Lead Engineer - ELN Transformation

Elanco; Hook; On-site; GBP 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Elanco is seeking a Technical Lead for a new ELN SaaS platform within its Lab Informatics Product Team in the UK. You will drive configuration and ownership of build-and-run activities across the product lifecycle, shaping the platform architecture and integration with R&D, Manufacturing and Regulatory systems.

The role requires hands-on software engineering with modern web tech, API-first design, and container orchestration.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent practical experience in a related discipline.
• 5+ years' experience with modern application architecture methodologies and cloud design patterns (Azure or Google Cloud).
• 5+ years' experience delivering digital solutions with CI/CD, DevSecOps, and TDD.
• Hands-on web technologies (TypeScript/JavaScript, Node.js, React) and container orchestration (Kubernetes).
• Strong data engineering skills (SQL, ETL) and ability to communicate complex topics to varied stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Act as Technical SME for the ELN SaaS platform, driving configuration and owning build-and-run responsibilities across the product lifecycle.
• Architect and develop API integrations (REST, GraphQL, JSON) connecting the ELN platform with upstream and downstream systems, ensuring governance across data flows.
• Partner with Product Manager and Principal Engineer to shape the backlog and ensure engineering standards are met.
• Coach engineers to build a capable engineering unit and share best practices across the team.
• Manage stakeholder relationships and documentation across business, technology and regulatory functions, embedding security and QA.

Skills

API design

Kubernetes

CI/CD

TypeScript/JavaScript

Cloud Native

Stakeholder comms

Data engineering

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Tools

Docker

Azure Cloud

Google Cloud

Job description

At Elanco (NYSE: ELAN) - it all starts with animals! As a global leader in animal health, we are dedicated to innovation and delivering products and services to prevent and treat disease in farm animals and pets. At Elanco, we are driven by our vision of Food and Companionship Enriching Life and our purpose - all to Go Beyond for Animals, Customers, Society and Our People. At Elanco, we pride ourselves on fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. We believe that diversity is the driving force behind innovation, creativity, and overall business success. Here, you'll be part of a company that values and champions new ways of thinking, work with dynamic individuals, and acquire new skills and experiences that will propel your career to new heights. Making animals' lives better makes life better - join our team today! This role sits within Elanco's Lab Informatics Product Team, part of the Global R&D Product Tower, supporting the rollout of a new electronic laboratory notebook (ELN) platform for Small Molecule R&D. As Technical Lead, you will act as the subject matter expert for the ELN platform, driving its configuration and integration across Elanco's wider R&D technology ecosystem. This is a high-impact opportunity to shape a major digital transformation programme within a global animal health research organisation.

Your Responsibilities

• Act as the Technical Subject Matter Expert for the new ELN SaaS platform, driving its configuration and owning build-and-run responsibility across the product lifecycle.
• Architect and develop API integrations (REST, GraphQL, JSON) connecting the ELN platform with upstream and downstream systems across R&D, Manufacturing and Regulatory, ensuring GxP and GDPR governance is respected across all data flows.
• Partner with the Product Manager and Principal Engineer to shape and size the product backlog, define engineering approaches, and ensure the platform adopts Elanco's engineering standards.
• Coach and upskill engineers on the product to build a highly competent engineering unit, sharing best practice across the wider Engineering community.
• Manage stakeholder relationships and documentation across business, technology and regulatory functions, embedding security, privacy and quality assurance throughout the solution.

What You Need to Succeed (minimum qualifications)

• Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Microbiology or a related discipline, or equivalent practical experience.
• 5+ years' experience with modern application architecture methodologies (Service-Oriented Architecture, API-Centric Design, Twelve-Factor App) and Cloud Native design patterns, ideally on Microsoft Azure or Google Cloud.
• 5+ years' experience designing and delivering digital solutions using product-mindset delivery methodologies within a DevSecOps culture, including Continuous Integration/Continuous Delivery (CI/CD) and Test-Driven Development (TDD).
• Hands-on software engineering background with web technologies (e.g. TypeScript, JavaScript, Node.js, React), API-first integration patterns, and container orchestration tools such as Kubernetes.
• Strong data engineering skills (SQL, ETL, Exploratory Data Analysis) combined with a demonstrated ability to communicate complex technical topics and influence stakeholders across IT, business and regulated, cross-functional environments.

What will give you a competitive edge (preferred qualifications)

• Hands-on experience implementing and configuring ELN or lab informatics platforms (e.g. Revvity Signals, Benchling, LabVantage) in a life sciences or pharmaceutical environment, including system integration and workflow automation.
• Understanding of GxP, data integrity and computer system validation requirements.
• Experience integrating AI and agentic workflows into custom software solutions.
• Working knowledge of data foundations and integration into downstream data products.

Don't meet every single requirement? Studies have shown underrecognized groups are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At Elanco we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive work environment.

Travel: Occasional travel may be required.

Location: UK - Hook

Elanco is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status.

Elanco Animal Health Incorporated (NYSE: ELAN) is a global leader in animal health dedicated to innovating and delivering products and services to prevent and treat disease in farm animals and pets, creating value for farmers, pet owners, veterinarians, stakeholders, and society as a whole. With nearly 70 years of animal health heritage, we are committed to helping our customers improve the health of animals in their care, while also making a meaningful impact on our local and global communities. At Elanco, we are driven by our vision of Food and Companionship Enriching life and our Elanco Healthy Purpose CSR framework – all to advance the health of animals, people and the planet. Learn more at www.elanco.com.