Utility Engineer III

You will play a critical role in keeping our manufacturing campus running safely, reliably, and ready for what’s next. As a Utility Engineer III, your expertise ensures that vital utility, HVAC, and electrical systems perform at their best—supporting the delivery of life-changing medicines to patients around the world. This is an opportunity to take true ownership of complex systems, influence long-term site strategy, and work hands‑on with cross-functional partners to drive innovation, compliance, and operational excellence in a highly regulated environment.

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.

• Own and manage site utility, electrical, and HVAC systems to ensure reliable, compliant manufacturing operations.
• Provide hands‑on engineering oversight for installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of critical facility assets.
• Lead and control changes to utility and facility equipment to maintain validated and qualified system states.
• Create, review, and approve operational procedures, maintenance plans, drawings, and technical specifications.
• Analyze complex equipment issues and deliver robust engineering solutions that minimize risk and downtime.
• Support regulatory inspections and internal audits, responding to observations with effective corrective actions.
• Ensure ongoing compliance with good manufacturing practices, Code of Federal Regulations, and internal quality standards.
• Oversee external vendors and service providers to ensure safe, high-quality, and timely execution of work.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance reliability, efficiency, and operational excellence across utilities.
• Monitor equipment performance and implement maintenance and reliability strategies aligned with site and global standards.

• Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical, Electrical, or Mechanical Engineering with at least five years relevant experience, OR Associate degree, diploma, or certification in an engineering or skilled technical field with at least seven years relevant experience, OR equivalent work experience of nine or more years supporting engineering, maintenance, or automation systems in regulated industries.
• Demonstrated experience supporting utility, HVAC, electrical, or facility systems within pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or similar regulated environments.
• Proven ability to own, maintain, and improve equipment and systems in a validated state.
• Strong technical writing skills with experience creating, reviewing, and approving regulated documentation.
• Applied knowledge of root cause analysis and structured problem‑solving to resolve complex technical issues.
• Hands‑on experience with equipment troubleshooting, building management systems, and industrial programmable logic controllers.
• Solid project management capabilities with experience leading projects from initiation through completion.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across technical and cross‑functional teams.

The salary for this position is expected to range between $98,700 and $183,000 annually. The final salary offered is determined based on factors such as relevant skills and experience, and 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 various additional benefits.

Additionally, employees are eligible for a generous time‑off package including vacation, personal days, holidays, and other leaves.