Production Operator

BioSpace; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 24,000 - 47,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company bonus

401(k) plan

Medical, dental, vision benefits

Flexible benefits

Job summary

Lilly in Indianapolis is seeking an Operator to join the K360 bioprocess pilot plant. You will run equipment and processes alongside scientists, engineers, and quality partners in a hands-on, collaborative environment.

No pharmaceutical background is required; if you are detail-oriented and eager to learn, Lilly will train you. The role involves rotating between makeup, inoculation, cell culture, and purification areas, with safety and cGMP compliance at the core.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent and willingness to learn in a fast-paced production setting.
• Ability to follow instructions and work effectively in a team.
• Comfort with basic computer and software systems.
• Flexible shifts, occasional night work and weekends.

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor process equipment in the K360 pilot plant.
• Prepare buffers and media, perform in-process tests, and sanitation duties.
• Collaborate with scientists, engineers, and quality partners.
• Maintain accurate records following cGMP practices.
• Cross-train between areas as needed.

Skills

Effective communication

Teamwork

Attention to detail

Willingness to learn

Computer literacy

Education

High school diploma

Job description

At Lilly, the work is demanding because patients are waiting. We unite caring with discovery to help make life better for people around the world, knowing that every decision, every detail, and every day matters. Headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, our over 50,000 employees around the globe take on complex challenges to discover and deliver life-changing medicines, strengthen how health is understood and managed, and support the communities we serve. This is hard, urgent, selfless work—but it’s work worth doing. If you’re driven by purpose and ready to bring your best to work that truly matters for patients, we invite you to join us.

Position Overview

Help bring new medicines closer to the patients who need them. Our K360 clinical trial pilot plant is where promising molecules are made real - the site where Bioprocess Research & Development produces the material that clinical studies depend on. As an Operator, you run the equipment and processes that make that happen, working alongside scientists, engineers, and quality partners in a hands-on, highly collaborative plant. You do not need a pharmaceutical background to succeed here. If you are detail-oriented, comfortable with technical work, and take pride in doing things right the first time, we will teach you the rest.

Responsibilities

K360 runs four connected operational areas. You'll be trained in one and may cross-train into others as you grow:

• Makeup - Prepare buffers and media from raw materials, run in-process testing, fill process containers, and clean equipment through clean-in-place cycles and cabinet washers.
• Inoculation Lab - Develop inoculum for microbial and mammalian culture products, run bioburden testing for bioreactor and media operations, and submit samples for third-party evaluation.
• Cell Culture / Primary Recovery - Transfer inoculum to bioreactors and fermenters, monitor, feed, and harvest cell culture, and maintain equipment through clean-in-place and steam-in-place cycles.
• Purification - Receive buffers from makeup and purify harvested material using chromatography, viral filtration, tangential flow filtration, and related techniques, then fill the final active pharmaceutical ingredient into storage containers.

Across every area, the job comes down to four things:

• Technical ability. Operate and monitor process equipment and related systems to approved tickets and procedures, troubleshoot issues as they arise, spot trends, and find ways to reduce process variability. You'll be encouraged to take on new assignments and projects as you build depth.
• Data management and compliance. Keep accurate, legible records and analyze them to report clearly on the status of your operations. All documentation follows cGMP practices as defined by corporate, divisional, and local procedures.
• Communication. Work with Quality, BR&D scientists, Analytical Services, Operations, Technical Services, Engineering, and Maintenance - and explain technical information about your area clearly to each of them. Communicate clearly and concisely while working in team oriented role.
• Safety and environmental awareness. Follow all safety and environmental guidelines, and actively promote that standard with the people around you.

Basic Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent, with at least 1 year of experience in the workplace or other environment that required regular attendance, reliable work, and motivation to succeed.
  • No prior manufacturing experience required. Successful candidates will demonstrate a strong work ethic, effective communication skills, teamwork, attention to detail, and a willingness to learn through relevant life experiences.
• Ability to follow instructions, communicate effectively, work collaboratively in a team environment, and maintain a dependable, positive attitude in a fast-paced production setting
• Dedication and commitment to delivering on your tasks.
• Working knowledge of basic computer and software systems.
• This role moves between administrative and production settings. In production areas, safety glasses, safety shoes, and appropriate gowning - including Tyvek suits - are required.
• Shifts vary by area, so flexibility is essential; some shifts may include occasional night work and weekends. As of today, the team works 5-days/week at the facility. Overtime will occasionally be needed based on the production schedule.

Additional Preferences

• Manufacturing operations experience.
• Coaching, feedback, and training experience, and a habit of open, honest communication.
• Basic analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Experience working with AI or other machine learning capabilities are an asset.

Lilly is dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities to actively engage in the workforce, ensuring equal opportunities when vying for positions. If you require accommodation to submit a resume for a position at Lilly, please complete the accommodation request form (https://careers.lilly.com/us/en/workplace-accommodation) for further assistance. Please note this is for individuals to request an accommodation as part of the application process and any other correspondence will not receive a response.

Lilly is proud to be an EEO Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, gender identity, sex, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.

Our employee resource groups (ERGs) offer strong support networks for their members and are open to all employees. Our current groups include: Africa, Middle East, Central Asia (AMECA), Black Employees at Lilly (BE@Lilly), Chinese Culture Network (CCN), EnAble, Evolve, Lilly Indian Network (LIN), Organization of Latinx at Lilly (OLA), Pride (LGBTQ+ Allies), Veterans Leadership Network (VLN) and Women’s Initiative for Leading at Lilly (WILL).

Actual compensation will depend on a candidate’s education, experience, skills, and geographic location. The anticipated wage for this position is

$17.30 - $34.38

Full-time equivalent employees also will be eligible for a company bonus (depending, in part, on company and individual performance). In addition, Lilly offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees, including eligibility to participate in a company-sponsored 401(k); pension; vacation benefits; eligibility for medical, dental, vision and prescription drug benefits; flexible benefits (e.g., healthcare and/or dependent day care flexible spending accounts); life insurance and death benefits; certain time off and leave of absence benefits; and well-being benefits (e.g., employee assistance program, fitness benefits, and employee clubs and activities).

Lilly reserves the right to amend, modify, or terminate its compensation and benefit programs in its sole discretion and Lilly’s compensation practices and guidelines will apply regarding the details of any promotion or transfer of Lilly employees.

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