Principal Engineer, Automation Engineering, Controls System Hardware

Eli Lilly and Company

. Provide automation support for one or more operating areas and/or capital projects, focusing on instrumentation and control hardware .

Posted 11/9/2026full-timeLebanon • United StatesSenior💰 $67,500 - $173,800 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in Automation Engineering within Biopharma, focusing on instrumentation, control hardware, and compliance with GMP and regulatory standards. Proven ability to lead projects from concept through commissioning, while mentoring teams and enhancing operational efficiency.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Biopharma Automation EngineeringDeltaV DCSRockwell Allen-Bradley PLCsGMP ComplianceComputer System Validation

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Automation Control Panel HardwareWiringProject DeliveryTechnical Problem-SolvingFunctional Requirements DevelopmentDesign Specifications ReviewTest Specifications DevelopmentMaintenance Strategies for InstrumentsCommissioning and QualificationProcess Automation

Soft Skills

InitiativePlanning and Organizational SkillsInfluencing Without AuthorityGood Written CommunicationGood Verbal Communication

Tools & Technologies

VeevaPIBMS Warehouse MonitoringPlant HistoriansAutomation Systems

Industry Keywords

Capital ProjectsSite Operation SupportAutomation OrganizationOperational EfficiencyContinuous Improvement

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Provide automation support for one or more operating areas and/or capital projects, focusing on instrumentation and control hardware
Lead site operation support, capital project execution, and commissioning and qualification
Support project delivery and startup, including building the automation organization, systems, business processes, and site culture for GMP manufacturing
Develop and implement the Automation Engineering Project Plan
Define periodic and corrective maintenance strategies for instruments and control hardware
Lead projects from concept through commissioning and qualification
Resolve complex technical challenges involving instrument and control system hardware
Technically lead and oversee Site Area Leads and System Integrators
Develop and review functional requirements, design specifications, and test specifications
Lead or participate in design reviews, site system hardware reviews, and equipment FATs
Provide status updates to leadership and project management
Implement and support electronic systems such as plant historians for process automation production data
Maintain the validated state of site control system hardware, including validation strategies and documentation
Promote automation to improve productivity, operational efficiency, and compliance
Mentor process control team members and strengthen technical capabilities and system reliability
Collaborate with process control partners and cross-functional teams on technical, business, and compliance priorities
Participate in plant flow leadership and technical sub-teams

Requirements

What you’ll need

Minimum B.S. in Engineering or related degree
Minimum 5 years of experience working in Biopharma Automation Engineering at the Principal Engineer level
Minimum 8+ years of experience working in Biopharma Automation Engineering at the Senior Principal level
Experience in a highly automated facility using DeltaV DCS, Rockwell Allen-Bradley PLCs, Veeva, PI, and/or BMS Warehouse Monitoring from design through startup
Knowledge of GMP, regulatory requirements, and computer system validation
Available to participate in a rotational on-call schedule
Demonstrated initiative, planning and organizational skills, prioritization, and commitment to timelines
Hands-on experience with automation control panel hardware and wiring
Strong problem-solving skills and commitment to continuous improvement
Ability to influence peers and business partners without authority
Good written and verbal communication skills for technical and non-technical audiences

Benefits

Comp & perks

Company bonus depending, in part, on company and individual performance
Company-sponsored 401(k)
Pension
Vacation benefits
Medical benefits
Dental benefits
Vision benefits
Prescription drug benefits
Flexible benefits, including 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, including employee assistance program, fitness benefits, and employee clubs and activities