Jobs / United States / Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation
Sr. Automation Engineer - Downstream/Buffer
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.
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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 Ready to make a direct impact on the delivery of life-changing medicines? As a Sr. Automation Engineer - Downstream/Buffer, you will serve as a key technical leader supporting the automation systems that enable reliable, compliant, and efficient manufacturing operations. Working across complex GMP production environments, you'll drive automation strategy, lead critical projects, troubleshoot advanced control systems, and partner with cross-functional teams to continuously improve performance, quality, and operational excellence. This is an opportunity to combine deep technical expertise with meaningful influence in a highly collaborative manufacturing 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 automation system design, configuration, maintenance, and lifecycle support across manufacturing operations. • Serve as the technical SME for DCS, BMS, MES, and associated control systems. • Drive automation project execution from concept through implementation and operational handoff. • Oversee integration of third-party equipment into site automation and manufacturing platforms. • Develop URS, FS, and design specifications to support compliant system delivery. • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to establish priorities, timelines, and project objectives. • Support new product introductions and ensure successful transition into GMP manufacturing. • Investigate automation-related non-conformances and implement effective corrective actions. • Execute change controls, system upgrades, and continuous improvement initiatives. • Provide technical support for manufacturing operations, including participation in on-call rotations. Essential Requirements: • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical discipline. • 8+ years of automation experience within GMP pharmaceutical or biopharmaceutical manufacturing environments. • Hands-on experience supporting DCS platforms, preferably Emerson DeltaV. • Proven expertise with PLC, SCADA, HMI, and manufacturing automation systems. • Strong knowledge of validation practices, GMP regulations, FDA requirements, and 21 CFR Part 11. • Experience applying ISA-88 principles and developing automation standards within regulated environments. • Demonstrated project leadership experience, including management of contractors and external partners. • Strong troubleshooting, communication, and technical writing skills with the ability to solve complex challenges. Novartis Compensation and Benefit Summary: The salary for this position is expected to range between $108,500 and $201,500 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, hiring, training, promotion or other employment practi