Jobs / United States / Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation
Sr. Manager, Automation – GTx Lead
Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation · 🇺🇸 Durham
Sponsorship verdict
Sponsorship possible
One solid signal, not two — worth applying, and worth asking about sponsorship early.
- Employer is on a government sponsor recordThe US Department of Labor certified 75 H-1B/E-3 labor condition applications for this employer between Oct 2025 and Jun 2026 (latest Jun 2026) — the step every H-1B hire needs first. USCIS also records 31 H-1B approvals in FY2023. Source: LCA disclosure data (US Department of Labor (OFLC)).
- The posting doesn’t mention sponsorshipSilence isn’t a refusal — ask the recruiter before investing much time.
- No salary bar for this routeH-1B has no fixed salary bar: the employer must pay at least the prevailing wage for the role and area. Cap-subject employers enter a lottery weighted by wage level. Source: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/12/29/2025-23853/weighted-selection-process-for-registrants-and-petitioners-seeking-to-file-cap-subject-h-1b, rules effective 2026-02-27.
- What Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation paid sponsored hires in similar roles5 certified filings for “Finance Manager” (Financial Quantitative Analysts) in NJ: $73k–$113k, median $113k. Most were filed at wage level II (60%) — 2 lottery entries, ≈31% projected selection odds for cap-subject employers. Source: US Department of Labor LCA disclosure data (Oct 2025 – Jun 2026).
- Confirmed live todayWhen a source last listed this job as open.
US H-1B: cap-subject employers enter a lottery weighted by wage level — Level I gets 1 entry, Level IV gets 4 (DHS projected selection odds ≈15% at Level I to ≈61% at Level IV). Universities and non-profit research employers are cap-exempt. The $100,000 fee for new petitions from abroad is currently blocked by a court order (appeal pending).
A verdict summarises public evidence; it is not legal advice and never a guarantee — the employer and the immigration authority decide. Sign in to factor in where you can already work.
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Sponsor Radar — Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation
The US Department of Labor certified 75 H-1B/E-3 labor condition applications for this employer between Oct 2025 and Jun 2026 (latest Jun 2026) — the step every H-1B hire needs first. USCIS also records 31 H-1B approvals in FY2023. Source: LCA disclosure data (US Department of Labor (OFLC)).
Past sponsorship or register membership never guarantees sponsorship for this vacancy or for you. Full Sponsor Radar for Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation →
About the role
Job Description Summary Join Novartis and play a pivotal role in advancing next-generation gene therapies through innovative automation leadership. As Sr. Manager, Automation – GTx Lead, you will lead a high-performing team responsible for critical IT/OT and automation systems that enable reliable, compliant, and efficient manufacturing operations. This is an opportunity to shape automation strategy, drive continuous improvement, and influence the future of advanced therapies while collaborating across Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, and Technical Operations in a fast-paced GMP environment. 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: • Lead the design, implementation, maintenance, and support of manufacturing automation systems and process equipment. • Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance automation performance, reliability, and innovation. • Execute site automation strategies aligned with global Novartis standards and best practices. • Own and oversee computerized systems supporting critical manufacturing processes. • Lead, mentor, and develop a team of automation engineers supporting 24/7 operations. • Establish and improve KPIs to maximize system reliability, availability, and operational excellence. • Own change controls and CAPAs to drive compliance and continuous improvement. • Lead automation-related deviation investigations and provide SME expertise for root cause analysis. • Serve as the automation SME during regulatory inspections and internal or external audits. • Partner with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, and Technical Operations to support new product introductions and site initiatives. Essential Requirements: • Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related field with 9+ years of experience across IT/OT and automation platforms. • Strong expertise with DCS, PLC, SCADA, MES, Historian systems, and process equipment supporting drug substance and drug product manufacturing. • Proven experience designing, operating, modifying, maintaining, and retiring computerized systems in a regulated manufacturing environment. • Demonstrated success leading technical teams and supporting complex 24/7 manufacturing operations. • Ability to collaborate effectively across Quality Engineering, Quality Assurance, Validation, Engineering, and Manufacturing functions. • Strong problem-solving, planning, decision-making, and communication skills. • Knowledge of FDA regulations, cGMP requirements, and health, safety, and environmental standards. • Proficiency with Microsoft Office, CMMS, Building Management Systems, and related digital tools. Novartis Compensation and Benefit Summary: The salary for this position is expected to range between $114,100 and $211,900 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 EEO Statement: The Novartis Group of Companies are Equal Opportunit