Automation Engineer III

Novartis; North Carolina; On-site; USD 99,000 - 183,000; Full time

Job summary

Novartis is seeking an Automation Engineer III in Durham, NC to design, configure, install, and maintain automation systems across manufacturing operations. You will lead projects, integrate third‑party equipment into existing DCS and BMS platforms, and ensure GMP compliance with state-of-the-art validation.

The role requires advanced troubleshooting and cross-functional collaboration. Applicants should hold a Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field, with 5+ years in GMP pharma

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or related field.
• 5+ years of GMP pharmaceutical or biopharmaceutical manufacturing operations experience.
• Demonstrated expertise programming, troubleshooting, and maintaining DCS platforms (DeltaV).
• Hands-on experience with SCADA, HMI, PLC, and BMS automation systems.
• Experience with MES, data historians (OSI PI), and system-level validation testing.

Responsibilities

• Design, configure, install, and maintain automation systems and manufacturing hardware.
• Support integration of third‑party equipment into DCS and BMS platforms.
• Lead automation activities for projects, ensuring delivery within scope, quality, and timeline.
• Develop technical specifications, user requirements, and system design documentation.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align priorities and objectives.
• Support new product introductions and ensure successful transition into GMP manufacturing.
• Troubleshoot and resolve automation issues affecting performance and reliability.
• Execute change controls, investigations, and compliance activities.
• Drive continuous improvement to enhance efficiency and quality.
• Provide on-call automation support for site operations.

Skills

Automation engineering

DeltaV

SCADA

HMI

PLC

BMS

OSI PI

GMP compliance

Part 11 compliance

Cross-functional teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field

Tools

DCS platforms (DeltaV)

Job description

Imagine being at the forefront of manufacturing innovation, where your expertise directly supports the delivery of life-changing medicines to patients around the world. As an Automation Engineer III at Novartis, you will play a critical role in maintaining and advancing the automation technologies that power our manufacturing operations. Working with cross-functional teams, you will help drive operational excellence, solve complex technical challenges, and implement innovative automation solutions that enhance quality, compliance, and efficiency across our site. If you are passionate about technology, continuous improvement, and making a meaningful impact, this is an exciting opportunity to grow your career while helping reimagine medicine.

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:

• Design, configure, install, and maintain automation systems and associated manufacturing hardware.
• Support integration of third-party equipment into DCS and BMS platforms.
• Lead automation activities for projects, ensuring delivery within scope, quality, and timeline expectations.
• Develop technical specifications, user requirements, and system design documentation.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align priorities, timelines, and project objectives.
• Support new product introductions and ensure successful transition into GMP manufacturing.
• Troubleshoot and resolve automation issues impacting manufacturing performance and reliability.
• Execute automation-related change controls, investigations, and compliance activities.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives that enhance operational efficiency, quality, and productivity.
• Provide on-call automation support for site operations and critical manufacturing systems.
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field.
• 5+ years of experience in GMP pharmaceutical or biopharmaceutical manufacturing operations, or equivalent experience.
• Demonstrated expertise programming, troubleshooting, and maintaining DCS platforms, preferably DeltaV.
• Hands-on experience supporting SCADA, HMI, PLC, and BMS automation systems.
• Experience with MES, data historians, preferably OSI PI, and system-level validation testing.
• Strong knowledge of FDA regulations, 21 CFR Part 11, and GMP-compliant manufacturing systems.
• Experience executing change controls, investigations, and compliance activities within regulated manufacturing environments.
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and cross-functional collaboration skills, with the ability to support 24/7 operations.

Novartis Compensation and Benefit Summary:

The salary for this position is expected to range between $98,700.00 - $183,300.00annually

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, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status. We strive to create an inclusive workplace that cultivates bold innovation through collaboration and empowers our people to unleash their full potential.

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 in order to perform the essential functions of a position, please send an e-mail to [e-mail] call [phone] and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message.

Business Continuity, Cost Management, Operational Excellence, Quality Compliance

Novartis is an innovative global healthcare company dedicated to reimagining medicine to enhance and extend lives, impacting over 250 million patients worldwide.

Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Chemical Manufacturing Manufacturing

Feb 2018

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Company Novartis