Senior/Level III Engineer, Automation

Novartis Group Companies; Morrisville (NC); On-site; USD 103,000 - 193,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Senior Automation Engineer to lead the automation design team at a cutting-edge gene therapy manufacturing facility. This role involves maintaining and troubleshooting control systems, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and ensuring compliance with GMP standards. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in pharmaceutical manufacturing, strong communication skills, and expertise in automation technologies. Join a forward-thinking organization where your contributions will drive innovation and excellence in the field of gene therapy.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of GMP manufacturing experience in pharmaceuticals.
• Experience programming and troubleshooting DCS and SCADA systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead automation design team and serve as a technical expert.
• Manage automation projects from concept to execution.

Skills

GMP manufacturing experience

Communication skills

Programming DCS systems

Troubleshooting SCADA/HMI systems

Technical writing

Education

B.S. in Engineering

B.S. in Computer Science

Tools

DeltaV

Rockwell SCADA

Allen Bradley ControlLogix

OSI PI

Job description

Job Description Summary

Position: Senior/Level III Engineer, Automation

This position will be located in Durham, NC, and is not eligible for remote work.

The Senior Automation Engineer reports to the AD Process Automation and is responsible for leading the automation design team and serving as a technical subject matter expert at a Novartis gene therapy manufacturing facility. Responsibilities include maintaining, troubleshooting, and modifying GMP and non-GMP control systems, including plant-wide DCS (DeltaV), BMS (Rockwell SCADA), and third-party local control systems.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Provide design, configuration, installation, and maintenance of automation software and hardware, collaborating with other teams as necessary.
2. Participate in automation aspects of future projects, including integration of third-party equipment, data concentration, batch reporting, and data retention.
3. Prepare scopes of work for large projects and manage automation contractors to ensure timely completion.
4. Develop project objectives based on user requirements and business plans.
5. Determine equipment and system specifications and select cost-effective technologies.
6. Lead discussions with internal business partners on priorities, timelines, and information sharing.
7. Establish equipment specifications documented in URS, FS, DDS/HDS/SDS.
8. Manage programs from concept through execution, utilizing project management tools.
9. Maintain procedures compliant with GMP, CFRs, and internal policies.
10. Participate in or lead new product implementation processes for smooth transition into GMP manufacturing.

Qualifications:

Senior Engineer Automation:

• B.S. in Engineering, Computer Science, or related field.
• 8 years of GMP manufacturing experience in pharmaceutical or biopharmaceutical sectors (or 12 years if less specialized).
• Strong communication skills, both oral and written, including technical writing.
• Experience programming and troubleshooting DCS systems (preferably DeltaV), SCADA/HMI (preferably Rockwell FactoryTalk View SE), PLC/BMS systems (preferably Allen Bradley ControlLogix), and data historians (preferably OSI PI).

Level III Engineer Automation:

• B.S. in Engineering, Computer Science, or related field.
• 5 years of GMP manufacturing experience (or 9 years if less specialized).
• Excellent communication skills.
• Experience with programming and troubleshooting DCS, SCADA/HMI, PLC/BMS systems, and data historians; system validation experience is a plus.

Compensation and Benefits:

The salary range at start is approximately $103,600 to $192,400 annually. Compensation may include bonuses, stock units, and discretionary awards, along with comprehensive benefits. Final salary depends on various factors, including location, experience, and skills. The company reserves the right to modify compensation and benefits at any time.

Note: Visa sponsorship and relocation support are not provided for this role. Applicants must be able to work at the specified location.

EEO and Accommodations:

Novartis is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. Contact [e-mail] for assistance.