Automation Engineer III

Novartis • Durham, NC

4d • Onsite

About The Position

Imagine being at the forefront of manufacturing innovation, where your expertise directly supports the delivery of life-changing medicines to patients around the world. As an Automation Engineer III at Novartis, you will play a critical role in maintaining and advancing the automation technologies that power our manufacturing operations. Working with cross-functional teams, you will help drive operational excellence, solve complex technical challenges, and implement innovative automation solutions that enhance quality, compliance, and efficiency across our site. If you are passionate about technology, continuous improvement, and making a meaningful impact, this is an exciting opportunity to grow your career while helping reimagine medicine.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field.
• 5+ years of experience in GMP pharmaceutical or biopharmaceutical manufacturing operations, or equivalent experience.
• Demonstrated expertise programming, troubleshooting, and maintaining DCS platforms, preferably DeltaV.
• Hands-on experience supporting SCADA, HMI, PLC, and BMS automation systems.
• Experience with MES, data historians, preferably OSI PI, and system-level validation testing.
• Strong knowledge of FDA regulations, 21 CFR Part 11, and GMP-compliant manufacturing systems.
• Experience executing change controls, investigations, and compliance activities within regulated manufacturing environments.
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and cross-functional collaboration skills, with the ability to support 24/7 operations.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

• Design, configure, install, and maintain automation systems and associated manufacturing hardware.
• Support integration of third-party equipment into DCS and BMS platforms.
• Lead automation activities for projects, ensuring delivery within scope, quality, and timeline expectations.
• Develop technical specifications, user requirements, and system design documentation.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align priorities, timelines, and project objectives.
• Support new product introductions and ensure successful transition into GMP manufacturing.
• Troubleshoot and resolve automation issues impacting manufacturing performance and reliability.
• Execute automation-related change controls, investigations, and compliance activities.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives that enhance operational efficiency, quality, and productivity.
• Provide on-call automation support for site operations and critical manufacturing systems.

Benefits

• health
• life and disability benefits
• a 401(k) with company contribution and match
• a variety of other benefits
• generous time off package including vacation, personal days, holidays and other leaves
• performance-based cash incentive
• eligibility to be considered for annual equity awards

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior