Lead Engineer – R&D

Elanco; Hook; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A global leader in animal health is looking for a Lead Engineer – R&D to develop innovative digital solutions. You will leverage your experience in cloud-native design, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and ensure adherence to engineering standards. The ideal candidate has over 5 years of experience and is proficient in TypeScript, Kubernetes, and Agile methodologies. Join a diverse environment dedicated to improving animal health while enjoying a hybrid work setup.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience with modern application architecture and cloud-native design patterns.
• Hands-on experience with Kubernetes and Infrastructure as Code.
• Strong software engineering skills including TypeScript/JavaScript and familiarity with Python.

Responsibilities

• Develop and support full-stack digital solutions for R&D.
• Collaborate closely with engineering, product, and platform teams.
• Work across front-end, back-end, and SaaS integrations.

Skills

Modern application architecture

Cloud-native design patterns

DevSecOps

CI/CD and TDD

TypeScript/JavaScript

Kubernetes

Infrastructure as Code

Cross-functional collaboration

Excellent communication skills

Tools

Azure

Google Cloud

Terraform

Python

Databricks

PowerBI

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!

Your Role: Lead Engineer – R&D

At Elanco, our engineer roles bring an adaptive set of skills covering Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), Commercial-of-the-Shelf (CotS), and/or Custom Developed applications. As an Engineer, you will be part of our software engineering team, deployed into a multi-disciplined product team to deliver engineering expertise to business-facing products and services, applying your talent to Elanco’s biggest opportunities.

Your Responsibilities:

• Develop and support full-stack, scalable digital solutions for R&D, ensuring security, quality, compliance, and strong user experience while avoiding technical debt.
• Build, run, and continuously improve products, balancing stability with new feature delivery and identifying opportunities to enhance developer and application team experience.
• Collaborate closely with engineering, product, and platform teams to align on technology approaches, shape the product backlog, size work, and ensure adherence to engineering standards.
• Work across front-end, back-end, and SaaS integrations to deliver custom solutions that support all stages of the R&D lifecycle - from discovery to clinical studies.
• Configure SaaS capabilities, integrate third-party tools, and contribute to building a highly skilled engineering unit by coaching and sharing best practices.
• Participate in innovation activities such as hackathons and use modern product approaches (e.g., rapid prototyping) to help influence and shape digital solutions.

What You Need to Succeed (minimum qualifications):

• 5+ years of experience with modern application architecture and cloud-native design patterns, preferably in Azure or Google Cloud, including designing and delivering digital solutions using a product mindset and methods such as Agile or CCPM.
• 5+ years working in a DevSecOps culture with CI/CD, TDD, and modern software development practices, plus operational experience supporting and iterating on custom-built applications.
• Hands-on experience with Kubernetes, Infrastructure as Code (e.g., Terraform), and supporting digital platforms (integrations, release management, regression testing, data obfuscation).
• Strong software engineering skills, including proficiency in TypeScript/JavaScript, React, Node.js, and experience with Python or similar languages.
• Understanding of data technologies such as Databricks and PowerBI, and experience scaling API ecosystems and designing API-first integration patterns.
• Ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams to define, design, and deliver new features, along with experience implementing large-scale, transformative digital solutions.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills, with proven ability to convey complex technical topics and drive clear decisions.

What will give you a competitive edge (preferred qualifications):

• Experience in a Platform Engineering team and working in complex, diverse technology or regulatory environments.
• Passion for simplicity and strong Developer Experience, with demonstrated influence across IT teams and external partners.

Additional Information:

• Travel: 0-10%
• Location: Hook, UK - Hybrid Work Environment

Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown underrepresented 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. If you think you might be a good fit for a role but don't necessarily meet every requirement, we encourage you to apply. You may be the right candidate for this role or other roles!

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