Senior Principal Engineer – Automation Engineering, Biologics

Eli Lilly and Company

. Provide automation support for one or more biologics operating areas and/or capital projects .

Posted 10/26/2026full-timeIndianapolis • United StatesSenior💰 $67,500 - $173,800 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in Automation Engineering within Biologics manufacturing, focusing on DCS, SCADA, and PLC systems, while ensuring compliance with regulatory standards such as 21 CFR Part 11 and cGMP. Proven ability to lead teams, mentor engineers, and drive process improvements through automation strategies.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Automation EngineeringDeltaV Distributed Control SystemSCADA SystemsBiologics Manufacturing21 CFR Part 11 Compliance

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

DCS Application SoftwareBatch Automation DesignControl-Loop DesignCIP/SIP AutomationProcess Control StrategiesAutomation Engineering Project PlanFunctional Requirements ReviewTroubleshooting Automation SystemsIntegration of Automated SkidsISA-88 Batch-Control Standards

Soft Skills

TeamworkInterpersonal SkillsOrganizational Decision-MakingMentoringCommunication

Tools & Technologies

Rockwell Allen-Bradley PLCSyncade MESFactory Acceptance TestsProcess Automation Production Data SystemsSingle-Use Technologies

Industry Keywords

BiologicsGreenfield ManufacturingBrownfield ManufacturingMonoclonal AntibodiesADCsCGMPComputer System Validation

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Provide automation support for one or more biologics operating areas and/or capital projects
Mentor the process control team in design, controls philosophy, implementation and commissioning
Coordinate process control work implementation
Review and monitor financial performance and meet targets
Develop and implement the Automation Engineering Project Plan
Technically lead and oversee Site Area leads and System Integrators
Review functional requirements, design specifications, DCS application software and test specifications
Lead or participate in design reviews and DeltaV application software reviews
Attend equipment and software Factory Acceptance Tests
Lead automation engineers supporting commissioning
Provide periodic status updates to Project Management
Devise functional requirements and process control strategies with Process Engineering
Design, configure, code and test DCS and SCADA software for biologics unit operations
Design, configure and test batch automation for biologics unit operations
Integrate vendor-supplied skids, single-use systems and PLC/HMI-based equipment into site DCS, MES and historian architecture
Perform automation engineering activities including control-loop design, tuning and troubleshooting
Implement and support electronic systems used to capture process automation production data
Maintain the validated state of site control systems through validation strategies and documentation
Support capital projects and new product introductions
Promote automation to improve productivity, operational efficiency and compliance
Develop corporate contacts and leverage corporate expertise
Set and reinforce standards for rigor in automation work products
Support plant flow leadership and participate in management sub-teams
Act as an escalation resource for complex operational and process inquiries
Provide advanced support and issue resolution, including need-based off-hour support

Requirements

What you’ll need

Minimum B.S. in Engineering or related discipline
8+ years working experience in Automation Engineering, preferably in Biologics manufacturing
Experience in design, development, commissioning and qualification of highly automated greenfield or brownfield manufacturing sites
Experience utilizing SCADA, DCS, PLC and MES systems, including DeltaV, Rockwell and Syncade
Authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis
Lilly will not provide support for or sponsor work authorization or visas
Experience automating biologics manufacturing processes preferred
Experience with single-use technologies, monoclonal antibodies, or ADCs preferred
Experience with CIP/SIP automation, PAT and integration of automated skids and OEM equipment preferred
Experience facilitating and driving organizational-level decision-making
Ability to instill teamwork and demonstrate interpersonal skills
Proficient in DeltaV Distributed Control System, Rockwell Allen-Bradley PLC, and batch process automation
Experience with ISA-88 batch-control standard models, terminology, recipes and procedural elements
Prior work with 21 CFR Part 11 and cGMP regulatory requirements, including computer system validation
Proven ability to influence peers and business partners and facilitate organizational-level decision-making

Benefits

Comp & perks

Company bonus depending, in part, on company and individual performance
Company-sponsored 401(k)
Pension
Vacation benefits
Medical, dental, vision and 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