Sr. Principal - Engineer - Automation (Small Molecule)

About the role

Lilly is constructing an advanced manufacturing facility for production of API molecules in Houston, TX. This greenfield site will provide APIs for current and future products, including new modalities. This is a unique opportunity to join the site technical team for the startup of a new manufacturing site, helping to build the processes, facility, and culture to enable successful GMP manufacturing operations.

The Sr. Principal Automation Engineer – Small Molecule is a senior 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 will 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 phase (startup expected 2029 to 2030), this role will be integrated into the corporate delivery team, leading workstreams on the design, delivery, and startup of drug substance manufacturing focusing on Small Molecule. Post-project delivery, the role will support GMP manufacturing operations in small molecule or oligonucleotides, requiring significant collaboration, creativity, and resilience as the site scales to full-scale GMP manufacturing.

This site-based position will be closely integrated with Lilly’s Corporate Automation Team, GPACE (Global Process Automation & Control Engineering), which provides automation, measurement, and process control solutions to Lilly manufacturing, as well as technical resources for training, standards, and capital project delivery.

Responsibilities

• 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 full delivery and testing of DeltaV software.
• Collaborate with Tech@Lilly to deliver a fully integrated Automation/MES solution scaled for business needs.
• Participate in basic and detailed design, including 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 activities.
• 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 systems are appropriate for intended purpose.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related applicable discipline.
• 5+ years of experience in Process Automation, with experience on the Emerson DeltaV Platform preferred (other platform experience will be considered).
• 5+ years of experience in API/Drug Substance manufacturing preferred (related manufacturing experience will be considered).
• 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

• Technical knowledge in process instrumentation and batch control.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Ability to collaborate with others and influence stakeholders.
• Technical knowledge of data historians and experience with system integration, including MES.

Additional Information

• Potential for travel (less than 20%, could be domestic and/or international).

Pay

The anticipated wage for this position is $66,000 - $171,600. Full-time equivalent employees are also eligible for a company bonus (depending on company and individual performance).

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefit program, including eligibility to participate in a company-sponsored 401(k) and pension.
• Vacation benefits and 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).