Operator - Tank Farm, Truck & Rail Operations

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 employees 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.

About the role

Lilly is constructing an advanced manufacturing facility for production of API (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient) molecules in Lebanon, IN. This facility is Lilly’s largest investment in manufacturing capacity and will provide APIs for current and future products, including new modalities. This is a unique opportunity to be part of the startup team for a greenfield manufacturing site, helping to build the processes and facility to enable successful GMP manufacturing operations.

The Tank Farm, Truck and Rail Operator is directly responsible for ensuring the uninterrupted supply of solvents and management of waste to support the facility. This role involves tank farm operations, air emissions systems, and truck/rail car loading/unloading. During the project delivery and startup phase (expected 2026 to 2028), roles will be fluid and dynamic, requiring collaboration, creativity, and resilience as the site scales to full GMP manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Ensure operations maintain compliance with all regulatory requirements.
• Support the execution of the production plan for the site.
• Perform tank farm operations, tanker loading/unloading, and railcar loading/unloading.
• Carry out daily monitoring, testing, and cleaning duties to ensure equipment and systems are in good operating condition and comply with regulatory requirements.
• Understand and apply Health, Safety & Environmental standards in a regulated environment.
• Monitor and collect data on equipment use and performance to anticipate potential reliability problems.
• Collaborate with Maintenance and Technical Support to respond to supply upsets or equipment failure.
• Report problems or events (e.g., spills, deviations, incidents) to the appropriate personnel.
• Communicate shift status and operational issues during handover.
• Participate in daily shift huddles to set and understand operational goals.
• Engage in safety audits, procedure coordination, housekeeping, and improvement projects.
• Complete training and qualification for all specified unit operations within the area.
• Identify and discuss concerns in crew meetings or with safety representatives.
• Follow cGMP practices, safe work habits, plant dress code, hygiene standards, and housekeeping requirements.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• At least 5 years of experience in hazardous chemical manufacturing, refining, hazardous pharmaceutical operations, or chemical tank farm operations.
• Strong sense of safety and awareness of acceptable practices in dangerous environments.
• Authorization to work in the United States on a full-time basis (Lilly will not sponsor work authorization or visas for this role).
• Ability to effectively communicate electronically, in writing, and verbally.
• Basic computer skills (desktop software).
• Physical ability to bend, reach, stretch, climb ladders, and work in tight spaces.
• Ability to stand for long periods.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience in facility or area startup environments.
• Experience in utility operations or directly supporting pharmaceutical manufacturing.
• Solid understanding of FDA guidelines and cGMP requirements.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize multiple requests.
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing principles.
• Emergency response experience (e.g., industrial, military, volunteer, or career firefighter).
• Indiana State or IFSAC Certification (Fire 1, Hazmat Technician).

Schedule

• Ability to work 12-hour rotating shifts (days and nights).
• Flexible schedules during the startup period.
• Ability to work overtime as required.

Depending on experience, the position may require a short-term assignment of 6-12 months within Indianapolis, IN, and/or 1-3 months domestically or internationally for training and certification. Short-term travel (less than 1 month) may also be required to support equipment testing at the manufacturer’s factory.

Pay

The anticipated wage for this position is $21.27 - $45.48 per hour. Full-time equivalent employees are also eligible for a company bonus (based on company and individual performance).

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefit program, including medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage.
• Eligibility to participate in a company-sponsored 401(k) and pension plan.
• Vacation benefits and 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.
• 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 at its discretion.