Senior Automation Engineer: Upstream Manufacturing (Onsite)

Novartis; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 124,000 - 186,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation packages

Benefits package offered

Job summary

Novartis in Durham, NC, seeks a Senior Automation Engineer (Upstream Media) to lead automation design and maintenance for GMP manufacturing. The role requires guiding cross‑functional teams, defining system specifications, and ensuring compliance across DCS, BMS/EMS, MES, and 3rd party interfaces.

Required are a B.S. in engineering, 8–12 years pharma GMP experience, DeltaV and Rockwell tooling proficiency, S88 expertise, OSI PI mastery, and strong project management.

Qualifications

• BS in Engineering, Computer Science, or related technical field.
• 8+ years in pharma GMP manufacturing operations (12 years if applicable).
• Experience with DCS/SCADA/BMS systems and data acquisition.
• Strong communication and technical writing skills.
• Experience with validation, qualification plans, and C&Q alignment.
• Familiarity with S88, quality by design, and regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

• Lead automation design, configuration, installation, and maintenance of automation software and hardware.
• Oversee automation aspects of projects including integration of 3rd party equipment to DCS/BMS.
• Prepare scopes of work and manage automation contractors to meet timelines.
• Develop objectives with user requirements and business plans.
• Lead discussions on priorities, timelines, and information sharing.
• Create and update URS/FS/DDS/HDS/SDS documentation and procedures.
• Maintain GMP-compliant procedures and support 24x7 operations.

Skills

DCS/SCADA troubleshooting

PLC/Automation management

DeltaV experience

Rockwell FactoryTalk View SE

OSi PI data historian

S88 automation standard

MS SQL queries

GMP/21 CFR Part 11

Project management

Vendor/3rd party coordination

Education

B.S. in Engineering / related field

Tools

DeltaV

Rockwell PLC/SCADA

OSi PI

CompactLogix/ControlLogix

Job description

Novartis in Durham, NC, seeks a Senior Automation Engineer (Upstream Media) to lead automation design and maintenance for GMP manufacturing. The role requires guiding cross‑functional teams, defining system specifications, and ensuring compliance across DCS, BMS/EMS, MES, and 3rd party interfaces.

Required are a B.S. in engineering, 8–12 years pharma GMP experience, DeltaV and Rockwell tooling proficiency, S88 expertise, OSI PI mastery, and strong project management.