Sr. Automation Engineer
Novartis AG - Carlsbad, CA
posted 1 day ago
About the position
The Senior Automation Engineer is responsible for the integration of new process equipment in addition to maintaining, troubleshooting, and modifying existing GMP and non-GMP control systems for a GMP Radioligand Therapies Production Facility. Systems at the AAA Carlsbad Site include plant wide SCADA, 3rd party skid and stand-alone control systems, freezers, air handlers, chillers, and Building Management Systems. At Advanced Accelerator Applications, a Novartis company, we are committed to leading innovation in nuclear medicine and delivering the next generation of targeted radioligand therapy to cancer patients. We are looking for experienced Supply Chain professionals to help us reach our ambitious goals.
Responsibilities
- Provide technical expertise for the design, configuration, installation, and maintenance of automation software and associated hardware; including interacting with other teams as necessary.
- Provide oversight or participation on all automation aspects of future projects including integration of 3rd party equipment to the plant DCS and BMS systems, data concentration, batch reporting, and data retention.
- Support 24x7 site-based operations after startup.
- Prepare scopes of work and lead automation contractors as required to complete required work within project timelines.
- Develop project objectives working with user requirements and business plans.
- Determine equipment or system specifications and most cost-effective technology to be implemented.
- Participate in discussions with internal business partners on priorities and timelines, consistently supporting the transparent sharing of information.
- Develop equipment specifications in standard documentation - User Requirements (URS), Functional Specification (FS) and Detail Design Specifications (DDS/HDS/SDS).
- Participate in operational excellence and continuous improvement efforts.
- Problem solve any technically related issues impacting production.
- Create and update procedures to drive operational efficiency and compliance.
- Implement and revise SOPs to conform with standards and policies.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Automation, Engineering or a related field is required.
- 5+ years of relevant Automation or IT experience, in a GMP Pharma environment is required.
- In-depth knowledge of automation systems and IT infrastructure.
- Strong leadership and team management skills.
- Previous aseptic experience is preferred.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Proven experience in managing budgets and project pipelines.
- Familiarity with GMP regulations and compliance standards.
- Ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams and key stakeholders.
Benefits
- Sign-on bonus
- Restricted stock units
- Discretionary awards
- Full range of medical benefits
- Financial benefits
- 401(k) eligibility
- Various paid time off benefits, such as vacation, sick time, and parental leave
