Sr. Principal Engineer, Automation Engineering, Controls System Hardware - Lilly Medicine Foundry

Eli Lilly and Company; Lebanon (IN); On-site; USD 66,000 - 171,600; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) plan

Medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug benefits

Vacation benefits

Job summary

A leading pharmaceutical company is seeking a Senior Principal Engineer – Automation Engineering to join their team in Indiana. The role requires expertise in providing automation support across manufacturing operations and capital projects, focusing on instrumentation and control hardware. Candidates must have a B.S. in Engineering and at least 8 years of experience in biopharma engineering. The anticipated salary range is $66,000 – $171,600, along with a comprehensive benefits package including a 401(k) plan and various health benefits.

Qualifications

• 8+ years working experience in Biopharma engineering, operations, or manufacturing.
• Experience in commissioning and qualification of automated manufacturing sites.
• Good written and verbal communication skills for both technical and non-technical audiences.

Responsibilities

• Provide automation support for operating areas and capital projects.
• Develop and implement Automation Engineering Project Plan.
• Lead/participate in design reviews and support electronic systems.

Skills

Automation Engineering

Instrumentation design

Troubleshooting

Project management

Process control communication protocols

Education

B.S. in Engineering

Tools

DeltaV

Rockwell

SCADA

Job description

Overview

The Sr. Principal Engineer – Automation Engineering will work as a member of the Automation Engineering Department at Eli Lilly, Foundry. The principal engineer will provide automation support for one or more operating areas across the site and for capital projects, with a primary focus on Instrumentation and Control Hardware.

Process Automation is core to delivering a right first‑time facility start‑up and continued support of ongoing manufacturing operations into the future.

The role is part of the startup phase of the Lilly Medicine Foundry, expected to start in 2026 and continue through 2028.

Key Objectives / Deliverables

• Site operation support and capital project execution, commissioning & qualification.
• Demonstrated ability in translating technical concepts for executive audience and/or non‑technical stakeholders.
• Deep expertise in Instrumentation design, installation, calibration and troubleshooting.
• Deep expertise in configuration and troubleshooting of Variable Frequency Drives (VFD’s).
• Thorough understanding of P&ID’s, electrical and instrument loop drawings.
• Expertise working with control panels, DeltaV Charms remote I/O panels and Rockwell I/Os.
• Expertise in performing automation engineering activities including design, tuning and troubleshooting of control loops.
• Define strategies for periodic and corrective maintenance of instruments and control hardware.
• Thorough understanding of various process control communication protocols.
• Develop and implement the Automation Engineering Project Plan.

Operational Excellence

• System‑level thinking and expertise working with multi‑disciplinary teams.
• Demonstrated ability in resolving complex technical challenges with instrument and control system hardware.
• Technically lead and oversee the work of Site Area leads and System Integrators.
• Develop and review functional requirements, design specifications and test specifications.
• Demonstrated experience with developing and utilizing master maintenance plans.
• Thorough understanding of 21CFR Part 11, GMP processes.
• Technical leadership in leading projects from concept through commissioning and qualification.
• Demonstrated experience and familiarity with safety instrumented systems.
• Lead/participate in design reviews and site system hardware reviews, attend equipment and FATs.
• Provide periodic status updates to project management.
• Implement and support electronic systems (such as plant historians) used to capture process automation‑related production data.
• Maintain the validated state of the site control system hardware in line with Lilly quality standards, including the development and execution of validation strategies and associated documentation.
• Promote the use of automation to improve productivity, operational efficiency and compliance.
• Develop a network of corporate contacts and leverage corporate expertise when needed.

Organizational Capability

• In coordination with automation and compliance consultants, set and reinforce standards for appropriate rigor in automation work products.
• Mentor process control team to strengthen technical capabilities and adopt best practices to enhance system reliability and business continuity.
• Be a fully active member of the flow leadership in running the plant, including participation on technical sub‑teams.

Basic Requirements

• Minimum B.S. in Engineering and experience in Automation Engineering, preferably in major pharmaceutical manufacturing.
• 8+ years working experience in Biopharma engineering, operations, or manufacturing.
• Experience in design, development, commissioning and qualification of highly automated greenfield manufacturing sites utilizing SCADA, DCS, BMS and warehouse and robotics systems (DeltaV, Rockwell, Johnson Controls, Fanuc, Rosemount, Fisher, etc.).
• Demonstrated ability to participate in and facilitate decision‑making.
• Demonstrated initiative, good planning and organizational skills, ability to prioritize tasks, commitment to task completion and timelines.
• Possess a keen technical curiosity and has demonstrated strong problem‑solving skills and a desire for continuous improvement.
• Demonstrated ability to influence peers and business partners, influence without authority.
• Good written and verbal communication skills for both technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Knowledge of GMP, regulatory requirements, computer system validation.
• Qualified applicants must be authorized to work in the United States on a full‑time basis. Lilly will not provide support for or sponsor work authorization or visas for this role, including but not limited to F‑1 CPT, F‑1 OPT, F‑1 STEM OPT, J‑1, H‑1B, TN, O‑1, E‑3, H‑1B1, or L‑1.

Compensation

Actual compensation will depend on a candidate’s education, experience, skills, and geographic location. The anticipated wage for this position is $66,000 – $171,600.

Full‑time equivalent employees also will be eligible for a company bonus (depending, in part, on company and individual performance).

Benefits

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 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.

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.

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