Project Engineer

Novartis; Noord-Brabant; On-site; EUR 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Novartis in Baarle Nassau, Netherlands, is seeking a Project Engineer to lead site and global engineering projects in a GMP environment, translating technical insights into practical solutions and driving asset-based continuous improvement.

You will collaborate with cross-functional and global teams, handle multiple projects, and ensure safe, compliant delivery while advancing equipment reliability for patient safety and manufacturing excellence.

Qualifications

• Degree in mechanical, electrical, or mechatronics and experience in GMP manufacturing.
• At least three years of professional experience in pharmaceutical GMP manufacturing.
• Experience leading engineering projects from planning to execution.
• Ability to manage multiple projects with accuracy and independence.
• Strong structured problem-solving with a safety-focused approach.
• Fluent English communication.

Responsibilities

• Lead site engineering projects with cross-functional teams in GMP environment.
• Drive complex root cause investigations.
• Lead MTBF-driven projects.
• Manage engineering change assessments and lead change control processes.
• Plan, coordinate, and monitor projects from initiation to finish.
• Partner on capital investments, equipment validation, and process engineering.
• Collaborate with Global Novartis Engineering teams for standardization.
• Serve as second-line escalation for equipment failures.
• Reduce safety risks through simplification and error-proofing of machines.
• Drive continuous improvement from an asset perspective.

Skills

Project leadership

Multi-project handling

Problem solving

Safety-minded

English proficiency

Education

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or electrical engineering or mechatronics

Job description

Summary

Location: Baarle Nassau, Netherlands

Relocation Support: This role is based in Baarle Nassau, Netherlands. Novartis is unable to offer relocation support; please only apply if you are accessible.

Are you motivated by solving complex engineering challenges that directly impact patient safety and manufacturing excellence? As a Project Engineer at Novartis, you’ll play a key role in delivering critical site and global engineering projects, shaping reliable and safe equipment performance in a GMP environment. Working closely with cross‑functional and global teams, you’ll translate technical insights into practical solutions, drive continuous improvement across assets, and help ensure our operations run flawlessly – every day for every patient.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead site engineering projects with cross‑functional teams, ensuring safe, timely, and GMP‑compliant delivery
• Drive complex root cause investigations
• Lead mean time between failures (MTBF)–driven projects
• Manage engineering change assessments and lead formal change control processes
• Plan, coordinate, and monitor engineering projects from initiation until finish
• Partner on capital investments, equipment validation, and process engineering
• Develop partnership with Global Novartis Engineering teams ensuring consistency and standardization of engineering processes
• Serve as second‑line escalation for equipment failures
• Reduce safety risks through simplification and error‑proofing of machines
• Drive continuous improvement from an asset perspective

Essential Requirements

• Degree in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or mechatronics, with a proven background in engineering environments
• At least three years of professional experience in pharmaceutical GMP manufacturing or comparable highly regulated industries
• Demonstrated experience leading engineering projects from planning through execution
• Ability to handle multiple projects at once with a high degree of accuracy, initiative, and independence
• Strong structured problem‑solving skills, with a hands‑on and safety‑driven approach
• Fluent English communication skills, both written and spoken

Desirable Requirements

• Dutch language knowledge

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

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

Benefits and Rewards

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

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