Sr. Automation Engineer - Upstream/Media

Novartis Group Companies; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 109,000 - 202,000; Full time

Job summary

Novartis Group of Companies seeks a Sr. Automation Engineer - Upstream/Media to lead automation for upstream manufacturing and media operations.

You will be the technical SME for DCS, BMS, MES, and related systems, driving projects from concept through handoff in a GMP setting. With 8+ years in pharmaceutical/biopharma automation, you will develop URS/FS, manage contractors, and ensure compliant system delivery while supporting change controls and continuous improvements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical discipline.
• 8+ years of automation experience within GMP pharmaceutical or biopharmaceutical manufacturing environments.
• Hands-on experience supporting DCS platforms, preferably Emerson DeltaV.
• Proven expertise with PLC, SCADA, HMI, and manufacturing automation systems.
• Strong knowledge of validation practices, GMP regulations, FDA requirements, and 21 CFR Part 11.
• Experience applying ISA-88 principles and developing automation standards within regulated environments.
• Demonstrated project leadership experience, including management of contractors and external partners.
• Strong troubleshooting, communication, and technical writing skills with the ability to solve complex challenges.

Responsibilities

• Lead automation support for upstream manufacturing and media process control systems.
• Serve as the technical SME for DCS, BMS, MES, and associated control systems.
• Drive automation project execution from concept through implementation and handoff.
• Oversee integration of third-party equipment into site automation and manufacturing platforms.
• Develop URS, FS, and design specifications to support compliant system delivery.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to establish priorities, timelines, and objectives.
• Support new product introductions and upstream process implementation within GMP manufacturing.
• Investigate automation-related non-conformances and implement corrective actions.
• Execute change controls, system upgrades, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Provide technical support for manufacturing operations, including on-call rotations.

Skills

DCS platforms

PLC

SCADA

HMI

ISA-88

Project leadership

Validation

GMP/FDA knowledge

Technical writing

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field

Tools

Emerson DeltaV

Job description

Job Description Summary

Ready to help power the next generation of life-changing therapies? As a Sr. Automation Engineer - Upstream/Media, you will play a critical role in supporting the automation systems that drive upstream manufacturing and media preparation operations. You'll serve as a technical leader within a GMP environment, partnering with cross-functional teams to optimize process performance, enhance system reliability, and deliver automation solutions that enable consistent, compliant production. This is an exciting opportunity to combine technical expertise, innovation, and project leadership while helping shape the future of advanced biopharmaceutical manufacturing.

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:

• Lead automation support for upstream manufacturing and media process control systems.
• Serve as the technical SME for DCS, BMS, MES, and associated control systems.
• Drive automation project execution from concept through implementation and operational handoff.
• Oversee integration of third‑party equipment into site automation and manufacturing platforms.
• Develop URS, FS, and design specifications to support compliant system delivery.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to establish priorities, timelines, and project objectives.
• Support new product introductions and upstream process implementation within GMP manufacturing.
• Investigate automation‑related non‑conformances and implement effective corrective actions.
• Execute change controls, system upgrades, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Provide technical support for manufacturing operations, including participation in on‑call rotations.

Essential Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical discipline.
• 8+ years of automation experience within GMP pharmaceutical or biopharmaceutical manufacturing environments.
• Hands‑on experience supporting DCS platforms, preferably Emerson DeltaV.
• Proven expertise with PLC, SCADA, HMI, and manufacturing automation systems.
• Strong knowledge of validation practices, GMP regulations, FDA requirements, and 21 CFR Part 11.
• Experience applying ISA‑88 principles and developing automation standards within regulated environments.
• Demonstrated project leadership experience, including management of contractors and external partners.
• Strong troubleshooting, communication, and technical writing skills with the ability to solve complex challenges.

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.

#LI-Onsite

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 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 to perform the essential functions of a position, please send an e‑mail to [e-mail] 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.

Salary Range

$108,500.00 - $201,500.00

Skills Desired

Business Continuity, Cost Management, Decision Making, Operational Excellence, Problem Solving, Project Management, Quality Compliance, Risk Management, Stakeholder Management, Vendor Management