Senior Principal Process Automation Engineer- OSD (Oral Solid Dose)

Leiden Bio Science Park; Leiden; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Eli Lilly is building a state-of-the-art manufacturing site at Katwijk, NL, delivering oral medicines with advanced automation and data integration. The Process Automation Area Lead will ensure reliability, compliance, and continuous performance from startup through steady-state operations.

The role involves collaborating with global teams, designing and qualifying automation systems, and growing automation capabilities as new equipment is added. Fluency in English and Dutch is preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related science field; 5+ years in automation and 7+ years in pharmaceutical or regulated industries.
• Knowledge of GMPs, regulatory requirements, and computer system validation.
• Experience with Rockwell Automation platforms and PLCs; familiarity with MES and IT/automation integration.

Responsibilities

• Partner with Global Automation and Global Facilities Delivery to design, install, and qualify OSD process automation systems.
• Lead the integration of automation systems into site data collection and IT systems.
• Manage and own automation system security and data integrity.
• Lead the growth of automation systems as new process equipment is added to the facility.
• Collaborate with Corporate Automation on global initiatives including data programs and cyber security.
• Develop site procedures governing the process automation systems.
• Weigh, dispense, and compress in the unit operations it will support.

Skills

Automation

GMP knowledge

Regulatory compliance

Rockwell PLC

Data integration

Cyber security

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Tools

FactoryTalk View SE

ControlLogix/CompactLogix

Pharma MES

Data Historians

Virtualization

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 Process Automation Area Lead provides automation support for manufacturing at the Katwijk site. This role ensures the reliability, compliance, and continuous performance of the Oral Solid Dosage (OSD) process 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 OSD process automation systems.
• Lead the integration of the automation systems into the site data collection and IT systems.
• Manage and own the automation system security and data integrity.
• Lead the management and growth of the automation systems as new process 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 process automation systems.
• Weigh, dispense, and compress in the unit operations it will support.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related science field.
• Professional fluency in English and Dutch preferred.

Experience/Technical Knowledge

• 5+ years in automation.7+ yearsinpharmaceutical or other regulated industries.
• 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

• Experience with Spray Drying or Oral Solid Dosing manufacturing.
• 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.
• Experience with Pharmasuite or other MES.

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.