Robotics & Automation Engineer

Job Description Summary

Imagine shaping the future of manufacturing through cutting-edge robotics and automation. As our Robotics & Automation Engineer, you will serve as the site SME for robotics innovation, driving transformative solutions that improve safety, quality, productivity, and compliance across manufacturing, laboratory, warehouse, and support operations. In this highly visible role, you will translate emerging technologies into real business value, partner with cross-functional teams, and accelerate the site's digital transformation journey through Industry 4.0 solutions that support operational excellence and help bring medicines to patients worldwide.

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:

• Own and evolve the site robotics strategy and multi-year automation roadmap.
• Identify and prioritize robotics opportunities across manufacturing, laboratory, warehouse, quality, and support operations.
• Lead technology assessments, POCs, pilot programs, and implementation planning.
• Develop compelling business cases demonstrating operational, financial, compliance, and productivity benefits.
• Serve as the site SME for robotics, machine vision, digital twins, and autonomous systems.
• Partner with Manufacturing, Quality, Engineering, Supply Chain, EHS, and IT/OT teams.
• Align local initiatives with global automation standards, strategies, and best practices.
• Manage relationships with technology vendors, system integrators, and engineering partners.
• Ensure solutions meet GMP, GxP, validation, cybersecurity, and FDA compliance requirements.
• Communicate roadmap progress, risks, achievements, and value realization to site leadership.

Essential Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Robotics, Automation, Mechatronics, Computer Science, or a related technical field.
• 8+ years of experience in robotics, automation, OT, manufacturing technology, or digital manufacturing.
• Proven success leading robotics, automation, or Industry 4.0 initiatives from concept through deployment.
• Experience developing technology roadmaps, business cases, and value realization strategies.
• Strong knowledge of robotics, machine vision, digital twins, autonomous systems, or advanced automation technologies.
• Experience influencing cross-functional stakeholders and driving results without direct authority.
• Knowledge of GMP, GxP, validation, FDA compliance, cybersecurity, and quality system requirements.
• Strong analytical, project management, and problem-solving skills in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

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.

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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