Site Robotics Strategic Lead

Novartis; Morris Plains (NJ); On-site; USD 181,000 - 209,000; Full time

Job summary

Novartis in Morris Plains, NJ seeks a Site Robotics Strategic Lead to shape the manufacturing robotics strategy, evaluate technologies, and deploy GMP‑compliant, scalable solutions that improve productivity and innovation across operations. You will partner with global stakeholders, vendors, and site teams to translate emerging robotics into measurable business value.

You will own URS development, define standards and roadmaps, lead pilots, manage the robotics catalog, and ensure compliance with

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Robotics, Automation, Mechatronics, Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field.
• 7+ years of experience in industrial robotics, automation, or advanced manufacturing environments.
• Proven experience leading robotics or automation projects from concept through deployment.
• Strong knowledge of robotics systems, automation architectures, and manufacturing technologies.
• Experience developing URS documentation and technology roadmaps.
• Understanding GMP, GxP, validation, data integrity, and quality systems.
• Ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders and drive technology adoption.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain the site robotics technology strategy aligned with manufacturing and business objectives.
• Define and harmonize robotics standards, requirements, and roadmaps across shared work centers.
• Own and maintain User Requirement Specifications (URS) for robotics technologies and platforms.
• Lead evaluation and deployment of emerging robotics solutions, including computer vision and physical AI.
• Translate innovative technologies into scalable, site-ready solutions that deliver measurable value.
• Manage the robotics technology catalog, ensuring accuracy, readiness, and governance of approved solutions.
• Assess vendor capabilities and partner with Procurement to select and manage strategic suppliers.
• Drive pilot programs and technology adoption through collaboration with site and global stakeholders.
• Present roadmap progress, technology recommendations, and project outcomes to leadership forums.
• Ensure robotics solutions comply with GMP, GxP, cybersecurity, and quality system requirements.

Skills

Robotics systems

Automation

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

URS documentation

GMP/GxP knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in Robotics/Automation/Mechatronics/Engineering/CS

Job description

Summary

Help shape the future of manufacturing through robotics innovation. As the Site Robotics Strategic Lead, you will drive the strategy, evaluation, and deployment of advanced robotics technologies that enhance productivity, accelerate innovation, and support operational excellence across manufacturing operations. Working with global stakeholders, vendors, and site teams, you will transform emerging technologies into scalable, GMP-compliant solutions that deliver measurable business value.

About The Role

Location

• This position will be located in Morris Plains, NJ and will be an onsite role.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain the site robotics technology strategy aligned with manufacturing and business objectives.
• Define and harmonize robotics standards, requirements, and roadmaps across shared work centers.
• Own and maintain User Requirement Specifications (URS) for robotics technologies and platforms.
• Lead evaluation and deployment of emerging robotics solutions, including computer vision and physical AI.
• Translate innovative technologies into scalable, site-ready solutions that deliver measurable value.
• Manage the robotics technology catalog, ensuring accuracy, readiness, and governance of approved solutions.
• Assess vendor capabilities and partner with Procurement to select and manage strategic suppliers.
• Drive pilot programs and technology adoption through collaboration with site and global stakeholders.
• Present roadmap progress, technology recommendations, and project outcomes to leadership forums.
• Ensure robotics solutions comply with GMP, GxP, cybersecurity, and quality system requirements.

Essential Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Robotics, Automation, Mechatronics, Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field.
• 7+ years of experience in industrial robotics, automation, or advanced manufacturing environments.
• Proven experience leading robotics or automation projects from concept through deployment.
• Strong knowledge of robotics systems, automation architectures, and manufacturing technologies.
• Experience developing technical standards, URS documentation, and technology roadmaps.
• Understanding of GMP, GxP, validation, data integrity, and quality system requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders and drive technology adoption.
• Strong communication, analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.

Novartis Compensation And Benefit Summary

The salary for this position is expected to range between $180,500 and $208,500 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.

Why Novartis:

Helping people with disease and their families takes more than innovative science. It takes a community of smart, passionate people like you. Collaborating, supporting and inspiring each other. Combining to achieve breakthroughs that change patients’ lives. Ready to create a brighter future together? https://www.novartis.com/about/strategy/people-and-culture

Benefits and Rewards:

Learn about all the ways we’ll help you thrive personally and professionally.

Read our handbook (PDF 30 MB)

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 & 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 [email protected] 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.