Engineer (DCS, PLC) - Automation & Controls

The ITOT Team in Kundl is looking for an Engineer (DCS, PLC) to join the team and ensure the reliable, GMP-compliant operation and continuous improvement of automation systems within a modern pharmaceutical production environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Operate, support, and maintain DCS and PLC systems in a regulated GMP environment
• Act as technical contact for automation systems and support production during operation and troubleshooting
• Design and implement automation changes in line with quality, safety and compliance requirements
• Identify and implement improvements to enhance equipment availability and production cycle time.
• Execute and support automation-related projects from design to handover
• Create and maintain compliant technical and lifecycle documentation
• Collaborate closely with Production, Engineering, Quality, and external partners

Essential Requirements:

• Technical education or degree in Automation Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a comparable technical field
• Hands-on experience with DCS and/or PLC systems in an industrial manufacturing environment
• Experience working in a GMP-regulated environment or strong understanding of regulated production requirements (pharma, biotech, chemical, food, etc.)
• Ability to support stable operation, maintenance, and lifecycle management of automation systems to ensure high system availability
• Experience with incident analysis and troubleshooting in production-critical environments
• Familiarity with change management processes, including documentation, testing, and controlled implementation of technical changes
• Understanding of qualification and validation activities for automation systems
• Basic experience supporting audits, inspections, deviations, and CAPAs from a technical perspective
• Structured, reliable working style with a strong sense of quality, safety, and compliance
• Interest in or initial experience with digital tools, data analytics, or AI-supported solutions in manufacturing, and willingness to continuously learn and adopt new tools, technologies, and ways of working in a modern digital plant
• Ability to work collaboratively with Production, Quality, Maintenance, IT, and external service providers
• Good communication skills in English and German

Desirable requirements:

• Experience with Emerson DeltaV or comparable distributed control systems
• Experience in biotechnological or pharmaceutical production (USP, DSP, utilities, clean media, etc.)
• Exposure to MES / eBR systems and shopfloor digitalization
• Experience coordinating or technically leading small automation projects or change packages
• Understanding of OT cybersecurity principles and risk-based system protection
• Experience working with or coordinating external automation service providers

Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion:

We are committed to building an outstanding, inclusive work environment and diverse teams representative of the patients and communities we serve.

What you will receive:

In addition to a market-competitive base salary, we offer an attractive incentive program, a modern company pension scheme, childcare facilities, learning and development opportunities as well as worldwide career possibilities within the Novartis group.

Adjustments for Applicants with Disabilities:

If because of a medical condition, physical disability or a neurodiverse condition you require an adjustment during the recruitment process, please reach out to disabilities.austria@novartis.com and let us know the nature of your request as well as your contact information.

Why Novartis?

Our purpose is to reimagine medicine to improve and extend people’s lives and our vision is to become the most valued and trusted medicines company in the world. Learn more here: https://www.novartis.com/about/strategy/people-and-culture