Automation Engineer

At Novartis, automation is more than technology — it is how we ensure safe, reliable medicines reach patients. In this role, you will take ownership of critical building management and environmental monitoring systems within a new manufacturing facility, helping shape how advanced automation supports quality, compliance, and operational excellence. You will work at the intersection of innovation and impact, partnering with engineering, quality, and manufacturing teams to design, maintain, and continuously improve systems that enable a compliant and efficient production environment. If you enjoy solving complex problems, influencing how manufacturing systems perform at scale, and seeing the direct results of your expertise in a highly regulated setting, this role offers meaningful responsibility and long-term growth.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:Own and maintain building management and environmental monitoring systems supporting a new manufacturing facilityDesign, configure, install, and maintain automation software and associated hardware across GMP and non-GMP systemsLead integration of third-party equipment into plant automation and distributed control systemsPrepare scopes of work and manage automation contractors to meet project timelines and quality expectationsDevelop project objectives aligned with user requirements, business plans, and operational prioritiesAuthor and maintain system documentation, including user requirements and functional specificationsEnsure automation systems meet GMP, regulatory, and internal compliance requirementsPartner with Quality to support a compliant, inspection-ready manufacturing environmentTroubleshoot and resolve automation-related issues impacting operations and production performanceExecute change controls and support investigations related to automation system non-conformancesEssential Requirements:Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical disciplineMinimum five years of experience supporting GMP automation systems in pharmaceutical or biopharmaceutical manufacturing environmentsHands-on experience with Distributed Control Systems, including Emerson DeltaVExperience with Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition and Human Machine Interface platforms, including Copadata enon and Rockwell FactoryTalkPractical expertise with Programmable Logic Controllers and building systems, including Emerson PACSystems and Allen‑Bradley CompactLogix and ControlLogixWorking knowledge of data historians and manufacturing data systems, including OSIsoft PI, and basic Structured Query Language query developmentDemonstrated understanding of system validation, change control, and regulated automated manufacturing environmentsStrong communication and collaboration skills when working across engineering, quality, and operations teamsNovartis Compensation and Benefit Summary:The salary for this position is expected to range between $98,700 and $183,300 annuallyThe 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.