Director, Process Engineering- Lilly Medicine Foundry

About the role

The Senior Advisor/Director for Kilo Lab Equipment Development & Process Engineering serves as a technical leader responsible for driving innovation in equipment design, rapid prototyping, and scale-up strategies for complex therapeutic manufacturing. This role includes leadership of a small team of 1 to 3 engineers and requires mastery of first principles chemical engineering to develop novel equipment solutions and manufacturing processes.

Responsibilities

• Complex Therapy Development Lead process engineering and equipment development for complex therapies that integrate both biologics and synthetic chemistry approaches
• Apply advanced knowledge of reaction kinetics, molecular interactions, and biophysical properties to develop robust manufacturing processes
• Address unique scaling challenges through predictive modeling and mechanistic understanding of multi-modal therapeutic systems
• Modeling & Simulation Leadership Connect insights from diverse disciplines to solve complex technical challenges
• Mentor and guide cross-functional teams in applying systems-thinking approaches to process development
• Team Leadership Lead and develop a small team of 1-3 engineers supporting kilo lab equipment development and process engineering activities
• Provide technical mentorship and guidance to team members
• Career activities and prioritize work to meet project objectives
• Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement within the team
• Technical Leadership & Collaboration Serve as technical expert and advisor to development teams, operations, and senior leadership
• Active engagement and communication with HSE, Quality Assurance, Tech Services, Development, Operations, FUME/C&Q, Automation, Maintenance, and Manufacturing teams
• Author, review, and approve high-quality technical reports and regulatory submissions
• Develop or review project plans and timetables for equipment qualification and process validation

Qualifications

• PhD in Chemical Engineering, or related discipline and a minimum of five years of experience in pharmaceutical, biotech, or CMO environment supporting process engineering and equipment development for drug substance API manufacturing
• MS in Chemical Engineering or related discipline with minimum 12 years of relevant experience in pharmaceutical, biotech, or CMO environment supporting process engineering and equipment development for drug substance API manufacturing
• BS in Chemical Engineering or related discipline with minimum 14 years of relevant experience in pharmaceutical, biotech, or CMO environment supporting process engineering and equipment development for drug substance API manufacturing
• Proven track record of challenging and transforming manufacturing paradigms through innovative technical approaches
• Proven ability to lead, mentor, and develop technical talent at individual and team levels
• Expert-level knowledge in modeling and simulation tools (e.g., Dynochem, Aspen, COMSOL, computational fluid dynamics software)
• Deep understanding of reaction kinetics, transport phenomena, thermodynamics, and biophysical characterization
• Experience with process analytical technology (PAT) and advanced process control strategies
• Proficiency with automation systems (DeltaV), data analytics platforms (OSI-PI), and electronic lab notebooks
• Experience with complex therapeutic modalities (biologics, synthetic molecules, conjugates, oligonucleotides, peptides)
• Outstanding oral and written communication skills for diverse audiences, from operations staff to executive leadership
• Ability to work independently while maintaining strong collaborative relationships

Skills

• Strong background in chemical engineering
• Advanced knowledge of reaction kinetics, molecular interactions, and biophysical properties
• Experience with modeling and simulation tools
• Understanding of process analytical technology (PAT) and advanced process control strategies
• Experience with complex therapeutic modalities (biologics, synthetic molecules, conjugates, oligonucleotides, peptides)
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills

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).

Pay

The anticipated wage for this position is $151,500 - $222,200

Schedule

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