNov.