Senior Principal Workflow Automation Expert
Novartis
Summary
The Workflow Automation Engineer drives workflow transformation by converting manual and fragmented processes into intelligent, automated and scalable solutions. Working closely with scientists, process owners and business stakeholders, this role leverages workflow platforms, integrations, data, robotics and AI to improve efficiency, reliability, compliance and user experience. The position balances technical engineering expertise with business partnership to deliver solutions that accelerate scientific and operational outcomes.
Job description
Responsibilities
- Partner with scientific experts, process owners and cross-functional stakeholders to identify valuable automation opportunities.
- Apply systems thinking to analyse, model and redesign processes for automation readiness.
- Translate business and user needs into clear requirements, product features and a compelling value case.
- Design and integrate solutions using appropriate combinations of workflow platforms, software, APIs, data, cloud services, robotics and AI.
- Ensure solutions align with enterprise platforms and applicable security, compliance and governance standards.
- Establish reusable components, engineering practices, frameworks and documentation that improve delivery quality and maintainability.
- Partner with process owners and users to support adoption and measure improvements in efficiency, reliability and user experience.
- Explain technical approaches and trade-offs clearly to technical and non-technical audiences.
Essential for the role
- Bachelor's degree in engineering, computer science, data science, life sciences or a related discipline, or equivalent professional experience demonstrating substantial technical and engineering expertise.
- At least four years of relevant experience designing and delivering technology solutions that improve workflows, such as software applications, systems integrations, robotic process automation, laboratory automation or AI-enabled solutions.
- Proficiency in at least one programming or scripting language, with experience integrating applications, services or data through APIs or other integration methods.
- Demonstrated ability to translate user and business needs into reliable, secure and maintainable solutions, including appropriate testing, documentation and deployment practices.
- Hands-on experience applying AI, such as machine learning, generative AI or agentic systems, to automate or improve workflows, with an understanding of its limitations and how to evaluate results.
- Ability to guide technical decisions, communicate clearly with technical and non-technical audiences and influence stakeholders across teams without formal authority.
Desirable for the role
- Experience working in life sciences, pharmaceutical or similarly regulated environments.
- Experience mentoring or developing others in automation, process engineering, software engineering or artificial intelligence.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in engineering, computer science, data science, life sciences or a related discipline, or equivalent professional experience
- At least four years of relevant experience designing and delivering technology solutions that improve workflows
- Proficiency in at least one programming or scripting language
- Experience integrating applications, services or data through APIs or other integration methods
- Demonstrated ability to translate user and business needs into reliable, secure and maintainable solutions
- Hands-on experience applying AI such as machine learning, generative AI or agentic systems
- Ability to guide technical decisions and communicate with technical and non-technical audiences
- Experience working in life sciences, pharmaceutical or similarly regulated environments (desirable)
- Experience mentoring or developing others in automation, process engineering, software engineering or AI (desirable)
Benefits
- Health Insurance
- Life Insurance
- Disability Benefits
- 401(k) Matching
- Performance-Based Bonus
- Paid Parental Leave
- Retirement Plans
- Wellbeing Resources
- Global Recognition Programs
- Flexible Working Options
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.