MES Technical Lead

Eli Lilly and Company • Pleasant Prairie, WI

6d • Onsite

About The Position

The MES Technical Lead works within the Tech at Lilly function at Lilly’s Kenosha County site in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin. The role leads the design, development, implementation, enhancement, and maintenance of the Manufacturing Execution System (MES) application that connects production operations with business systems. The goal is to optimize manufacturing processes, reduce errors, and improve efficiency, quality, and safety so medicines can be delivered reliably to patients.

The position applies knowledge of manufacturing processes and practices to develop MES solutions suited to plant operations. It works with cross-functional teams to improve manufacturing operations and keeps the system reliable and data accurate through testing, troubleshooting, and maintenance. The role also keeps current with emerging MES technologies and ensures documented processes and procedures support quality and compliance.

The MES must comply with applicable industry requirements, including FDA guidelines and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) requirements, as well as Lilly and local policies and procedures. This is an on-site position based at Lilly’s Kenosha site.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Software Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related field.
• 10+ years of experience working with MES technologies such as Rockwell Automation Pharma Suite, Emerson Syncade, Siemens Camstar, or Werum PAS-X.
• Expertise with programming languages such as C++, Java, Python, and SQL.
• Authorization to work in the United States on a full-time basis; Lilly will not sponsor or support work authorization or visas for this role.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in Software Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related field.
• Expertise with related technologies and standards, including ISA-95, OPC, and data historians.
• Expertise integrating MES with enterprise systems such as ERP and SCADA to support data flow and interoperability.
• Understanding of cybersecurity concepts and best practices related to MES technologies.
• Understanding of GMP regulatory requirements, including FDA regulations for pharmaceutical manufacturing.
• Experience building solutions with an agile framework across the solution lifecycle, including design, implementation, automation, modernization, maintenance, and optimization.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to build stakeholder relationships and explain complex technical concepts clearly.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills for resolving MES, configuration, or integration issues.
• Adaptability and flexibility in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with multiple priorities.
• Experience with Computer System Validations.
• Experience mentoring and developing technical team members.
• Exposure to international operations, diverse teams, global IT projects, or a global organization.
• Previous Agile experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, implementation, enhancement, and maintenance of MES software connecting production operations with business systems.
• Develop MES solutions that reflect manufacturing processes and practices and improve manufacturing efficiency, quality, and safety.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and drive continuous improvement in manufacturing operations.
• Test, troubleshoot, and maintain the MES to ensure system reliability and data accuracy.
• Stay current with emerging MES technologies and bring new ideas to the site.
• Ensure documented processes and procedures are in place for activities to meet quality and compliance standards.
• Maintain compliance with FDA guidelines, GMP requirements, Lilly policies and procedures, and local procedures.
• Use analytical and problem-solving skills to resolve complex technical challenges.
• Communicate clearly and build working relationships across the site.

Benefits

• Company bonus, depending in part on company and individual performance.
• Eligibility to participate in a company-sponsored 401(k).
• Pension.
• Vacation benefits.
• Eligibility for medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug benefits.
• Flexible benefits, including healthcare and/or dependent day care flexible spending accounts.
• Life insurance and death benefits.
• Time off and leave of absence benefits.
• Well-being benefits, including an employee assistance program, fitness benefits, and employee clubs and activities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior