Automation Engineer III - Downstream/Buffer
Novartis
Summary
Ready to make a direct impact on the delivery of life-changing medicines? As an Automation Engineer III - Downstream/Buffer, you will support the automation systems that enable reliable, compliant, and efficient manufacturing operations. Working within GMP production environments, you will contribute to automation projects, troubleshoot control systems, support system improvements, and partner with cross-functional teams to enhance operational performance and quality.
Job description
Job Description Summary
Ready to make a direct impact on the delivery of life-changing medicines? As an Automation Engineer III - Downstream/Buffer, you will support the automation systems that enable reliable, compliant, and efficient manufacturing operations. Working within GMP production environments, you will contribute to automation projects, troubleshoot control systems, support system improvements, and partner with cross-functional teams to enhance operational performance and quality.
Key Responsibilities
- Support automation system design, configuration, maintenance, and lifecycle activities for Downstream/Buffer manufacturing operations.
- Provide technical support for DCS, BMS, MES, and associated control systems to ensure reliable plant operations.
- Participate in automation projects from design through implementation and operational handoff.
- Support integration of third-party equipment into site automation and manufacturing platforms.
- Develop and maintain automation documentation, including User Requirements Specifications (URS), Functional Specifications (FS), and design specifications.
- Collaborate with Manufacturing, Quality, and Engineering teams to support project objectives and operational priorities.
- Support new product introductions and the successful transition of processes into GMP manufacturing.
- Investigate automation-related deviations and support implementation of corrective actions and continuous improvements.
- Execute change controls, system upgrades, and automation enhancements in compliance with GMP requirements.
- Provide technical support for manufacturing operations, including participation in a rotating on-call schedule.
Essential Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical discipline.
- 5+ years of automation experience in pharmaceutical or biopharmaceutical GMP manufacturing environments, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Experience supporting DCS platforms, preferably Emerson DeltaV.
- Experience with PLC, SCADA, HMI, and manufacturing automation systems.
- Knowledge of GMP regulations, FDA requirements, and 21 CFR Part 11 within regulated manufacturing environments.
- Experience supporting validation activities, change controls, and automation system lifecycle management.
- Strong troubleshooting, communication, and technical documentation skills.
- Experience working collaboratively with cross-functional teams to resolve technical issues and support manufacturing operations.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical discipline
- 5+ years of automation experience in pharmaceutical or biopharmaceutical GMP manufacturing environments, or equivalent combination of education and experience
- Experience supporting DCS platforms, preferably Emerson DeltaV
- Experience with PLC, SCADA, HMI, and manufacturing automation systems
- Knowledge of GMP regulations, FDA requirements, and 21 CFR Part 11 within regulated manufacturing environments
- Experience supporting validation activities, change controls, and automation system lifecycle management
- Strong troubleshooting, communication, and technical documentation skills
- Experience working collaboratively with cross-functional teams to resolve technical issues and support manufacturing operations
Benefits
- Health, Life & Disability Benefits
- 401(k) Matching
- Performance-Based Cash Incentive
- Annual Equity Awards
- Vacation & Personal Days
- Holidays
Company overview
Novartis is a global pharmaceutical company headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, dedicated to reimagining medicine to improve and extend people's lives. As an innovative medicines company, Novartis focuses on developing high-value treatments that address society's greatest disease burdens through technology leadership in research and development. The company operates across five core therapeutic areas: cardiovascular, renal and metabolic diseases; immunology; neuroscience; oncology; and hematology. With a workforce of approximately 75,883 employees worldwide, Novartis reaches nearly 300 million patients across 118 countries. The company leverages advanced technology platforms including targeted protein degradation, cell therapy, gene therapy, radioligand therapy, and xRNA to develop breakthrough treatments. Novartis maintains a strong portfolio of oncology drugs and generics while continuously expanding its pipeline through strategic acquisitions and internal research. The company's commitment extends beyond drug development to ensuring global access to medical innovations through novel access approaches and patient assistance programs.