Automation Engineer - Bioprocess Research and Development

At Lilly, we unite caring with discovery to make life better for people around the world. We are a global healthcare leader headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our employees around the world work to discover and bring life-changing medicines to those who need them, improve the understanding and management of disease, and give back to our communities through philanthropy and volunteerism. We give our best effort to our work, and we put people first. We’re looking for people who are determined to make life better for people around the world.

Actual compensation will depend on a candidate’s education, experience, skills, and geographic location.  The anticipated wage for this position is

The Bioprocess Research and Development (BRD) organization is responsible for developing and manufacturing large molecule drug substance in support of Lilly’s drug development pipeline.  BRD Automation supports the BRD mission by developing automation solutions and providing process control engineering support for the control of bioprocess systems from 5L benchtop to 5000L GMP production scale as well as process support systems. 

As the Automation Engineer you will provide technical expertise to implement, support and troubleshoot process control solutions which enable development of large molecule processes and the production of GMP bulk API for clinical trial use.  The BRD automation engineer delivers engineering projects, can use first principles in the delivery of these solutions and recommends new control strategies for the various unit operations used within the organization. The engineer will implement solutions utilizing established automation platforms and process information solutions (DeltaV, Aveva PI, Rockwell) as well as new/emerging technologies (IoT, wireless, cloud).

You will be responsible for supporting systems within B360 and B362. B360 serves as the Biotechnology Clinical Trials Manufacturing facility, while B362 functions as the Development Facility within the Bioproduct Research and Development (BRD) organization.    

The position will serve as a process control engineer primarily supporting DeltaV distributed control systems.  In addition, this position may also provide support for other process control systems (such as programmable logic controllers) and/or process information systems (data historians) on an as needed basis.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide automation technical support to manufacturing operations for automation control system platforms and/or process information systems (e.g., data historians).
• Apply expertise in process automation and control to identify, develop, and implement automation solutions that improve productivity, safety, quality, and overall process efficiency.
• Troubleshoot control system issues, develop solutions, and implement actions in collaboration with operations, maintenance, and other engineering functions.
• Assist in configuration, integration and troubleshooting of instrumentation connected to automated control systems.
• Maintain the validated state of the site control systems in line with Lilly quality standards.
• Use data analytics tools (OSI PI, Power BI, etc.) to provide a high level of data mining and analysis to identify and support process improvements.
• Design and implement automation related changes.
• Support commissioning and qualification activities.
• Lead root cause investigations and owns action items as appropriate.
• Project management and technical leadership for projects.
• Provide oversight of contractors assisting in the delivery of automation solutions.
• Provide automation and/or control systems training.
• Support automation related equipment such as HMIs, instrument panels, automation communication devices and network integration. 
• Ensure work is aligned with all relevant Quality, regulatory, cybersecurity and HSE (Health Safety and Environmental) requirements.

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or computer science.

Additional Skills/Preferences:

• Demonstrated experience with DeltaV (Batch, Phase/Sequence Programming and Advanced Control Module Configuration), analog and discrete instrumentation, control devices and device networks.
• Knowledge of programmable logic controllers, Rockwell AssetCentre or Unicorn based operating systems.
• Knowledge of process information systems (e.g., data historians).
• Experience working in a cGMP environment with validated computer systems.
• Experience in process automation or process engineering roles, supporting a manufacturing site.
• Knowledge of process instrumentation and device networks.
• Knowledge of typical bioprocess unit operations including fermentation, cell culture, primary recovery (depth filtration and centrifugation), and chromatography.

Additional Information:

• Travel: 0% - 10%
• Work schedule: Monday – Friday, 8-hour day shift with overtime required to meet business needs.
• Tasks require entering manufacturing and/or laboratory areas which require wearing appropriate personal protective equipment.

Lilly is dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities to actively engage in the workforce, ensuring equal opportunities when vying for positions. If you require accommodation to submit a resume for a position at Lilly, please complete the accommodation request form (https://careers.lilly.com/us/en/workplace-accommodation) for further assistance. Please note this is for individuals to request an accommodation as part of the application process and any other correspondence will not receive a response.

Lilly is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status.

Our employee resource groups (ERGs) offer strong support networks for their members and help our company develop talented individuals for future leadership roles. Our current groups include: Africa, Middle East, Central Asia Network, African American Network, Chinese Culture Network, Early Career Professionals, Japanese International Leadership Network (JILN), Lilly India Network, Organization of Latinos at Lilly, PRIDE (LGBTQ + Allies), Veterans Leadership Network, Women’s Network, Working and Living with Disabilities. Learn more about all of our groups.

Full-time equivalent employees also will be eligible for a company bonus (depending, in part, on company and individual performance). In addition, Lilly offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees, including eligibility to participate in a company-sponsored 401(k); 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; and well-being benefits (e.g., employee assistance program, fitness benefits, and employee clubs and activities).Lilly reserves the right to amend, modify, or terminate its compensation and benefit programs in its sole discretion and Lilly’s compensation practices and guidelines will apply regarding the details of any promotion or transfer of Lilly employees.

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