Sr. Engineer, Automation Engineering, Controls Hardware - Lilly Medicine Foundry

Lilly • Lebanon, IN

4d • $67,500 - $118,800

About The Position

The Senior Engineer - Automation Engineering will work in Eli Lilly’s Automation Engineering Department at the Medicine Foundry, providing automation support to one or more site operating areas and/or capital projects, with a primary focus on instrumentation and control hardware. The role supports robust process automation systems for facility startup and ongoing manufacturing operations.

The engineer will collaborate with cross-functional peers to deliver control systems and instrumentation. During project delivery and startup, expected from 2026 to 2028, responsibilities will be fluid and dynamic and include supporting project delivery, building a new organization, developing and implementing systems and business processes for GMP operations, and helping establish the site culture. The work requires collaboration, creativity, and resilience as the site develops into full-scale GMP manufacturing.

The role supports site operations, capital project execution, commissioning and qualification, control system reliability and lifecycle management, and maintenance of the validated state of site control system hardware in line with Lilly quality standards. It also involves working with site area leads, system integrators, and automation and compliance consultants; contributing to design and hardware reviews; and supporting automation-related production data systems.

Requirements

• Minimum bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field, with experience in Automation Engineering.
• At least 2 years of work experience in a pharmaceutical or highly regulated environment.
• Knowledge of GMP, regulatory requirements, and computer system validation.
• Availability to participate in a rotational on-call schedule.
• Experience with DeltaV Distributed Control System and batch process automation.
• Experience with Rockwell Allen Bradley PLCs and FactoryTalk View.
• Experience with DeltaV control panels, DeltaV Remote I/O panels, and Rockwell I/O.
• Experience tuning and troubleshooting control loops and field instruments.
• Hands-on experience configuring and troubleshooting variable frequency drives (VFDs).
• Thorough understanding of P&IDs and instrument loop drawings.
• Understanding of process control communication protocols.
• Qualified applicants must be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis; Lilly will not sponsor work authorization or visas for this role.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in a highly automated facility using DeltaV DCS, Rockwell Allen Bradley PLC, Veeva, PI, and/or BMS Warehouse Monitoring from design through startup.
• Keen technical curiosity, demonstrated problem-solving ability, and a desire for continuous improvement.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for technical and non-technical audiences.
• Hands-on experience working directly with automation control panel hardware and wiring.

Responsibilities

• Provide automation support for one or more site operating areas and/or capital projects, primarily focused on instrumentation and control hardware.
• Perform automation engineering activities, including design, development, and commissioning of process automation projects using DeltaV DCS and/or Rockwell Allen Bradley PLC systems.
• Tune and troubleshoot control loops and field instruments.
• Configure and troubleshoot variable frequency drives (VFDs).
• Support site operations, improve control system reliability, and manage system lifecycle activities in a GMP-regulated environment.
• Support capital project execution, commissioning, and qualification.
• Resolve complex technical challenges involving instrumentation and control system hardware.
• Work with site area leads and system integrators.
• Develop and review functional requirements, design specifications, and test specifications.
• Participate in design reviews and site system hardware reviews, and attend equipment factory acceptance tests (FATs).
• Provide periodic status updates to project management.
• Support electronic systems, such as plant historians, used to capture process automation production data.
• Maintain the validated state of site control system hardware in accordance with Lilly quality standards, including developing and executing validation strategies and associated documentation.
• Use master maintenance plans.
• Participate in a rotational on-call schedule.
• Coordinate with automation and compliance consultants to set and reinforce standards for appropriate rigor in automation work products.
• Engage with cross-functional peers to strengthen technical capabilities and adopt best practices that enhance system reliability and business continuity.
• Plan and organize work, prioritize tasks, and complete tasks within established timelines.

Benefits

• Company bonus eligibility, 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.
• Certain 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