Automation Engineer III - BMS/PLC/OEM

Vinsys Information Technology Inc; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Novartis is seeking an Automation Engineer III to maintain and enhance GMP manufacturing automation platforms focused on BMS, PLC, and OEM systems. You will collaborate with Engineering, Manufacturing, and Quality to ensure compliant, reliable operations that support current and future facilities.

The role requires hands-on DCS experience (DeltaV preferred), PLC/BMS/SCADA support in regulated environments, and familiarity with FDA 21 CFR Part 11.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or related field.
• 5 years pharma or 9 years equivalent GMP manufacturing experience.
• Hands-on experience with DCS platforms, preferably DeltaV.
• Experience supporting PLC, BMS, SCADA/HMI in regulated environments.
• Knowledge of validation, change controls, and FDA 21 CFR Part 11.
• Experience with OSI PI historian and data systems.

Responsibilities

• Maintain, troubleshoot, and optimize BMS, PLC, OEM, and other 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.

Skills

BMS

PLC

SCADA/HMI

DCS (DeltaV)

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or CS

Tools

DeltaV

OSI PI

Industrial protocols

Job description

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.

Novartis is unable to offer relocation support for this role: please only apply if this location is accessible for you.

• 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.

• 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.

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

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.

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.