Sr. Automation Engineer - Upstream/Media

Novartis is hiring a Sr. Automation Engineer - Upstream/Media in Durham, United States. It pays $109k-$202k a year and Level rates it ; you can apply on Novartis.

Level's read on this job

Little AI ●○○○ is how Level rates this role: aI is not part of the work.
Tools and skills the posting cites include Emerson Deltav, Dcs and PLC.
Level classifies it as a senior role.
Level lists 859 other open roles at Novartis.

AI in this role

Lead automation support and technical systems for upstream biopharmaceutical manufacturing in a GMP environment.

Emerson DeltavDcsPLCSCADAHMI

gmpvalidationautomationprocess-control

Job Description Summary

Ready to help power the next generation of life-changing therapies? As a Sr. Automation Engineer - Upstream/Media, you will play a critical role in supporting the automation systems that drive upstream manufacturing and media preparation operations. You'll serve as a technical leader within a GMP environment, partnering with cross-functional teams to optimize process performance, enhance system reliability, and deliver automation solutions that enable consistent, compliant production. This is an exciting opportunity to combine technical expertise, innovation, and project leadership while helping shape the future of advanced biopharmaceutical manufacturing.

Job Description

Location:

This position will be located in Durham, NC and will be an onsite role.
Novartis is unable to offer relocation support for this role: please only apply if this location is accessible for you.

Key Responsibilities:

Lead automation support for upstream manufacturing and media process control systems.
Serve as the technical SME for DCS, BMS, MES, and associated control systems.
Drive automation project execution from concept through implementation and operational handoff.
Oversee integration of third-party equipment into site automation and manufacturing platforms.
Develop URS, FS, and design specifications to support compliant system delivery.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to establish priorities, timelines, and project objectives.
Support new product introductions and upstream process implementation within GMP manufacturing.
Investigate automation-related non-conformances and implement effective corrective actions.
Execute change controls, system upgrades, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Provide technical support for manufacturing operations, including participation in on-call rotations.

Essential Requirements:

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical discipline.
8+ years of automation experience within GMP pharmaceutical or biopharmaceutical manufacturing environments.
Hands-on experience supporting DCS platforms, preferably Emerson DeltaV.
Proven expertise with PLC, SCADA, HMI, and manufacturing automation systems.
Strong knowledge of validation practices, GMP regulations, FDA requirements, and 21 CFR Part 11.
Experience applying ISA-88 principles and developing automation standards within regulated environments.
Demonstrated project leadership experience, including management of contractors and external partners.
Strong troubleshooting, communication, and technical writing skills with the ability to solve complex challenges.

Novartis Compensation and Benefit Summary:

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

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.

#LI-Onsite

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 and 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 us.reasonableaccommodations@novartis.com 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.

Salary Range

$108,500.00 - $201,500.00

Skills Desired

Business Continuity, Cost Management, Decision Making, Operational Excellence, Problem Solving, Project Management, Quality Compliance, Risk Management, Stakeholder Management, Vendor Management

How we rate this

Sr. Automation Engineer - Upstream/Media at Novartis rates 0 out of 100 for how much of the daily work is AI. That makes it Little AI (AI Level 1 of 4). The level is about AI in the job, not seniority.

Classification

Little AI. AI is not part of the work.

●●●● Builds AI80 to 100
●●●○ Works on AI60 to 79
●●○○ Uses AI40 to 59
●○○○ Little AI0 to 39

Levels come from how often the tools, models and workflows of the role are named in the posting itself. Read the description and count the AI tools, models and workflows it names.

Key facts

Sr. Automation Engineer - Upstream/Media is an open job at Novartis.
Level rates this role AI Level 1 of 4: Little AI.
The listed salary is $109k-$202k a year.
The role is based in Durham.
The job was posted on September 9, 2026.
Seniority: senior.
Applications are handled by Novartis. Apply on Novartis

Prepare for this job

Built from this posting and from similar jobs on Level.

Skills and AI tools this role asks for

GmpValidationAutomationProcess ControlEmerson DeltavDcsPLCSCADA

Questions you could be asked

Tell me about a project where gmp was part of your work. What did you do?
Tell me about a project where validation was part of your work. What did you do?
Tell me about a project where automation was part of your work. What did you do?
Tell me about a project where process control was part of your work. What did you do?
Walk me through how you've used Emerson Deltav in your day-to-day work.

Adapt your resume

List these exact terms on your resume: Gmp, Validation, Automation, Process Control, and Emerson Deltav. An applicant tracking system matches the wording, not the idea.
Attach one line of real, concrete experience to at least one of them. A tool named with nothing behind it rarely survives a human read.

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