Site Robotics Lead

Salary Range:

Job Description Summary

Job Description

Major Accountabilities 

• Lead the strategy, planning, and deployment of robotics initiatives across manufacturing and laboratory operations to drive automation and operational excellence.

• Develop and maintain the site-wide robotics roadmap, ensuring alignment with business objectives, productivity targets, and digital transformation priorities.

• Identify, evaluate, and convert automation opportunities into executable robotics projects with clear implementation and value realization plans.

• Drive the adoption and integration of robotics technologies including AGVs/AMRs, cobots, automated material handling, robotic inspection systems, packaging automation, and laboratory robotics.

• Define robotics architecture and integration standards, ensuring seamless connectivity with PLC/SCADA, MES, vision systems, historian platforms, SAP, and OT infrastructure.

• Lead end-to-end project delivery, including business case development, CAPEX management, vendor coordination, design reviews, testing, qualification, and operational handover.

• Ensure all robotics solutions comply with GMP, CSV, GAMP5, ALCOA+, and OT cybersecurity requirements while supporting validation and inspection readiness activities.

• Build organizational robotics capability through standards development, technical leadership, coaching, continuous improvement initiatives, and identification of future automation opportunities.

Minimum Requirements 

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Robotics Engineering, Automation Engineering, Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical discipline.

• Minimum 7+ years of experience in industrial automation, robotics, or advanced manufacturing environments.

• Proven track record delivering robotics and automation projects from concept through implementation in manufacturing operations.

• Hands-on experience with industrial automation technologies including PLCs, SCADA/HMI systems, industrial networking, and OT infrastructure.

• Experience implementing robotics solutions such as AGVs/AMRs, collaborative robots, automated inspection systems, material handling automation, or vision-enabled robotics.

• Demonstrated ability to manage CAPEX projects, including scope definition, business case development, budget control, risk management, and project execution.

• Experience managing external vendors, system integrators, and engineering partners while leading cross-functional project teams.

• Strong knowledge of systems integration, including MES, SAP, data historian platforms, validation requirements, and regulatory compliance within manufacturing environments, preferably in GMP-regulated industries.

Why Novartis?

769 million people were reached with our products in 2022. We are proud of that achievement. In a world undergoing rapid digital and technological transformation, we continuously ask ourselves:How can we improve and extend even more lives?

We believe that curious and ambitious people, working together in an inspiring environment, can find new solutions and make bold decisions that drive meaningful change.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

At Novartis, we are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We strive to build diverse teams that reflect the patients and communities we serve. We foster an inclusive workplace that encourages bold innovation through collaboration and empowers our associates to achieve their full potential.

Our hiring decisions are based on equal opportunity and merit, regardless of gender, religion, age, skin color, race, sexual orientation, nationality, or disability.

Join the Novartis Network

If this position does not match your experience or career goals, but you would still like to stay connected and learn more about Novartis and future career opportunities, join the Novartis Talent Network here:

https://talentnetwork.novartis.com/network

Imagine what you could do at Novartis!

Skills Desired