Automation Engineering, Sr. Principal Engineer – Pharmaceutical Manufacturing - Lilly Medicine Foundry

Lilly • Indianapolis, IN

2d • $103,500 - $173,800

About The Position

The Senior Principal Engineer - Automation Engineering will work in Eli Lilly’s Automation Engineering Department at the Lilly Medicine Foundry, providing automation support for one or more site operating areas and/or capital projects. Process automation is essential to successful facility startup and continued manufacturing operations. The role is responsible for the productivity and mentorship of peers and for ensuring reliable, compliant control applications and systems are used in manufacturing. As a technical expert, the engineer will partner across the process control organization and functional disciplines to advance technical priorities, business plans, and compliance objectives.

During project delivery and startup, expected from 2026 to 2029, responsibilities will evolve to support project execution, build a new organization, develop and implement systems and business processes for GMP operations, and establish the site culture. This work requires collaboration, creativity, and resilience as the site develops into full-scale GMP manufacturing.

The position initially will be based at Parkwood West in Indianapolis, Indiana, and permanently at the new Lilly Medicine Foundry in Lebanon, Indiana. The anticipated wage is $103,500–$173,800. Eligible full-time employees may receive a company bonus and participate in Lilly’s benefits program.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science degree or higher in Engineering or a related field.
• At least 8 years of experience in Biopharma Automation Engineering for the Senior Principal Engineer level.
• Experience working in biotech or pharmaceutical manufacturing using DeltaV batch systems.
• Deep expertise with DeltaV Distributed Control System, Rockwell Allen-Bradley PLC, and batch process automation.
• Thorough understanding of 21 CFR Part 11 and GMP processes.
• Thorough understanding of process-control communication protocols.
• Ability to work with multidisciplinary teams using system-level thinking.
• Strong problem-solving skills and a commitment to continuous improvement.
• Initiative, planning and organizational skills, ability to prioritize tasks, and commitment to completing tasks on schedule.
• Ability to influence peers and business partners without authority.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in major pharmaceutical manufacturing.
• Experience designing, developing, commissioning, and qualifying highly automated greenfield manufacturing sites using SCADA, DCS, PLC, and MES systems such as DeltaV, Rockwell, and Syncade.
• Experience in clinical-stage manufacturing with flexible, multi-product capabilities.
• Experience facilitating and driving decision-making at an organizational level.

Responsibilities

• Lead capital project execution, design, development, commissioning, qualification, and support.
• Lead and oversee the work of Site Area Leads and System Integrators.
• Lead or participate in design reviews and DeltaV application software reviews, and attend equipment and software factory acceptance tests (FATs).
• Develop functional requirements and process control strategies for control systems in collaboration with Process Engineering.
• Translate technical concepts for executive audiences and non-technical stakeholders.
• Develop and implement the Automation Engineering Project Plan.
• Promote digital innovation and automation to improve team efficiency, productivity, operational efficiency, and compliance.
• Maintain the validated state of process control system application software.
• Provide periodic status updates to Project Management.
• Provide on-call support for operations as needed.
• Build a network of corporate contacts and leverage corporate expertise when needed.
• Mentor the process control team, strengthening technical capabilities and promoting best practices for system reliability and business continuity.
• Participate as an active member of flow leadership in running the plant, including participation in technical sub-teams.
• Coordinate with automation and compliance consultants to set and reinforce standards for appropriate rigor in automation work products.

Benefits

• Company bonus, depending in part on company and individual performance.
• Company-sponsored 401(k).
• Pension.
• Vacation benefits.
• Medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug benefits.
• 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 and fitness benefits.
• Employee clubs and activities.

What This Job Offers

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