Project Manager, Engineering - Capital Projects

Novartis AG; Morrisville (NC); On-site; USD 109,000 - 202,000; Full time

Job summary

Novartis in Morrisville, NC is seeking a Project Manager, Engineering - Capital Projects to lead CAPEX initiatives from concept through commissioning. You will coordinate cross-functional teams, develop plans, budgets and schedules to meet manufacturing and operational goals in a GMP environment.

The role requires a Bachelor’s in Engineering and 7 years of engineering experience including CAPEX exposure in pharma/chemical sectors, with strong leadership and stakeholder management skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or equivalent
• 7 years of engineering experience, including 2 years supporting CAPEX projects in pharma/chemical
• Experience with project controls, budgeting and scheduling
• Strong knowledge of GMP, GxP and regulated manufacturing environments
• Experience leading contractors, vendors and external project resources
• Knowledge of HSE requirements and safe project execution
• Broad interdisciplinary engineering knowledge to solve complex technical challenges
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills to lead cross-functional teams

Responsibilities

• Lead CAPEX projects from concept through commissioning, ensuring scope, budget, and schedule
• Manage cross-functional teams to support manufacturing and operational objectives
• Develop project plans, timelines, budgets, and resource strategies
• Coordinate design, procurement, construction, and startup across phases
• Ensure GMP/FDA/quality compliance throughout execution
• Identify risks and implement mitigation strategies
• Manage external contractors, vendors, and partners
• Drive continuous improvement to enhance facility performance
• Provide technical leadership for complex manufacturing infrastructure
• Deliver updates and recommendations to stakeholders and leadership

Skills

Project management

Leadership

Stakeholder management

GMP compliance

Budgeting

Scheduling

Contract management

Vendor management

Cross-functional teamwork

Risk management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Job description

Job Description Summary

Imagine leading high-impact capital projects that directly shape the future of pharmaceutical manufacturing. As a Project Manager, Engineering - Capital Projects, you will drive the execution of complex CAPEX initiatives from concept through commissioning, partnering with cross-functional teams to deliver innovative engineering solutions that support operational excellence, GMP compliance, and business growth. This is an opportunity to make a visible impact, influence strategic investments, and help bring life-changing medicines to patients worldwide while working alongside talented engineering and manufacturing professionals.

Job Description

Location:

This position will be located in Morrisville, 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

• Lead CAPEX projects from concept through commissioning, ensuring delivery on scope, budget, and schedule.
• Manage cross-functional teams to execute engineering projects supporting manufacturing and operational objectives.
• Develop project plans, timelines, budgets, and resource strategies to achieve successful outcomes.
• Coordinate design, procurement, construction, and startup activities across multiple project phases.
• Ensure compliance with GMP, FDA, safety, and quality requirements throughout project execution.
• Identify project risks and implement mitigation strategies to minimize operational impact.
• Manage external contractors, vendors, and engineering partners to deliver high-quality results.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives that enhance facility performance, reliability, and efficiency.
• Provide technical leadership and engineering expertise for complex manufacturing infrastructure projects.
• Deliver clear project updates and recommendations to stakeholders, leadership teams, and business partners.

Essential Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or equivalent technical discipline.
• 7 years of engineering experience, including 2 years supporting CAPEX projects within the pharmaceutical or chemical industry.
• Proven project management experience, including project controls, budgeting, scheduling, and contract management.
• Strong knowledge of GMP, GxP, Quality Assurance, and regulated manufacturing environments.
• Demonstrated leadership experience managing contractors, vendors, and external project resources.
• Working knowledge of HSE requirements and commitment to maintaining safe project execution.
• Broad interdisciplinary engineering knowledge with the ability to solve complex technical challenges.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills with the ability to lead cross-functional project teams.

Novartis Compensation and Benefit Summary

The salary for this position is expected to range between $108,500 and $201,500 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.

#LI-Onsite

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 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 to perform the essential functions of a position, please send an e-mail to [e-mail] 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.

Salary Range

$108,500.00 - $201,500.00

Skills Desired

Business Continuity, Cost Management, Decision Making, Operational Excellence, Problem Solving, Project Management, Quality Compliance, Risk Management, Stakeholder Management, Vendor Management