Sr. Project Engineer (Design & Const.)

Summary

#LI-Onsite

Location: This role is based in Durham, NC. Novartis is unable to offer relocation support: please only apply if accessible.

*Company will not sponsor visas for this position.

Step into a role where your strategic planning and engineering expertise drive meaningful impact. As a Sr. Project Engineer at Novartis, you’ll lead the development and execution of CAPEX projects, ensuring every phase—from planning to reporting—is delivered with precision. You’ll be responsible for implementing expert technical solutions that meet internal standards and regulatory requirements, all while enhancing operational performance and compliance. This is your opportunity to shape the future of pharmaceutical engineering through innovation, discipline, and excellence.

About the Role

Key Responsibilities:

• Drive end-to-end planning, execution, and reporting of CAPEX projects
• Develop and implement project execution strategies aligned with cost, schedule, and quality goals
• Prepare and manage technical documentation including specifications, drawings, and risk assessments
• Oversee vendor and contractor performance to ensure timely and compliant project delivery
• Execute commissioning, qualification, and validation activities for new equipment and systems
• Ensure compliance with internal standards, regulatory requirements, and safety protocols
• Support audits and contribute to continuous improvement through technical troubleshooting and training

Essential Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or relevant discipline
• Minimum 5 years of engineering experience, including a minimum of 2+ years’ experience with CAPEX investment projects within the pharmaceutical industry
• Proven leadership in managing external engineering resources
• Strong project management skills, including contract oversight and budget control
• Experience collaborating across engineering functions to deliver integrated project outcomes
• In-depth understanding of HSE standards and GxP/QA compliance

Desirable Requirements:

• Diverse pharmaceutical experience preferred; large molecule, small molecule, aseptic drug substance and aseptic drug product.

Novartis Compensation and Benefit Summary:

The salary for this position is expected to range between $108,500 and $201,500 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.

To learn more about the culture, rewards and benefits we offer our people click here.

Why Novartis: Helping people with disease and their families takes more than innovative science. It takes a community of smart, passionate people like you. Collaborating, supporting and inspiring each other. Combining to achieve breakthroughs that change patients’ lives. Ready to create a brighter future together?

Benefits and Rewards: Learn about all the ways we’ll help you thrive personally and professionally.
Read our handbook (PDF 30 MB)

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.