Sr. Automation Engineer – DeltaV

Novartis; Durham (CA); On-site; USD 109,000 - 202,000; Full time

Job summary

Novartis in Durham, NC seeks an experienced Sr. Automation Engineer to serve as a DeltaV SME, leading automation initiatives in GMP manufacturing and driving system reliability.

You will design, configure, troubleshoot, and optimize DeltaV control strategies, supporting the full lifecycle from implementation to retirement, while partnering with Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality, Validation, and IT teams to deliver compliant solutions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Automation, or a related technical field with 8+ years of GMP pharmaceutical or biopharmaceutical manufacturing operations experience.
• Strong hands-on experience programming, troubleshooting, and maintaining DeltaV DCS automation systems.
• Experience with SCADA, HMI, PLC, BMS in regulated environment.
• Knowledge of GMP, FDA, and 21 CFR Part 11 requirements.
• Experience with automation system validation, qualification, and lifecycle management in GMP operations.
• Proven ability to lead automation projects and change controls.
• Experience developing automation documentation and test protocols.
• Strong communication and collaboration across Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Validation, and IT teams.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a DeltaV SME, providing technical expertise for automation systems supporting GMP manufacturing operations.
• Design, configure, troubleshoot, and optimize DeltaV control strategies and system performance.
• Support the full automation system lifecycle, including implementation, upgrades, maintenance, and retirement.
• Lead automation projects from concept through commissioning, qualification, and operational handover.
• Partner with Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality, Validation, and IT teams to deliver automation solutions.
• Drive continuous improvement to enhance system reliability, efficiency, and product quality.
• Investigate automation deviations, implement corrective actions, and support CAPA activities.
• Develop and maintain automation documentation, including specifications, test protocols, and system drawings.
• Ensure automation systems remain compliant with GMP, FDA, and data integrity requirements.
• Provide technical mentorship and SME for DeltaV and site automation technologies.

Skills

DeltaV DCS

SCADA

HMI

PLC

GMP experience

21 CFR Part 11

Lifecycle management

Validation

Project leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Automation, or a related technical field

Tools

DeltaV

Job description

Band

Level 4

Job Description Summary

Join Novartis and play a pivotal role in advancing manufacturing automation that helps deliver innovative medicines to patients worldwide. As a Sr. Automation Engineer – DeltaV, you will serve as a key technical expert supporting and optimizing critical automation systems within a GMP-regulated manufacturing environment. This is an opportunity to lead impactful automation initiatives, drive system reliability and performance, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to enable operational excellence. If you’re passionate about automation, continuous improvement, and leveraging DeltaV technology to solve complex challenges, we’d love to hear from you.

Job Description

Location:

• This position will be located in Durham, 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:

• Serve as a DeltaV SME, providing technical expertise for automation systems supporting GMP manufacturing operations.
• Design, configure, troubleshoot, and optimize DeltaV control strategies and system performance.
• Support the full automation system lifecycle, including implementation, upgrades, maintenance, and retirement.
• Lead automation projects from concept through commissioning, qualification, and operational handover.
• Partner with Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality, Validation, and IT teams to deliver automation solutions.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance system reliability, efficiency, and product quality.
• Investigate automation deviations, implement corrective actions, and support CAPA activities.
• Develop and maintain automation documentation, including specifications, test protocols, and system drawings.
• Ensure automation systems remain compliant with GMP, FDA, and data integrity requirements.
• Provide technical mentorship and subject matter expertise for DeltaV and site automation technologies.

Essential Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Automation, or a related technical field with 8+ years of experience supporting GMP pharmaceutical or biopharmaceutical manufacturing operations; or equivalent experience.
• Strong hands-on experience programming, troubleshooting, and maintaining DeltaV DCS automation systems.
• Experience supporting SCADA, HMI, PLC, BMS, and manufacturing automation platforms in a regulated environment.
• Demonstrated knowledge of GMP, FDA, and 21 CFR Part 11 requirements supporting manufacturing automation systems.
• Experience with automation system validation, qualification, and lifecycle management within GMP operations.
• Proven ability to lead automation projects, execute complex change controls, and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Experience developing automation documentation, technical specifications, and test protocols.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills with experience partnering across Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Validation, and IT 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.

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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, 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.

https://www.novartis.com/careers/careers-research/notice-all-applicants-us-job-openings

Salary Range

$108,500.00 - $201,500.00

Skills Desired

Business Continuity, Cost Management, Data Analytics, Decision Making, Emotional Resilience, Engineering Concepts, Good Documentation Practices, Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) Policy, Manufacturing Processes, Operational Excellence, Operations Management, Planning Budgeting And Forecasting (PBF), Problem Solving, Project Management, Quality Compliance, Risk Management, Stakeholder Management, Vendor Management