Principal/Sr. Principal Logistics Engineer

About the role

The Logistics Engineer is responsible for supporting the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of logistics and material flow systems at the Lilly Richmond manufacturing site. This role supports the build-out and operational readiness of the site's logistics infrastructure—including Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (ASRS), material conveyance, Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs), and SAP Extended Warehouse Management (EWM) integration. The Logistics Engineer works cross-functionally to develop assigned business processes and contributes to building a paperless, digitally enabled logistics environment in alignment with Lilly's Next Generation Biotech manufacturing vision.

Responsibilities

Project / Start-up Phase

• Create and maintain a site-level Plan for Every Part (PFEP), incorporating supplier data, SAP bill-of-material and non-BOM items (e.g. reusable containers and pallets), and product usage rates across the Richmond site.
• Support the design and implementation of business processes during the start-up phase.
• Support the set-up, commissioning, and qualification activities for automated material handling systems (ASRS, VSM, AMRs, AGVs, and conveyance equipment).
• Drive lean principles and ensure efficient material flows are maintained throughout the logistics center; support value stream mapping initiatives.
• Develop Logistics Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and work instructions in partnership with Operations, Quality, and Safety.
• Partner with maintenance and automation teams to develop a spare parts strategy for logistics equipment.

Ongoing Operations

• Ensure logistics systems (ASRS, VSM, conveyance, AMRs, AGVs) consistently meet the operational demands of the business.
• Monitor daily system performance metrics and KPIs, identifying trends and driving continuous improvement opportunities.
• Maintain PFEP data throughout the full lifecycle of all production flows to ensure system capacity is not exceeded.
• Work closely with business leaders to anticipate when business demand will approach or exceed logistics system capability and propose solutions proactively.
• Develop and maintain quality systems for logistics and materials management, including SOPs, work instructions, and training materials pertinent to receipt, kitting, shipping, and general warehouse practices.
• Manage change controls and support or lead quality investigations; own work instructions and SOPs governing warehouse equipment.
• Participate in Quality and Safety Time on Floor (TOF) audits; support safety assessments, job hazard analyses, and FMEAs relevant to warehouse operations and material movement equipment.
• Support change and deviation management within the function.
• Provide daily operations support across: (i) receipt of inbound materials, (ii) kitting and replenishment of production materials, (iii) general material flow through the logistics center, and (iv) execution of daily shipments.
• Benchmark emerging materials management and logistics initiatives across the Lilly network and externally.
• Support capital planning for expansion or recapitalization of warehouse systems and equipment.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree (BSc) in Engineering, Supply Chain, Logistics, Science, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 3 years' experience in a logistics, materials management, or supply chain engineering role, preferably within pharmaceutical, biotech, medical device, automotive, or FMCG industries.
• Experience with ERP systems required.
• 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.

Skills

• MBA or MSc preferred.
• SAP S/4HANA and/or SAP EWM experience strongly preferred.
• Lean Six Sigma experience or certification is desirable.
• Strong analytical and quantitative problem-solving skills with demonstrated ability in root cause analysis and data-driven decision making.
• Experience with automated storage and material handling systems (ASRS, VSM, AMRs, AGVs, conveyance) is highly desirable.
• Solid understanding of GMP requirements as they apply to warehouse and material management operations.
• Understanding of data integrity principles and their application in a regulated manufacturing environment.
• Ability to communicate and influence effectively across functional groups and site stakeholders.
• Demonstrated project management capability; able to coordinate complex, cross-functional initiatives.
• Strategic thinking with the ability to balance short-term operational needs against long-term business evolution.
• Demonstrates continuous improvement mindset; familiar with lean principles and value stream mapping.
• Self-motivated, organized, and able to work proactively with minimal supervision.
• Enthusiasm for change, team spirit, and flexibility to adapt to evolving business needs.

Additional Information

• This role requires flexibility and the ability to adapt across Materials Management and Warehousing/Logistics workstreams in a state-of-the-art logistics center, including inbound receipts, kitting, management of contract service providers, and shipping execution.
• Ability to travel occasionally during the start-up phase of the project.
• Role may require participation in on-call or off-hours support during key start-up and validation phases.

Pay

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

• Comprehensive benefit program including eligibility to participate in a company-sponsored 401(k) and 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.
• Well-being benefits (e.g., employee assistance program, fitness benefits, and employee clubs and activities).