Senior Engineer, Utility

Novartis • Durham, NC

3d • Onsite

About The Position

Join us in shaping the future of pharmaceutical manufacturing! As an Senior Engineer, Utility, you’ll play a critical role in ensuring the reliability and efficiency of essential utility systems that power life-changing therapies. This is your opportunity to lead impactful projects, drive innovation, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to maintain world-class standards. Your expertise will help safeguard compliance, optimize performance, and support continuous improvement - making a real difference in patient outcomes and operational excellence.

Requirements

• B.S. degree in Chemical, Electrical or Mechanical Engineering, or related technical field, with a minimum of 8 years' work experience providing maintenance, automation, engineering, or equivalent support within the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or related industry OR Associate's degree/Diploma/Certification in Engineering Technology or Related Skilled Technical Field, with a minimum of 10 years work experience providing maintenance, automation, engineering, or equivalent support within the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or related industry OR Equivalent work experience (12+ years) experience providing maintenance, automation, engineering, or equivalent support within the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or related industry
• Strong technical writing skills and ability to create clear, compliant documentation
• Proven expertise in troubleshooting complex equipment and applying root cause analysis techniques
• Hands-on experience with automated building management systems and industrial PLCs
• Demonstrated ability to lead projects from initiation through completion, ensuring compliance and timely delivery
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with a track record of working effectively in cross-functional teams

Responsibilities

• System ownership responsibilities for site-based utility, electrical, and HVAC systems; including but not limited to water-for-injection, water pre-treatment, chillers, boilers, compressed gases, plant steam/condensate, wastewater, biowaste inactivation, air handling units, cold rooms, switchgear, emergency generators, cooling towers, fire protection, and control systems.
• Oversee installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of critical facility and utility assets to ensure reliability and minimize downtime.
• Manage equipment changes and upgrades to maintain validated states, ensuring compliance with qualification and regulatory requirements.
• Create, review, and approve essential documentation including SOPs, engineering drawings, maintenance plans, and equipment specifications to support robust operations.
• Investigate non-conformance events and alarm issues, applying root cause analysis and developing effective engineering solutions to prevent recurrence.
• Drive operational excellence initiatives, implementing strategies to optimize system reliability, reduce failure modes, and improve energy efficiency.
• Provide SME-level leadership on projects, guiding all phases from concept through closeout, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to quality standards.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including operations, quality, and manufacturing sciences to achieve site objectives and support new product introductions.
• Mentor and coach junior engineers, fostering technical growth and promoting best practices across the engineering team.

Benefits

• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees