Principal Automation Engineer at Eli Lilly and Company

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.

Organization Overview:

At Lilly, we serve an extraordinary purpose. We make a difference for people around the globe by discovering, developing and delivering medicines that help them live longer, healthier, more active lives. Not only do we deliver breakthrough medications, but you also can count on us to develop creative solutions to support communities through philanthropy and volunteerism.

Position Description:
The Automation Engineer is primarily responsible for the development and/or configuration of PLC/HMI codes, S88 batch recipe, historian data, historian reports, data analytics for reliable operation of manufacturing processes, and the existing automation systems, the front-line support for Building Management System (BMS), Utility and manufacturing process automation support for the Lilly New Jersey Facilities, as applicable. Will work with cross function team to troubleshoot issues for reliable operation of automation systems. Will be supporting day to day automation activities, developing data analytics tools and reports, driving appropriate GMP change control/deviation, preparing/adhering project schedules, and programming process control systems, as applicable. Will be providing technical support for daily biologics manufacturing operations and for the specification, installation, start-up and validation support of process equipment projects. As applicable, other duties include interfacing with Maintenance, IT, Engineering, and Manufacturing personnel as required to coordinate plant shutdowns, prepare, and review Operational SOP’s and Functional Requirement Specification (FRS), lead projects activities, and represent automation group in several process meetings.

Responsibilities:

Manage for Results/Strategic Planning:

• Demonstrate a deep technical knowledge and experience with Rockwell (PLC/HMI) Automation Systems, as applicable

• Professional experience to work independently with minimum supervision

• Deliver professional Automation and/or Electrical support of clinical and commercial biologics manufacturing operations by:

• Representing Engineering on cross functional process teams, possibly for data analytics and reporting, as applicable

• Leading equipment and process troubleshooting efforts, Root Cause Analysis, and deviation, as applicable

• Implementing continuous improvement projects, possibly for data review/monitoring, audit trails, and electrical engineering, as applicable

• Interacting regularly with Manufacturing, Maintenance, Process Engineers, Plant Engineering, Validation and Quality and other functions, as needed

• Data monitoring and analysis for process improvements and issue resolution for applicable departments

• Author, review, and approve change controls, deviation investigations, standard operating procedures (SOPs), drawings, schematics, work orders, etc.

• Identify process automation and Data Integrity knowledge gaps that impact equipment and process capability, as applicable

• Provide engineering support and project management by:

• Maintaining and enhancing the Process Control and Building Management Systems, as applicable

• Developing the project scope, including user requirement, design, functional specifications, and engineering drawings

• Influencing functional groups regarding operability, technical feasibility, engineering design, maintenance, spare parts, installation/shut-down coordination, project schedule and validation/documentation requirements

• Arranging for procurement of equipment and instrumentation required for the projects

• Working with professional consultants and mechanical contractors to develop design and construction drawings/specifications and to implement and test the changes

• Leading installation, start-up, commissioning and qualification activities

• On call after hours and weekend support to the Facilities/Manufacturing to ensure continuous production

• Keep up to date with required training. Develop expertise by attending technical seminars and training sessions

• Grow and develop each year as an individual. Develop deep skills and knowledge. Deliver results consistently

• Performs all job functions with adherence to company policies, in a cGMP manner, safely and ethically

Basic Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in a science, technology or engineering field (typically, Chemical, Electronics, Electrical, Computer Engineering).

• Requires 5 years of experience with Rockwell (PLC/HMI) Automation Systems, and leading and managing large projects.

Automation Engineer:　

• Minimum 2 years industrial experience in automation field

• Coach and mentor front-line automation engineers in aspects of fundamental automation support including automation understanding (both theoretical and practical), problem solving, project management, and automation architecture and design

• Present and attend various Governance teams as required for technical initiatives and collaborate with other key officials and support groups around the development of process knowledge

• Review, approve, and promote documentation of learning points, technical studies, and event investigations, and identify knowledge gaps that impact equipment and process capability

• Utilize optimization resources and tools for automation assets monitoring and improvement

• Provide guidance on key elements of return to service requirements for equipment after interventions, such as maintenance, and in development of test plans for Commissioning and Qualification packages and associated critical components

• Support scope development for capital projects targeted at both short- and long-term needs and act as user representative in some cases

• Champion the application of statistical thinking and use of data to monitor process performance and make engineering decisions

• Ensure operational automation control systems are appropriate and implemented

• Support development and technical analysis for large-scale initiatives (secondary loop projects) such as productivity improvements, new product introduction, capacity development, data analysis, data integrity, GMP remediation, and safety and/or environmental risk mitigation

• Perform and promote optimization of unit operation cycle time, automation control system performance, process system improvement through condition/ metering-based monitoring

• Proactively work on Life Cycle Management (LCM) of automation assets, reliability of automation assets, continuous improvement automation systems

• Provide technical oversight of Asset Qualification Management for Direct Impact systems to ensure constant state of qualification and during development of equipment and process system User Requirements and related Design Review/Qualification documentation to ensure that equipment/systems are appropriate for the intended purpose

Additional Preferences:

• Have technical knowledge and experience with data analytics tools to monitor manufacturing processes, reduce cost, data integrity (DI) compliance requirements, Electrical distribution, lighting equipment, UPS systems, and emergency generators, as applicable

• Have technical knowledge and experience with Automation Systems, as applicable

• Have experience with frontline support in a GMP environment

• Strong written and verbal communication skills

• Possess a passion for understanding, be inquisitive to what is happening in Automation, Data Analytics, and Electrical, as applicable

• Be self-motivated, confident, able to influence and self-directed personality with able to work independently as well as in team environment

• Be flexible, resilient, and proactive

• Curious to learn new technology

• Strong leadership skills, as applicable

Additional Information:

• Travel required (<5%)

• Lifting required, NMT 50lbs

• Required to be on call

Eli Lilly and Company, Lilly USA, LLC and our wholly owned subsidiaries (collectively “Lilly”) are committed to help individuals with disabilities to participate in the workforce and ensure equal opportunity to compete for jobs. If you require an accommodation to submit a resume for positions at Lilly, please email Lilly Human Resources ( Lilly_Recruiting_Compliance@lists.lilly.com ) for further assistance. Please note This email address is intended for use only to request an accommodation as part of the application process. Any other correspondence will not receive a response.

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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.

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