Utility Engineer III

U473 (FCRS = US473) Novartis Innovative Technologies Inc; North Carolina; On-site; USD 99,000 - 183,000; Full time

Job summary

Novartis Innovative Technologies Inc in Durham, NC seeks a Utility Engineer III to own and manage site utility, HVAC and electrical systems for compliant manufacturing operations.

You will lead installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of critical facility assets, drive changes to maintain validated states, and support inspections and audits in a highly regulated environment.

This onsite role offers growth, cross-functional collaboration, and a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical, Electrical, or Mechanical Engineering with 5+ years in regulated environments.
• Experience supporting utility, HVAC, electrical, or facility systems in pharma/biotech settings.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain equipment in a validated state.

Responsibilities

• Own and manage site utility, electrical, and HVAC systems for compliant operations.
• Provide hands-on oversight for installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair.
• Lead changes to maintain validated system states and write/approve procedures.
• Analyze issues and implement robust solutions to minimize downtime.
• Support regulatory inspections and internal audits with effective CAPAs.

Skills

Business Continuity

Cost Management

Operational Excellence

Quality Compliance

Technical Writing

Root Cause Analysis

Equipment Troubleshooting

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical, Electrical, or Mechanical Engineering

Associate degree or equivalent in engineering/technical field

Tools

SCADA

PLC

Job description

Band Level 3 Job Description Summary You will play a critical role in keeping our manufacturing campus running safely, reliably, and ready for what’s next. As a Utility Engineer III, your expertise ensures that vital utility, HVAC, and electrical systems perform at their best—supporting the delivery of life-changing medicines to patients around the world. This is an opportunity to take true ownership of complex systems, influence long‑term site strategy, and work hands‑on with cross‑functional partners to drive innovation, compliance, and operational excellence in a highly regulated environment.

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 to you.

Key Responsibilities:

• Own and manage site utility, electrical, and HVAC systems to ensure reliable, compliant manufacturing operations
• Provide hands‑on engineering oversight for installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of critical facility assets
• Lead and control changes to utility and facility equipment to maintain validated and qualified system states
• Create, review, and approve operational procedures, maintenance plans, drawings, and technical specifications
• Analyze complex equipment issues and deliver robust engineering solutions that minimize risk and downtime
• Support regulatory inspections and internal audits, responding to observations with effective corrective actions
• Ensure ongoing compliance with good manufacturing practices, Code of Federal Regulations, and internal quality standards
• Oversee external vendors and service providers to ensure safe, high‑quality, and timely execution of work
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance reliability, efficiency, and operational excellence across utilities
• Monitor equipment performance and implement maintenance and reliability strategies aligned with site and global standards

Essential Requirements:

• Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical, Electrical, or Mechanical Engineering with at least five years relevant experience, OR Associate degree, diploma, or certification in an engineering or skilled technical field with at least seven years relevant experience, OR equivalent work experience of nine or more years supporting engineering, maintenance, or automation systems in regulated industries
• Demonstrated experience supporting utility, HVAC, electrical, or facility systems within pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or similar regulated environments
• Proven ability to own, maintain, and improve equipment and systems in a validated state
• Strong technical writing skills with experience creating, reviewing, and approving regulated documentation
• Applied knowledge of root cause analysis and structured problem‑solving to resolve complex technical issues
• Hands‑on experience with equipment troubleshooting, building management systems, and industrial programmable logic controllers
• Solid project management capabilities with experience leading projects from initiation through completion
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across technical and cross‑functional teams

Novartis Compensation and Benefit Summary:

The salary for this position is expected to range between $98,700 and $183,000 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.

Salary Range $98,700.00 - $183,300.00

Skills Desired

• Business Continuity
• Cost Management
• Operational Excellence
• Quality Compliance

#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, 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 +1 (877)395‑2339 and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message.