Jobs / United States / Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation
Automation Engineer III - BMS/PLC/OEM
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.
- 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.
Or apply yourself on the official page →
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 Imagine being the automation expert who helps keep critical manufacturing systems running seamlessly while supporting the production of medicines that impact patients around the world. As an Automation Engineer III focused on BMS, PLC, and OEM systems, you'll play a key role in maintaining and enhancing complex manufacturing automation platforms, partnering across Engineering, Manufacturing, and Quality teams to deliver reliable, compliant, and efficient operations. This is an opportunity to apply your technical expertise across GMP manufacturing systems, drive continuous improvement initiatives, and influence projects that support current operations as well as future manufacturing capabilities. 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: • Maintain, troubleshoot, and optimize BMS, PLC, OEM, and other manufacturing automation systems. • Support design, configuration, installation, and lifecycle management of automation hardware and software. • Integrate OEM and third-party equipment with site DCS, BMS, and manufacturing systems. • Lead automation activities for capital projects, upgrades, and system enhancements. • Develop URS, FS, DDS, HDS, and SDS documentation for automation solutions. • Execute and support change controls, validation activities, and regulatory compliance initiatives. • Partner with Manufacturing and Quality teams to resolve complex production issues. • Support GMP manufacturing operations through on-call and operational support activities. • Drive continuous improvement projects that enhance reliability, compliance, and operational efficiency. • Maintain automation procedures, SOPs, and system records in alignment with FDA and GMP requirements. Essential Requirements: • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field. • Minimum 5 years of experience in pharmaceutical or biopharmaceutical GMP manufacturing operations, or 9 years of equivalent industry experience. • Hands-on experience programming, troubleshooting, and maintaining DCS platforms, preferably DeltaV. • Experience supporting PLC, BMS, and SCADA/HMI systems in a regulated manufacturing environment. • Knowledge of automation validation, change controls, and FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements. • Experience with data historian technologies, preferably OSI PI. • Strong understanding of industrial communication protocols, instrumentation, and control system architecture. • Excellent communication and collaboration skills with the ability to work across technical and business teams. Novartis Compensation and Benefit Summary: The salary for this position is expected to range between $98,700 and $183,300 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 Opportunity Employers. We do not discriminate in recruitment