Sr Principal Engineer - MES

Eli Lilly and Company • Us, IN

8d • Onsite

About The Position

Lilly is hiring a Senior Principal Engineer for Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) as part of Tech at Lilly MQ (Manufacturing and Quality), which uses technology to advance manufacturing operational excellence and productivity. The role supports the delivery of common MES modules that help manufacturing sites achieve world-class performance and is responsible for architectural and technical aspects of the MES solution.

The engineer provides expert guidance and oversight for MES architecture design, implementation, and optimization, ensuring alignment with organizational strategy and operational needs. In collaboration with the global group, the role establishes and maintains Solution Architecture direction, including standards, best practices, and technical frameworks that support consistency, scalability, and reliability across manufacturing sites. The position supports Lilly’s new state-of-the-art API manufacturing sites, which use advanced, integrated and automated systems and aim to minimize environmental impact.

The role is based on-site in Indianapolis, Indiana, and works Monday through Friday. Flexibility is needed to support production schedules and shutdowns; occasional extended-hour or off-hour work may be required. The anticipated wage is $129,000–$189,200, and eligible full-time employees may receive a company bonus and participate in a comprehensive benefits program.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field.
• At least 8 years of experience in MES.
• Strong knowledge of distributed S95 Level 3 solutions, commercial configurable software (COTS) suppliers, and business intelligence.
• Strong technical skills, including infrastructure, interfaces, and configuration capabilities.
• Experience in pharmaceutical and GMP manufacturing.

Nice To Haves

• Experience managing programs or projects in the pharmaceutical business.
• Previous experience starting up a new facility or clinical development manufacturing site.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to assess risks, manage trade-offs, and make sound decisions.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills for interacting with stakeholders at all organizational levels.
• Proven leadership experience managing cross-functional teams.
• Active participation in industry forums and standards organizations.

Responsibilities

• Use understanding of Manufacturing and Quality business processes to anticipate short- and long-term MES needs from an IT architecture perspective.
• Work with global and enterprise architects, local IT teams, and other global teams to identify solutions to complex MES problems.
• Set direction through a strategic roadmap and evolution of the site design for the API MES solution and systems interfaced with MES.
• Collaborate on, influence, or lead the definition of global IT support and delivery processes.
• Provide deep technical knowledge, monitor solution delivery projects for compliance with reference architecture, and propose and facilitate proof-of-concepts to clarify future-state direction.
• Work with Enterprise Architects to research, identify, test, certify, select, and introduce technology products needed for solution development and delivery.
• Collaborate with Data Management teams to ensure alignment with Data Architecture Standards.
• Work with Cybersecurity and Protect Lilly teams to establish operating principles for MQ IDS MES systems, interfaces, and architecture, including patching, lifecycle management, and software version control.
• Ensure IT vendors understand Cyber Security and Protect Lilly requirements and can translate them into implementation specifications.
• Act as a technical interface between IT and business partners on large projects and programs, including reporting, archival, performance, and MES scope expansions.
• Identify trends and opportunities and maintain relationships with other large pharmaceutical companies to help keep Lilly’s roadmap and decisions aligned with industry trends.
• Coach and mentor global and local MES team members and others on technologies, architecture, and technical design.
• Lead or support development of business cases related to MES.
• Influence the business to drive value and implement appropriate technical solutions.
• Identify innovative ways to leverage MES to drive business value.

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.
• 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