Automation Engineer- Plant Utilities

Leiden Bio Science Park; Leiden; On-site; EUR 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Eli Lilly is establishing a Katwijk facility in the Netherlands to manufacture oral medicines across multiple therapeutic areas, using advanced automation and digital systems. The Automation Engineer - Utilities will design, implement, and validate utilities automation supporting Purified Water, CIP, Steam, and Chiller systems, ensuring compliance from startup through steady-state operations.

The role collaborates with global teams to align data collection, cybersecurity, and IT integrations

Qualifications

• 5+ years in automation.
• 5+ years of experience in pharmaceutical or other regulated industries.
• 3+ years in GMP pharmaceutical utility systems automation incl. water, steam, air.

Responsibilities

• Partner with Global Automation and Global Facilities Delivery to design, install, and qualify utilities automation systems.
• Lead integration of utilities automation systems into site data collection and IT systems.
• Manage and own utilities automation system security and data integrity.
• Lead the management and growth of automation systems as new utilities equipment is added.
• Partner with Corporate Automation for global initiatives including advanced data programs and cyber security.

Skills

Automation

Pharma industry experience

Rockwell Automation

IT / Networking

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering or related science field

Tools

Rockwell Automation (FactoryTalk View SE, ControlLogix/CompactLogix)

Job description

Eli Lilly is investing €2.6 billion in a new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Katwijk, Netherlands. This facility will produce oral medicines for cardiometabolic health, neuroscience, oncology, and immunology, incorporating next-generation manufacturing technologies including dock-to-dock automation, paperless manufacturing, and process analytical technology while achieving carbon neutrality and zero waste to landfills. The Automation Engineer - Utilities provides automation support for utilities systems (Purified Water, Clean In Place, Steam, Chiller Water etc) at the Katwijk site. This role ensures the reliability, compliance, and continuous performance of the utilities automation systems from site startup through steady-state operations. During the design and delivery of the project, this role will be integrated into the global automation team and then transition fully to a site-based process team position.

Key Responsibilities

• Partner with Global Automation and Global Facilities Delivery to design, install, and qualify utilities automation systems.
• Lead the integration of the utilities automation systems into the site data collection and IT systems.
• Manage and own the utilities automation system security and data integrity.
• Lead the management and growth of the automation systems as new utilities equipment is added to the facility.
• Partner with Corporate Automation for global initiatives including advanced data programs and cyber security.
• Develop site procedures that will govern the utilities automation systems.

This position starts with a 12-month contract, with the intention of offering a permanent contract based on mutual fit. (Dienstverband: tijdelijk met uitzicht op vast) We typically expect travel to be 10-20% during the design and delivery phase for engineering meetings, training, and job shadowing opportunities.

Education

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or related science field.
• Professional fluency in English.
• Experience/Technical Knowledge.
• 5+ years in automation.
• 5+ years of experience in pharmaceutical or other regulated industries.
• 3+ years of experience in GMP pharmaceutical utility systems automation including water, steam, and air generation and distribution is preferred.
• Related manufacturing experience will be considered.
• Knowledge of GMPs, regulatory requirements, computer system validation.
• Experience with Rockwell Automation platforms including FactoryTalk View SE distributed and ControlLogix/CompactLogix PLCs or other similar automation technologies.

Additional Skills/Preferences

• Knowledge of ISE S95 principles and IT/Automation integration.
• Experience with Data Historians or related technology.
• Experience in Microsoft operating systems, virtual environments, and networking.
• Experience with installation of platform software on virtual servers.
• Ability to interpret control wiring diagrams and process and instrumentation diagrams.

At Lilly, we make life better for people around the world. It's important we do the same for employees. Through a diverse collection of pay and benefits programs - many at the forefront of what's offered in and beyond our industry - we empower you to live your best life.