Senior Principal Workflow Automation Expert

Job Description Summary

The Workflow Automation Engineer drives workflow transformation by converting manual and fragmented processes into intelligent, automated and scalable solutions. Working closely with scientists, process owners and business stakeholders, this role leverages workflow platforms, integrations, data, robotics and AI to improve efficiency, reliability, compliance and user experience. The position balances technical engineering expertise with business partnership to deliver solutions that accelerate scientific and operational outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Partner with scientific experts, process owners and cross-functional stakeholders to identify valuable automation opportunities.
• Apply systems thinking to analyse, model and redesign processes for automation readiness.
• Translate business and user needs into clear requirements, product features and a compelling value case.
• Design and integrate solutions using appropriate combinations of workflow platforms, software, APIs, data, cloud services, robotics and AI.
• Ensure solutions align with enterprise platforms and applicable security, compliance and governance standards.
• Establish reusable components, engineering practices, frameworks and documentation that improve delivery quality and maintainability.
• Partner with process owners and users to support adoption and measure improvements in efficiency, reliability and user experience.
• Explain technical approaches and trade-offs clearly to technical and non-technical audiences.

Essential for the role

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, computer science, data science, life sciences or a related discipline, or equivalent professional experience demonstrating substantial technical and engineering expertise.
• At least four years of relevant experience designing and delivering technology solutions that improve workflows, such as software applications, systems integrations, robotic process automation, laboratory automation or AI-enabled solutions.
• Proficiency in at least one programming or scripting language, with experience integrating applications, services or data through APIs or other integration methods.
• Demonstrated ability to translate user and business needs into reliable, secure and maintainable solutions, including appropriate testing, documentation and deployment practices.
• Hands-on experience applying AI, such as machine learning, generative AI or agentic systems, to automate or improve workflows, with an understanding of its limitations and how to evaluate results.
• Ability to guide technical decisions, communicate clearly with technical and non-technical audiences and influence stakeholders across teams without formal authority.

Desirable for the role

• Experience working in life sciences, pharmaceutical or similarly regulated environments.
• Experience mentoring or developing others in automation, process engineering, software engineering or artificial intelligence.

Benefits & Rewards

At Novartis, we're committed to reimagining medicine together - and rewarding the people who make it happen. The rewards of being part of our team go far beyond base pay and incentives. We also offer a variety of competitive benefits in kind to help you thrive personally and professionally, such as insurance plans, retirement plans, wellbeing resources and global recognition programs. In addition, we provide flexible and hybrid working options, where possible, and minimum 14 weeks paid parental leave.

Salary

Expected Annual Base Salary Range for role: CHF 93,800 to CHF 174,200