{"id":795088,"url":"https://alion.io/job/novartis-sr-automation-engineer-downstreambuffer","title":"Sr. Automation Engineer - Downstream/Buffer","company":{"id":5824,"name":"Novartis","domain":"novartis.com","url":"https://alion.io/company/novartis","size_band":"1001-5000","is_staffing_agency":false,"employer_type":"direct","is_intermediary":false,"listed_via":null,"ats_vendor":"Workday","truth_index":{"grade":"B","score":84,"open_postings":30,"ghost_share":0,"stale_share":0.633,"repost_share":0,"time_to_fill_p50_days":39,"computed_at":"2026-09-26T05:45:00Z"}},"role":"Industrial Engineering","role_family":"Industrial Engineering","seniority":"senior","employment_type":"full_time","work_mode":"on_site","remote_scope":null,"remote_scope_basis":null,"remote_working_hours":null,"hiring_geo_confidence":"structured","locations":["Durham, United States"],"countries":["US"],"hiring_countries":[],"hiring_countries_total":0,"salary":{"min":108500,"max":201500,"currency":"USD","period":"year","gross":null,"usd_annual":201500},"salary_estimate":null,"experience_years_min":8,"visa_sponsorship":false,"relocation_package":false,"has_equity":true,"technologies":[],"status":"live","first_seen_at":"2026-09-09T00:00:00Z","employer_posted_date":"2026-09-09","last_verified_at":"2026-09-26T15:57:04Z","board_verified":true,"closed_at":null,"days_open":18,"trust":{"level":"ok","repost_count":null,"flags":[],"days_open":18},"description":"Band\nLevel 4Job Description Summary\nReady to make a direct impact on the delivery of life-changing medicines? As a Sr. Automation Engineer - Downstream/Buffer, you will serve as a key technical leader supporting the automation systems that enable reliable, compliant, and efficient manufacturing operations. Working across complex GMP production environments, you'll drive automation strategy, lead critical projects, troubleshoot advanced control systems, and partner with cross-functional teams to continuously improve performance, quality, and operational excellence. This is an opportunity to combine deep technical expertise with meaningful influence in a highly collaborative manufacturing environment.Job Description\nLocation:\nThis position will be located in Durham, NC and will be an onsite role.\nNovartis is unable to offer relocation support for this role: please only apply if this location is accessible for you.\nKey Responsibilities:\nLead automation system design, configuration, maintenance, and lifecycle support across manufacturing operations.\nServe as the technical SME for DCS, BMS, MES, and associated control systems.\nDrive automation project execution from concept through implementation and operational handoff.\nOversee integration of third-party equipment into site automation and manufacturing platforms.\nDevelop URS, FS, and design specifications to support compliant system delivery.\nCollaborate with cross-functional teams to establish priorities, timelines, and project objectives.\nSupport new product introductions and ensure successful transition into GMP manufacturing.\nInvestigate automation-related non-conformances and implement effective corrective actions.\nExecute change controls, system upgrades, and continuous improvement initiatives.\nProvide technical support for manufacturing operations, including participation in on-call rotations.\nEssential Requirements:\nBachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical discipline.\n8+ years of automation experience within GMP pharmaceutical or biopharmaceutical manufacturing environments.\nHands-on experience supporting DCS platforms, preferably Emerson DeltaV.\nProven expertise with PLC, SCADA, HMI, and manufacturing automation systems.\nStrong knowledge of validation practices, GMP regulations, FDA requirements, and 21 CFR Part 11.\nExperience applying ISA-88 principles and developing automation standards within regulated environments.\nDemonstrated project leadership experience, including management of contractors and external partners.\nStrong troubleshooting, communication, and technical writing skills with the ability to solve complex challenges.\nNovartis Compensation and Benefit Summary:\nThe salary for this position is expected to range between $108,500 and $201,500 annually\nThe 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.\nYour compensation will include a performance-based cash incentive and, depending on the level of the role, eligibility to be considered for annual equity awards.\nUS-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.\nEEO Statement:\nThe 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, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status. We strive to create an inclusive workplace that cultivates bold innovation through collaboration and empowers our people to unleash their full potential.\nAccessibility and reasonable accommodations\nThe 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 in order to perform the essential functions of a position, please send an e-mail to  +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.\nhttps://www.novartis.com/careers/careers-research/notice-all-applicants-us-job-openings\nSalary Range\n$108,500.00 - $201,500.00Skills Desired\nBusiness Continuity, Cost Management, Decision Making, Operational Excellence, Problem Solving, Project Management, Quality Compliance, Risk Management, Stakeholder Management, Vendor Management","description_format":"text","description_chars":4986,"description_truncated":false,"requirements":{"experience_years_min":8,"management_years_min":null,"team_size_min":null,"manages_managers":false,"education":{"level":"bachelor","optional":false},"security_clearance":false,"languages":[]},"benefits":["Equity"],"hiring_locations":[],"hiring_excludes":[],"relocation_offered":true,"industries":["Oncology Therapeutics","Neurology & CNS Therapeutics","Immunology & Inflammation Therapeutics","Cardiometabolic Therapeutics"],"lifecycle":[{"event":"open","at":"2026-09-12T04:55:58Z"}],"liveness":{"score":54,"band":"ok","label":"Likely open","p_open":1,"p_active":0.599,"p_room":0.9,"age_days":17,"expected_fill_days":39,"reasons":["conf:2","stale_co","velocity","win:mid","comp:brand"],"computed_at":"2026-09-26T05:45:00Z"},"pay":{"stated_usd_annual":201500,"is_top_pay":true},"html_url":"https://alion.io/job/novartis-sr-automation-engineer-downstreambuffer","json_url":"https://alion.io/job/novartis-sr-automation-engineer-downstreambuffer.json","meta":{"generated_at":"2026-09-27T04:01:09Z","cache_seconds":300,"methodology":"https://alion.io/methodology","terms":"https://alion.io/terms","contact":"https://alion.io/contact","api":"https://alion.io/developers","usage":{"tier":"crawler","counted_by":"address","units_charged":1,"used_today":3740,"day_limit":5000,"remaining_today":1260,"minute_limit":60,"resets_at":"2026-09-28T00:00:00Z"}}}