Senior Specialist, Automation Engineer

Summary

The Senior Specialist, Automation Engineer will play a crucial role in overseeing the integration of shop floor equipment with IT and OT systems across various domains. Main responsibility will be to ensure the efficient flow of data from the shop floor to the enterprise level.

Working alongside a team of experts, you will be responsible for coordinating and implementing the necessary middleware setup to facilitate data transfer. This will involve defining data points based on specific business requirements and industry best practices. In addition, you will oversee the configuration of end-to-end interfaces and conduct thorough interface qualification processes.

#LI-Onsite
Location: Morrisville, NC
Relocation Support: Yes

About the Role

Key Responsibilities: ​

• Lead and support the implementation, commissioning, and integration of automation control systems and related IT/OT infrastructure for the Morrisville manufacturing site.
• Set up and integrate Production Control systems (SCADA, PLC, HMI), MES, EMS, BMS, and OT security solutions in alignment with the defined solution architecture.
• Deliver detailed design, development, qualification, and integration of IT/OT system solutions, including creation of process designs needed for daily operations.
• Ensure designs adhere to architectural roadmaps, stability, scalability, GxP compliance, and security/reliability standards.

• Collaborate with site and global teams to ensure timely execution and delivery of automation and IT/OT activities in support of project milestones.
• Work closely with contractors, vendors, and internal stakeholders to ensure alignment with technical requirements, standards, and project expectations.
• Contribute to the business case development process with relevant technical input.

• Prepare and maintain technical documentation, qualification protocols, and reports for new systems and interfaces.
• Support troubleshooting, testing, validation, and commissioning activities during installation and start‑up phases.
• Facilitate peer reviews and obtain business sign‑off for detailed technical designs.

• Maintain stable operations for implemented global and site IT/OT solutions.
• Ensure adherence to Security and Compliance policies, and support internal/external audits as required.
• Consider user experience in the design and implementation of solutions and services.

• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives across IT/OT solutions, services, and processes.
• Provide input on automation and digitalisation best practices.
• Support knowledge transfer and training activities for new systems and technologies introduced at the site.

The salary for this position is expected to range between $114,100 and $211,900 per year.

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.

Essential Requirements:

• 5+ years of relevant technical experience in delivering global solutions to the customers, preferably in the area of automation engineering in manufacturing processes.
• Knowledge of automation technologies and software platforms (e.g. SCADA, Historian, MES)
• Knowledge of industry standards and protocols for communication and data exchange in manufacturing operations (e.g. OPC, MQTT).
• Understanding of manufacturing operations and processes.
• Working experience in a GxP environment is an advantage.
• Leveraging digital technology / big data.

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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 & 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 [email protected] or 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.