Alcon

Automation Engineer III

Alcon$98K — $183K *
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or related field.
  • 5+ years of experience in GMP pharmaceutical or biopharmaceutical manufacturing operations.
  • Experience programming and maintaining DCS platforms, preferably DeltaV.
  • Hands-on experience with SCADA, HMI, PLC, and BMS systems.
  • Strong knowledge of FDA regulations and GMP-compliant systems.
  • Experience with MES, data historians, and system-level validation testing.
  • Excellent communication and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

  • Design, configure, install, and maintain automation systems.
  • Support integration of third-party equipment into DCS and BMS.
  • Lead automation projects to ensure delivery on scope, quality, and timelines.
  • Develop technical specifications and system design documentation.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams on project alignment.
  • Support new product introductions into GMP manufacturing.
  • Resolve automation issues impacting manufacturing performance.
  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives for efficiency and productivity.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive health, life, and disability benefits.
  • 401(k) plan with company contribution and match.
  • Generous time off package including vacation and personal days.
  • Eligibility for performance-based cash incentives and annual equity awards.
Full Job Description

Band

Level 3

Job Description Summary

Imagine being at the forefront of manufacturing innovation, where your expertise directly supports the delivery of life-changing medicines to patients around the world. As an Automation Engineer III at Novartis, you will play a critical role in maintaining and advancing the automation technologies that power our manufacturing operations. Working with cross-functional teams, you will help drive operational excellence, solve complex technical challenges, and implement innovative automation solutions that enhance quality, compliance, and efficiency across our site. If you are passionate about technology, continuous improvement, and making a meaningful impact, this is an exciting opportunity to grow your career while helping reimagine medicine.


 

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:

  • Design, configure, install, and maintain automation systems and associated manufacturing hardware.
  • Support integration of third-party equipment into DCS and BMS platforms.
  • Lead automation activities for projects, ensuring delivery within scope, quality, and timeline expectations.
  • Develop technical specifications, user requirements, and system design documentation.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align priorities, timelines, and project objectives.
  • Support new product introductions and ensure successful transition into GMP manufacturing.
  • Troubleshoot and resolve automation issues impacting manufacturing performance and reliability.
  • Execute automation-related change controls, investigations, and compliance activities.
  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives that enhance operational efficiency, quality, and productivity.
  • Provide on-call automation support for site operations and critical manufacturing systems.

Essential Requirements:

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field.
  • 5+ years of experience in GMP pharmaceutical or biopharmaceutical manufacturing operations, or equivalent experience.
  • Demonstrated expertise programming, troubleshooting, and maintaining DCS platforms, preferably DeltaV.
  • Hands-on experience supporting SCADA, HMI, PLC, and BMS automation systems.
  • Experience with MES, data historians, preferably OSI PI, and system-level validation testing.
  • Strong knowledge of FDA regulations, 21 CFR Part 11, and GMP-compliant manufacturing systems.
  • Experience executing change controls, investigations, and compliance activities within regulated manufacturing environments.
  • Excellent communication, problem-solving, and cross-functional collaboration skills, with the ability to support 24/7 operations.

Novartis Compensation and Benefit Summary:

The salary for this position is expected to range between $98,700.00 - $183,300.00 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


 

Salary Range

$98,700.00 - $183,300.00


 

Skills Desired

Business Continuity, Cost Management, Operational Excellence, Quality Compliance

About Alcon

Alcon is a global medical company specializing in eye care products and services. The company's products include surgical equipment, contact lenses, and eye drops. Alcon was founded in 1945 and is headquartered in Baar, Switzerland. The company operates in over 70 countries and has over 20,000 employees. In 2019, Alcon became an independent publicly traded company after being spun off from Novartis.
Learn more about Alcon
Size
24,389 employees
Market Cap
$33.3 billion
Industry
Founded
1945
NASDAQ

Similar Jobs

More Jobs at Alcon

More Pharmaceuticals & Biotech Jobs

Find similar Automation Engineer III jobs: