Senior Engineer, Utility

Job Description Summary

#LI-Onsite

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

Join us in shaping the future of pharmaceutical manufacturing! As an Senior Engineer, Utility, you'll play a critical role in ensuring the reliability and efficiency of essential utility systems that power life‑changing therapies. This is your opportunity to lead impactful projects, drive innovation, and collaborate with cross‑functional teams to maintain world‑class standards. Your expertise will help safeguard compliance, optimize performance, and support continuous improvement – making a real difference in patient outcomes and operational excellence.

• System ownership responsibilities for site‑based utility, electrical, and HVAC systems; including but not limited to water‑for‑injection, water pre‑treatment, chillers, boilers, compressed gases, plant steam / condensate, wastewater, biowaste inactivation, air handling units, cold rooms, switch gear, emergency generators, cooling towers, fire protection, and control systems.
• Oversee installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of critical facility and utility assets to ensure reliability and minimize downtime.
• Manage equipment changes and upgrades to maintain validated states, ensuring compliance with qualification and regulatory requirements.
• Create, review, and approve essential documentation including SOPs, engineering drawings, maintenance plans, and equipment specifications to support robust operations.
• Investigate non‑conformance events and alarm issues, applying root cause analysis and developing effective engineering solutions to prevent recurrence.
• Drive operational excellence initiatives, implementing strategies to optimize system reliability, reduce failure modes, and improve energy efficiency.
• Provide SME‑level leadership on projects, guiding all phases from concept through closeout, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to quality standards.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams including operations, quality, and manufacturing sciences to achieve site objectives and support new product introductions.
• Mentor and coach junior engineers, fostering technical growth and promoting best practices across the engineering team.

• B.S. degree in Chemical, Electrical or Mechanical Engineering, or related technical field, with a minimum of 8 years' work experience providing maintenance, automation, engineering, or equivalent support within the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or related industry
• OR Associate's degree / Diploma / Certification in Engineering Technology or Related Skilled Technical Field, with a minimum of 10 years work experience providing maintenance, automation, engineering, or equivalent support within the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or related industry
• OR Equivalent work experience (12+ years) providing maintenance, automation, engineering, or equivalent support within the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or related industry
• AND Strong technical writing skills and ability to create clear, compliant documentation
• AND Proven expertise in troubleshooting complex equipment and applying root cause analysis techniques
• AND Hands‑on experience with automated building management systems and industrial PLCs
• AND Demonstrated ability to lead projects from initiation through completion, ensuring compliance and timely delivery
• AND Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with a track record of working effectively in cross‑functional teams

The salary for this position is expected to range between $103,600 and $192,400 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…