Sr. Principal Engineer - Automation Engineering – Hardware, Instrumentation and Controls - Lill

Overview

The Sr. Principal Engineer – Automation Engineering will work as a member of the Automation Engineering Department at Eli Lilly, Foundry. The principal engineer will provide automation support for one or more operating areas across the site and for capital projects, with a primary focus on Instrumentation and Control Hardware.

Process Automation is core to delivering a right first‑time facility start‑up and continued support of ongoing manufacturing operations into the future.

The role is part of the startup phase of the Lilly Medicine Foundry, expected to start in 2026 and continue through 2028.

• Site operation support and capital project execution, commissioning & qualification.
• Demonstrated ability in translating technical concepts for executive audience and/or non‑technical stakeholders.
• Deep expertise in Instrumentation design, installation, calibration and troubleshooting.
• Deep expertise in configuration and troubleshooting of Variable Frequency Drives (VFD’s).
• Thorough understanding of P&’s, electrical and instrument loop drawings.
• Expertise working with control panels, Delta
  
  V Charms remote I/O panels and Rockwell I/Os.
• Expertise in performing automation engineering activities including design, tuning and troubleshooting of control loops.
• Define strategies for periodic and corrective maintenance of instruments and control hardware.
• Thorough understanding of various process control communication protocols.
• Develop and implement the Automation Engineering Project Plan.

• System‑level thinking and expertise working with multi‑disciplinary teams.
• Demonstrated ability in resolving complex technical challenges with instrument and control system hardware.
• Technically lead and oversee the work of Site Area leads and System Integrators.
• Develop and review functional requirements, design specifications and test specifications.
• Demonstrated experience with developing and utilizing master maintenance plans.
• Thorough understanding of 21
  
  CFR Part 11, GMP processes.
• Technical leadership in leading projects from concept through commissioning and qualification.
• Demonstrated experience and familiarity with safety instrumented systems.
• Lead/participate in design reviews and site system hardware reviews, attend equipment and FATs.
• Provide periodic status updates to project management.
• Implement and support electronic systems (such as plant historians) used to capture process automation‑related production data.
• Maintain the validated state of the site control system hardware in line with Lilly quality standards, including the development and execution of validation strategies and associated documentation.
• Promote the use of automation to improve productivity, operational efficiency and compliance.
• Develop a network of corporate contacts and leverage corporate expertise when needed.

• In coordination with automation and compliance consultants, set and reinforce standards for appropriate rigor in automation work products.
• Mentor process control team to strengthen technical capabilities and adopt best practices to enhance system reliability and business continuity.
• Be a fully active member of the flow leadership in running the plant, including participation on technical sub‑teams.

• Minimum B.S. in Engineering and experience in Automation Engineering, preferably in major pharmaceutical manufacturing.
• 8+ years working experience in Biopharma engineering, operations, or manufacturing.
• Experience in design, development, commissioning and qualification of highly automated greenfield manufacturing sites utilizing SCADA, DCS, BMS and warehouse and robotics systems (Delta
  
  V, Rockwell, Johnson Controls, Fanuc, Rosemount, Fisher, etc.).
• Demonstrated ability to participate in and facilitate decision‑making.
• Demonstrated initiative, good planning and organizational skills, ability to prioritize tasks, commitment to task completion and timelines.
• Possess a keen technical curiosity and has demonstrated strong problem‑solving skills and a desire for continuous improvement.
• Demonstrated ability to influence peers and business partners, influence without authority.
• G…