Project Engineer

U014 (FCRS = US014) Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation; Morris Plains (NJ); On-site; USD 99,000 - 183,000; Full time

Job summary

Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation in Morris Plains, NJ is seeking a Project Engineer to lead engineering projects from concept to closeout, partnering with cross-functional teams to drive innovation, quality, and regulatory compliance in a pharmaceutical manufacturing setting.

The role requires 4+ years of project management in a regulated environment and 3+ years in pharma, with strong stakeholder communication and documentation skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Pharmaceutical Technology, Architecture, or related scientific discipline.
• Minimum 4 years of engineering project management experience within a regulated manufacturing environment.
• Minimum 3 years of pharmaceutical industry experience.
• Proven ability to manage project scope, schedules, budgets, and CAPEX investments.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams and coordinating external contractors and vendors.
• Strong knowledge of GMP, HSE, and regulatory compliance requirements.
• Experience managing Change Controls and supporting qualification and validation activities.
• Excellent stakeholder management, communication, and documentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead small to medium-sized engineering projects from initiation through successful closeout.
• Develop project plans, schedules, budgets, and resource requirements to achieve business objectives.
• Coordinate internal teams and external vendors to ensure seamless project execution.
• Monitor project risks and implement mitigation strategies to maintain timelines and deliverables.
• Oversee contractor activities while ensuring compliance with safety and site requirements.
• Partner with Quality and Qualification teams to support project validation and documentation.
• Manage Change Controls and associated deliverables in support of project implementation.
• Prepare and maintain project documentation, reports, and CAPEX approval packages.
• Ensure compliance with GMP, HSE, and regulatory requirements across all project activities.
• Support inspections, audits, and project handovers to ensure sustainable operational success.

Skills

Stakeholder management

Communication

Documentation

Cross-functional leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering/Pharmaceutical Technology/Architecture

Job description

Band Level 3 Job Description Summary

Imagine leading projects that directly enable the delivery of life-changing medicines to patients around the world. As a Project Engineer at Novartis, you will take ownership of engineering projects from concept through completion, partner with cross-functional teams to drive innovation, operational excellence, and compliance within a dynamic pharmaceutical manufacturing environment. This is an exciting opportunity to make a measurable impact, influence key site initiatives, and help shape the future of manufacturing while growing your project leadership expertise.

Job Description Location

This position will be located in Morris Plains, NJ 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

• Lead small to medium-sized engineering projects from initiation through successful closeout.
• Develop project plans, schedules, budgets, and resource requirements to achieve business objectives.
• Coordinate internal teams and external vendors to ensure seamless project execution.
• Monitor project risks and implement mitigation strategies to maintain timelines and deliverables.
• Oversee contractor activities while ensuring compliance with safety and site requirements.
• Partner with Quality and Qualification teams to support project validation and documentation.
• Manage Change Controls and associated deliverables in support of project implementation.
• Prepare and maintain project documentation, reports, and CAPEX approval packages.
• Ensure compliance with GMP, HSE, and regulatory requirements across all project activities.
• Support inspections, audits, and project handovers to ensure sustainable operational success.

Essential Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Pharmaceutical Technology, Architecture, or a related scientific discipline.
• Minimum 4 years of engineering project management experience within a regulated manufacturing environment.
• Minimum 3 years of pharmaceutical industry experience.
• Proven ability to manage project scope, schedules, budgets, and CAPEX investments.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams and coordinating external contractors and vendors.
• Strong knowledge of GMP, HSE, and regulatory compliance requirements.
• Experience managing Change Controls and supporting qualification and validation activities.
• Excellent stakeholder management, communication, and documentation skills.

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.

Salary Range $98,700.00 - $183,300.00

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.

Skills Desired

• Business Continuity
• Cost Management
• Operational Excellence
• Quality Compliance

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.