Site Robotics Strategic Lead

About the role

Location: Durham, NC (onsite).

Help shape the future of manufacturing through robotics innovation. As the Site Robotics Strategic Lead, you will drive the strategy, evaluation, and deployment of advanced robotics technologies that enhance productivity, accelerate innovation, and support operational excellence across manufacturing operations. Working with global stakeholders, vendors, and site teams, you will transform emerging technologies into scalable, GMP-compliant solutions that deliver measurable business value.

Why Novartis: Helping people with disease and their families takes more than innovative science. It takes a community of smart, passionate people like you. Collaborating, supporting and inspiring each other. Combining to achieve breakthroughs that change patients’ lives. Ready to create a brighter future together?

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain the site robotics technology strategy aligned with manufacturing and business objectives.
• Define and harmonize robotics standards, requirements, and roadmaps across shared work centers.
• Own and maintain User Requirement Specifications (URS) for robotics technologies and platforms.
• Lead evaluation and deployment of emerging robotics solutions, including computer vision and physical AI.
• Translate innovative technologies into scalable, site-ready solutions that deliver measurable value.
• Manage the robotics technology catalog, ensuring accuracy, readiness, and governance of approved solutions.
• Assess vendor capabilities and partner with Procurement to select and manage strategic suppliers.
• Drive pilot programs and technology adoption through collaboration with site and global stakeholders.
• Present roadmap progress, technology recommendations, and project outcomes to leadership forums.
• Ensure robotics solutions comply with GMP, GxP, cybersecurity, and quality system requirements.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Robotics, Automation, Mechatronics, Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field.
• 7+ years of experience in industrial robotics, automation, or advanced manufacturing environments.
• Proven experience leading robotics or automation projects from concept through deployment.
• Strong knowledge of robotics systems, automation architectures, and manufacturing technologies.
• Experience developing technical standards, URS documentation, and technology roadmaps.
• Understanding of GMP, GxP, validation, data integrity, and quality system requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders and drive technology adoption.
• Strong communication, analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.

Pay

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.

Benefits

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.