Senior Specialist DDIT OPS, Automation Engineer

This job is with Novartis, an inclusive employer and a member of myGwork – the largest global platform for the LGBTQ+ business community. Please do not contact the recruiter directly.

Summary

The Senior Specialist DDIT OPS, Automation Engineer will oversee and lead the IT / OT team to ensure reliable 24 / 7 operations of the manufacturing plant, providing technical support, system maintenance, and issue resolution to minimize downtime and optimize plant performance.

About the Role

Major accountabilities :

IT / OT Team Leadership & Incident Management : Lead the IT / OT team in managing and resolving incidents promptly, ensuring seamless plant operations and minimizing downtime.

Support Automation CSV Activities : Support Computer System Validation (CSV) efforts to qualify production lines for the new site, ensuring all automation systems comply with regulatory and operational requirements.

Vendor Coordination : Partner with equipment and system vendors to qualify and install PLCs, Environmental Monitoring Systems (EMS), Building Management Systems (BMS), and other automation technologies.

Qualification Protocols : Develop, review, and execute qualification protocols-including Installation Qualification (IQ), Operational Qualification (OQ), and Performance Qualification (PQ)-in alignment with company and regulatory standards.

Troubleshooting and Issue Resolution : Diagnose, troubleshoot, and resolve issues during qualification and commissioning phases to ensure timely project delivery and compliance.

24 / 7 Operational Support : Deliver continuous technical support for automation systems post-startup to ensure uninterrupted production and rapid response to system failures.

IT Systems & Infrastructure : Plan, deploy, and maintain IT infrastructure, including setting up new environments, installing virtual machines, and configuring network switches.

Cybersecurity : Implement and monitor cybersecurity best practices to protect IT / OT systems, safeguard critical data, and ensure compliance with corporate security standards.

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.

Minimum Requirements :

Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Electrical, Controls, Chemical, Mechanical, or related discipline) required.

5+ years of hands-on experience with control systems, including PLC, DCS, and MES platforms (e.g., Rockwell, Siemens, DeltaV, Syncade) within the pharmaceutical industry.

Strong knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and regulatory compliance requirements.

In-depth understanding of Computer System Validation (CSV) and Commissioning & Qualification (C&Q) processes.

At least 2 years of leadership experience managing automation teams, with a proven track record of troubleshooting system issues and driving timely resolutions.

Strong expertise in IT infrastructure design and deployment to support OT systems.

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? https : / / www.novartis.com / about / strategy / people-and-culture

Join our Novartis Network :

Not the right Novartis role for you? Sign up to our talent community to stay connected and learn about suitable career opportunities as soon as they come up : https : / / talentnetwork.novartis.com / network

Benefits and Rewards :

Read our handbook to learn about all the ways we'll help you thrive personally and professionally : https : / / www.novartis.com / careers / benefits-rewards

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.

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