Novartis Pharmaceuticals

Senior Manager, Process Engineering

Novartis Pharmaceuticals$114K — $211K *
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Science in Engineering or related field with 9 years of relevant experience.
  • Expertise in designing, operating, and maintaining production equipment in biotechnology.
  • Collaborative experience in cross-functional teams in fast-paced environments.
  • Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
  • Familiarity with health, safety, environmental regulations, and FDA cGMPs.
  • Proficient in MS Office, Building Management Systems, and CMMS software.
  • Self-motivated with a strong sense of ownership in responsibilities.

Responsibilities

  • Define and enhance the maintenance strategy for various equipment.
  • Execute asset strategies aligned with global Novartis standards.
  • Manage site reliability programs focusing on data-driven asset availability.
  • Lead and mentor engineers supporting 24/7 operations.
  • Own and maintain master data for all relevant equipment.
  • Develop, monitor, and improve KPIs for system reliability.
  • Plan for recapitalization of critical assets.
  • Manage change and CAPA to improve equipment reliability.
  • Lead deviation investigations as subject matter expert.
  • Participate in regulatory audits as a subject matter expert for process equipment.
  • Optimize training programs and ensure cross-training within teams.
  • Support capital projects by creating equipment specifications.
  • Collaborate with operations on new product evaluations and facility assessments.
  • Lead teams to implement facility improvements per strategic plans.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive healthcare coverage including medical, dental, and vision.
  • 401(k) plan with company contributions and matching.
  • Generous time-off policy including vacation, holidays, and personal days.
  • Life and disability insurance benefits.
  • Opportunities for performance-based cash incentives and equity awards.
  • Commitment to inclusive workplace practices and reasonable accommodations.
Full Job Description

Band

Level 4

Job Description Summary

At Novartis, you will play a key role in shaping the future of biologics manufacturing. As a Senior Manager, Process Engineering, you will lead a team of engineers responsible for the lifecycle engineering of process and laboratory equipment, with a strong focus on equipment design, system integration, commissioning, qualification, and operational readiness.

This role plays a critical leadership role in the startup of a new large molecule manufacturing facility, supporting equipment specification, installation, and qualification to ensure successful delivery of manufacturing capability.

Following site startup, you will transition to driving ongoing process equipment performance, continuous improvement, and lifecycle optimization, ensuring systems remain reliable, compliant, and aligned with Good Manufacturing Practice requirements.


 

Job Description

#LI-Onsite

Location: Durham, NC
Relocation Support: This role is based in Durham, United States. Novartis is unable to offer relocation support: please only apply if accessible.

Key Responsibilities

  • Define and evolve lifecycle engineering strategies for large-scale biologics process and laboratory equipment
  • Lead design, configuration, and integration of custom-engineered manufacturing systems supporting biotechnology processes
  • Oversee commissioning and qualification activities to ensure equipment readiness, compliance, and operational performance
  • Provide technical expertise on biologics process equipment across upstream and downstream manufacturing systems
  • Partner with Manufacturing Science and Technology, Operations, and Quality on process performance and technology transfer
  • Support startup of new manufacturing facility, ensuring successful equipment installation, testing, and qualification
  • Own lifecycle strategies to optimize equipment performance and long-term manufacturing capability
  • Lead root cause investigations and implement sustainable solutions for complex process equipment issues
  • Develop technical specifications including user requirements, functional, and detailed design specifications
  • Drive equipment upgrades and continuous improvement initiatives to support evolving process and capacity needs

Essential Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree in Chemical, Biochemical, Mechanical, or related engineering field with 9+ years relevant experience
  • Experience in process engineering or manufacturing science within biologics or pharmaceutical manufacturing environments
  • Expertise supporting large-scale biologics manufacturing equipment, including upstream or downstream process systems
  • Experience with equipment design, commissioning, and qualification, delivering systems from concept through operational readiness
  • Experience working with custom-engineered equipment supporting biotechnology processes, including integration and performance evaluation
  • Experience supporting facility startup, expansion, or technology transfer in a regulated manufacturing environment
  • Strong knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practice and regulatory requirements for biologics manufacturing systems
  • Ability to analyze process and equipment performance data to drive optimization, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement

Desirable Requirements

  • Experience supporting large-scale biologics manufacturing, including upstream or downstream process systems
  • Experience supporting stainless based equipment manufacturing facilities for large-scale biologics production

Novartis Compensation and Benefit Summary:

The salary for this position is expected to range between $114,100 and $211,900/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.


 

Salary Range

$114,100.00 - $211,900.00


 

Skills Desired

Business Continuity, Cost Management, Data Analytics and Digital, Decision Making, Engineering Operations Management, Engineering Technical Expertise, GDP Knowledge, gmp knowledge, HSE Knowledge, Manufacturing Process (Production), Operational Excellence, Problem Solving, Project Management, Quality Compliance, Resilience and Risk Management, Resource Planning and Forecasting, Risk Management, Stakeholder Management, Vendor Management

About Novartis Pharmaceuticals

Novartis International AG is a Swiss multinational pharmaceutical company based in Basel, Switzerland. It is one of the largest pharmaceutical companies by both market capitalization and sales. Novartis manufactures and markets a wide range of pharmaceuticals, including prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications. The company's products are used to treat a variety of medical conditions, including cancer, heart disease, and respiratory disorders. Novartis also has a strong presence in the generic drug market, with its Sandoz division producing a wide range of generic drugs. The company is committed to research and development, with a focus on developing innovative treatments for unmet medical needs.
Learn more about Novartis Pharmaceuticals
Size
110,000 employees
Market Cap
$219.9 billion
Industry
Net Income
$8 billion
Founded
1996
5 Year Trend
+1.4%
Revenue
$49.8 billion
NASDAQ

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