Site Engineering Head

U473 (FCRS = US473) Novartis Innovative Technologies Inc; North Carolina; On-site; USD 176,000 - 328,000; Full time

Job summary

Novartis Innovative Technologies Inc. in Durham, NC seeks a Site Engineering Head to lead the engineering organization, shape long-term site strategy, and drive capital investments for facilities, utilities, equipment and technology.

You will ensure reliability and compliance while advancing safety and asset lifecycle management. The role requires a engineering degree and 15 years of experience with large project leadership, strong communication, and deep knowledge of chemical/pharmaceutical

Qualifications

• Engineering degree or equivalent is required.
• 15 years of engineering experience, including investment projects and maintenance.
• Broad leadership experience with large maintenance / investment programs.
• Excellent project management, contract management, and financial knowledge.
• Deep knowledge of chemical/pharmaceutical processes and quality systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Durham Site Engineering organization and develop talent.
• Develop and execute the site engineering strategy across facilities, utilities, equipment, and technology.
• Ensure reliable, compliant operation and lifecycle management of facilities and equipment.
• Direct site capital planning, governance, and resource allocation.
• Identify and implement new technologies, AI and robotics; partner across functions to improve safety, quality, and performance.

Skills

Leadership

Project Management

Communication

HSE/QA Knowledge

Strategic Thinking

Education

Engineering degree or equivalent

Job description

Band Level 6 Job Description Summary Location: Durham, North Carolina #LI-Onsite Help shape the engineering future of our Durham site. As Site Engineering Head, you will provide strategic and operational leadership for the site's Engineering organization, including Novartis Gene Therapies, our ADP and LMO expansions and all clinical operations. You will ensure our facilities, utilities, equipment, and infrastructure are reliable, compliant, and ready to support both today's operations and future growth. You will lead and develop a broad engineering organization, guide long-term site and capital strategies, and partner across the business to strengthen safety, quality, operational performance, and asset lifecycle management. As a member of the Site Leadership Team, you will have the opportunity to influence major investment decisions, advance new technologies, and build the engineering capabilities needed to enable production, testing, product launches, and continued site growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the Durham Site Engineering organization, building capabilities and developing talent to meet current and future business needs.
• Develop and execute the site engineering strategy, aligning infrastructure, utilities, equipment, and technology with business priorities.
• Ensure reliable, compliant operation and lifecycle management of site facilities, utilities, equipment, maintenance, and calibration programs.
• Direct site capital planning and engineering investments, ensuring effective prioritization, execution, governance, and resource allocation.
• Support the identification and implementation of new technologies, equipment, AI and robotics.
• Partner across functions to advance safety, quality, operational performance, asset reliability, and continuous improvement.
• Provide engineering leadership for production, testing, product launches, technical services, and evolving site requirements.
• Strengthen external partnerships and vendor performance while ensuring engineering activities meet applicable quality and compliance expectations.

Essential Requirements

• Degree in engineering or equivalent.
• 15 years of engineering experience, including experience in investment projects and maintenance.
• Broad leadership experience, including successful project management on major investment projects and/or a large maintenance organization.
• Excellent project management skills, including contract management, project appraisal, and financial knowledge.
• In-depth knowledge of chemical and/or pharmaceutical processes and equipment, broad interdisciplinary knowledge, and strong HSE and GxP/QA knowledge.
• Excellent communication skills across executive and technical audiences.

The salary for this position is expected to range between $176,400 and $327,600 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.

Salary Range $176,400.00 - $327,600.00

Improving the lives of people living with disease takes more than innovative science. It takes a focus on the needs of people and a community committed to meeting them. It takes a team of people like you. Working together. Learning together. Thriving together. Discover how you can join us in changing people's lives.

Skills Desired

• Data Analytics and Digital (Inactive)
• Decision Making
• Engineering Operations Management (Inactive)
• GDP Knowledge (Inactive)
• Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)
• HSE Knowledge (Inactive)
• Leadership
• Lean Manufacturing
• Manufacturing Process (Production) (Inactive)
• Operational Excellence
• Problem Solving
• Project Management
• Quality Compliance
• Resilience and Risk Management (Inactive)
• Resource Planning and Forecasting (Inactive)
• Stakeholder Management
• Strategic Thinking
• Vendor Management

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.

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