Principal - Engineer - Automation (Data & Platforms integration)

Eli Lilly and Company; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Eli Lilly and Company in Houston, TX is seeking a Principal Automation Engineer specializing in data and integration platforms for Lilly’s new API manufacturing site. The role focuses on designing, validating, and supporting site automation systems to enable GMP manufacturing startup and ongoing operations.

You will lead Aveva PI Data Historian deployments, ensure data integrity, and collaborate with Quality, Engineering, and external vendors.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's in engineering or related field.
• 5+ years of Aveva PI Data Historian administration including hardware/software integration, system validation, and data integrity.
• Experience with Windows Servers and virtual environments.

Responsibilities

• System design and development of automation platforms.
• Validation planning and execution to support GMP startup.
• Vendor oversight and contract management.
• System administration and maintenance.
• Developing SOPs aligned with cGMP and Lilly CSV standards.
• Collaborates with Quality, Engineering, and external vendors and transitions to site-based sustainment.

Skills

Aveva PI Data Historian

Data integration

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's in engineering or related field

Tools

Windows Servers

Virtual environments

CSV compliance

Job description

Role

Principal Automation Engineer specializing in Data and Integration Platforms for Lilly’s new API manufacturing site in Houston, TX.

Objectives

Designing, validating, and supporting site automation systems, particularly the Aveva PI Data Historian and related integration platforms, to enable GMP manufacturing startup and ongoing operations.

Responsibilities

• System design
• Validation planning
• Vendor oversight
• System administration
• Developing operational procedures aligned with cGMP and Lilly’s CSV standards
• Collaborates with Quality, Engineering, and external vendors, transitioning from corporate automation teams during project delivery to a site-based team for sustainment

Qualifications

• Bachelor's in engineering or related field
• 5+ years of Aveva PI Data Historian administration including hardware/software integration, system validation, and data integrity
• Experience with Windows Servers and virtual environments

Preferred

• 3+ years in pharmaceutical manufacturing
• Familiarity with validation software (e.g., Kneat, Veeva Vault)
• Strong analytical and communication skills
• Ability to collaborate across functions

High Value

• Support for GMP API production
• System validation
• Site infrastructure
• Process automation

Work Setup

Potential travel <20% for testing and training.