HSE Specialist (Facility Safety)

Novartis; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 166,000; Full time

Job summary

Novartis in Cambridge, USA, is seeking an HSE Specialist to support and improve facility and contractor safety programs. You will help manage risks to health and the environment from facility maintenance activities, and work with project teams to ensure compliance with local, regional, and global requirements.

The role emphasizes developing and implementing safety programs, coordinating contractor safety, and performing hazard assessments.

Qualifications

• 1-3 years of relevant HSE program experience
• Knowledge of pharma HSE issues is a plus
• Highly motivated self-starter with accountability
• Analytical and problem solving skills
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to collaborate with internal and external stakeholders
• Willingness to learn and apply HSE regulatory requirements

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement facility safety and compliance programs
• Drive safety preventive maintenance and inspections; participate in self-inspections
• Administer contractor safety program including pre-qualification and training
• Participate in hazard assessments across facility and scientific operations
• Support facility fire protection systems and code compliance programs
• Coordinate with FM Global; track recommendation and action plans
• Use risk assessments to recommend HSE improvements
• Serve as key HSE contact for incident investigations and documentation

Skills

HSE experience

Contractor safety

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Regulatory knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in safety or related field

Job description

Summary

Internal Title: HSE Specialist

Location: Cambridge, USA

Support the implementation and continuous improvement of site HSE facility and contractor safety programs in alignment with local, regional, and global requirements. This position will assist in management of potential risks to human health and/or the environment resulting from activities involving facility maintenance operations.

Location: This role is based in Cambridge, USA. Novartis is unable to offer relocation support for this role: please only apply if this location is accessible for you.

Key Responsibilities

• Supports development and implementation of facility safety and compliance programs (e.g., confined space, LOTO, hot work, fall protection, electrical safety), including commissioning safety with project teams and managing contractor resources.
• Drives safety-critical preventive maintenance, inspection programs, and participates in self-inspections with corrective action implementation.
• Supports contractor safety program administration, including contractor pre‑qualification, training, and HSE assessments for capital projects (new facilities and decommissioning).
• Participates in hazard assessments across facility and scientific operations to ensure safe project and operational environments.
• Support compliance with site facility fire protection systems and code compliance programs.
• Participates in coordination with FM Global and supports tracking of recommendation & implementation action plans.
• Leverages risk assessment insights to recommend and implement control strategies and HSE program improvements.
• Acts as key HSE contact—driving incident investigations, ensuring compliance documentation, and partnering with stakeholders to implement programs.

Essential Requirements

• 1-3 years of relevant HSE program experience, preferably with knowledge and experience with facilities‑based safety programs and contractor safety programs.
• A working knowledge of pharma industry and the nuances of pharma HSE issues is a plus.
• Highly motivated self‑starter with a proven ability to assume accountability & responsibility, take ownership for his/her work, and intelligently challenge the status quo.
• Competency in analytical and problem solving skills.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to collaborate and build relationships with internal stakeholders as well as key external vendors.
• Demonstrates willingness and capacity to learn and apply HSE regulatory requirements in a dynamic environment.

Desirable Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in a safety management, industrial hygiene, environmental science, occupational health and/or medicine, chemistry, or related field. Experience working in a research laboratory environment a plus.
• Fluent in English (oral and written).

Benefits & Rewards

The salary for this position is expected to range between $89,600 and $166,400 per year. 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.

Commitment To Diversity & Inclusion

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

Accessibility And Accommodation

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 that nature of your request and your contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message.

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.

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.

https://www.novartis.com/careers/careers-research/notice-all-applicants-us-job-openings

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 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.