Automation Engineer III - BMS/PLC/OEM

Novartis; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 99,000 - 183,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Job summary

Novartis in Durham, NC is seeking an Automation Engineer III focused on BMS, PLC, and OEM systems to maintain and enhance manufacturing automation platforms in a GMP environment. You will partner with Engineering, Manufacturing, and Quality teams to deliver compliant, reliable operations and lead improvements for current and future capabilities.

The role requires hands-on experience with DCS/DeltaV, PLC, BMS, and SCADA, strong documentation practices, and a proven ability to navigate FDA 21 CFR

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a technical field required.
• 5+ years in pharmaceutical/biopharmaceutical GMP operations or 9+ years equivalent.
• Hands-on experience with DCS platforms, preferably DeltaV.
• Experience supporting PLC, BMS, and SCADA/HMI systems in regulated manufacturing.
• Knowledge of automation validation, change controls, and FDA 21 CFR Part 11.
• Experience with OSI PI or similar historian.
• Strong industrial communication protocols and control system architecture knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Maintain, troubleshoot, and optimize BMS, PLC, OEM, and other manufacturing automation systems.
• Support design, configuration, installation, and lifecycle management of automation hardware and software.
• Integrate OEM and third‑party equipment with site DCS, BMS, and manufacturing systems.
• Lead automation activities for capital projects, upgrades, and system enhancements.
• Develop URS, FS, DDS, HDS, and SDS documentation for automation solutions.
• Execute and support change controls, validation activities, and regulatory compliance initiatives.
• Partner with Manufacturing and Quality to resolve complex production issues.
• Support GMP manufacturing operations through on‑call and on‑site support.
• Drive continuous improvement projects for reliability, compliance, and efficiency.

Skills

Regulatory compliance

Cross-functional collaboration

Troubleshooting

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or related field

Tools

DeltaV

OSI PI

PLC

SCADA/HMI

Job description

Summary

Imagine being the automation expert who helps keep critical manufacturing systems running seamlessly while supporting the production of medicines that impact patients around the world. As an Automation Engineer III focused on BMS, PLC, and OEM systems, you'll play a key role in maintaining and enhancing complex manufacturing automation platforms, partnering across Engineering, Manufacturing, and Quality teams to deliver reliable, compliant, and efficient operations. This is an opportunity to apply your technical expertise across GMP manufacturing systems, drive continuous improvement initiatives, and influence projects that support current operations as well as future manufacturing capabilities.

About The Role

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

• Maintain, troubleshoot, and optimize BMS, PLC, OEM, and other manufacturing automation systems.
• Support design, configuration, installation, and lifecycle management of automation hardware and software.
• Integrate OEM and third-party equipment with site DCS, BMS, and manufacturing systems.
• Lead automation activities for capital projects, upgrades, and system enhancements.
• Develop URS, FS, DDS, HDS, and SDS documentation for automation solutions.
• Execute and support change controls, validation activities, and regulatory compliance initiatives.
• Partner with Manufacturing and Quality teams to resolve complex production issues.
• Support GMP manufacturing operations through on-call and operational support activities.
• Drive continuous improvement projects that enhance reliability, compliance, and operational efficiency.
• Maintain automation procedures, SOPs, and system records in alignment with FDA and GMP requirements.

Essential Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in pharmaceutical or biopharmaceutical GMP manufacturing operations, or 9 years of equivalent industry experience.
• Hands-on experience programming, troubleshooting, and maintaining DCS platforms, preferably DeltaV.
• Experience supporting PLC, BMS, and SCADA/HMI systems in a regulated manufacturing environment.
• Knowledge of automation validation, change controls, and FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements.
• Experience with data historian technologies, preferably OSI PI.
• Strong understanding of industrial communication protocols, instrumentation, and control system architecture.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills with the ability to work across technical and business teams.

Novartis Compensation And Benefit Summary

The salary for this position is expected to range between $98,700 and $183,300 annually

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.

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)

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, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.

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