Director, Site Engineering & Innovation

NCBioImpact; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 176,000 - 328,000; Full time

Job summary

Novartis is recruiting a seasoned Head of Site Engineering in Durham, NC to build capabilities, shape the engineering strategy, and lead multifaceted teams responsible for facilities, utilities, equipment, maintenance and calibration programs.

You will direct capital planning, drive reliability initiatives, and partner with cross-functional teams to advance safety, quality and operational performance while aligning technologies with business priorities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or equivalent.
• 15+ years engineering experience including investment projects and maintenance.
• Broad leadership experience with management of large maintenance or investment projects.
• Excellent project management, contract management, and financial awareness.
• In-depth knowledge of chemical/pharmaceutical processes and equipment; strong HSE and QA knowledge.
• Excellent communication across executive and technical audiences.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Durham Site Engineering organization, building capabilities and developing talent to meet current and future business needs.
• Develop and execute the site engineering strategy, aligning infrastructure, utilities, equipment, and technology with business priorities.
• Ensure reliable, compliant operation and lifecycle management of site facilities, utilities, equipment, maintenance, and calibration programs.
• Direct site capital planning and engineering investments, ensuring effective prioritization, execution, governance, and resource allocation.
• Support the identification and implementation of new technologies, equipment, AI and robotics.
• Partner across functions to advance safety, quality, operational performance, asset reliability, and continuous improvement.
• Provide engineering leadership for production, testing, product launches, technical services, and evolving site requirements.
• Strengthen external partnerships and vendor performance while ensuring engineering activities meet applicable quality and compliance expectations.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Communication

Quality/QA knowledge

HSE knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Job description

Novartis is recruiting a seasoned Head of Site Engineering in Durham, NC to build capabilities, shape the engineering strategy, and lead multifaceted teams responsible for facilities, utilities, equipment, maintenance and calibration programs.

You will direct capital planning, drive reliability initiatives, and partner with cross-functional teams to advance safety, quality and operational performance while aligning technologies with business priorities.