Sr. Principal - Engineer - Automation (Small Molecule)

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. 

At Lilly, we unite caring with discovery to make life better for people around the world. We are a global healthcare leader headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our 40,000 employees around the world work to discover and bring life-changing medicines to those who need them, improve the understanding and management of disease, and give back to our communities through philanthropy and volunteerism. We give our best effort to our work, and we put people first. We’re looking for people who are determined to make life better for people around the world.

Lilly is currently constructing an advanced manufacturing facility for production of API molecules located in Houston, TX.  This facility is intended to provide APIs for current and future products, including new modalities.  This is a unique opportunity to be a part of the site technical team for the startup of a greenfield manufacturing site, and the successful candidate will help to build the Processes, the facility and the culture to enable a successful startup into GMP manufacturing operations. 

Responsibilities:

The Sr. Principal Automation Engineer – Small Molecule is a senior-level automation position that will lead the design and delivery of the DeltaV platform and associated software integration teams as part of Lilly’s manufacturing expansion. This role is intended to lead one or more project workstreams for the automation DCS function including design, scheduling, staffing, and qualification in the Drug Substance (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient) network.

During the design and delivery (startup expected 2029 to 2030) of the project this role will be integrated into the corporate delivery team leading one or more workstreams on the design, delivery, and startup of drug substance manufacturing focusing on Small Molecule.  This role will collaborate with A&E firms, system integrators, corporate and site engineering peers, and Tech@Lilly (Lilly’s corporate IT team) develop and manage the DeltaV DCS system and software design, testing, startup, and qualification.

The Sr. Principal Automation Engineer is a site-based position but will be closely integrated with Lilly’s Corporate Automation Team GPACE.  GPACE (Global Process Automation & Control Engineering) provides automation, measurement, and process control solutions to Lilly manufacturing as well as a technical resource for training, standards, and capital project delivery.

Post project delivery, this role will support GMP manufacturing operations in small molecule or oligonucleotides.  This will require significant collaboration, creativity and resilience as the site grows to a full scale GMP manufacturing through start up.

Key Deliverables:

• Champion a strong safety culture, mentor and coach others, and utilize engineering and automation fundamental principles in design and problem solving.
• Collaborate with Lilly engineering, A&E firms, and system integrators to develop requirements and specifications that will be the foundation for software development and system architecture.
• Manage one or more system integrators for fully deliver and test DeltaV software.
• Collaborate with Tech@Lilly to deliver a fully integrated Automation/MES solution that is scaled for the needs of business.
• Participate in basic and detailed design that also includes staffing, statements of work, supplier management, and delivery strategies for automation systems.
• Participate in developing computer system validation strategies.
• Develop and build capabilities within the Houston site automation team.
• Develop site procedures for automation platforms and associated administration activites.
• Provide engineering support for Process Safety Management (PSM) and Process Hazard Reviews (PHRs).
• Provide technical oversight during development of equipment and process system User Requirements and related Design Review/Qualification documentation to ensure equipment and systems are appropriate for intended purpose. 

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