Automation Engineer-Engineer Equip Dev

Job Position Overview

The Automation Engineer is a member of the Equipment Development Group (EDG) within the Engineering Technology Center (ETC). EDG's mission is to provide innovative engineering and equipment solutions in support of customers across Lilly's global research, development, and manufacturing communities by integrating new and established technologies—both internally and through external suppliers—to create world-class solutions for a wide variety of technical challenges.

The Automation Engineer is responsible for problem-solving, electronic systems design, software architecture, and coding, and is accomplished in automated systems design and programming utilizing Allen-Bradley PLC controllers, ladder logic development tools, HMI environments, and machine vision applications. The role supports capital project delivery, contributes to validation and qualification activities, and provides global technical consultation to Lilly manufacturing sites and development teams.

Responsibilities

• Provide electrical system design and architecture for automated manufacturing equipment
• Perform electrical design (component specification, UL compliance, and schematic creation/approval), software design, coding, and debugging using Allen-Bradley PLC RS Logix, FactoryTalk View HMI, and Microsoft development environments, contributing to project requirements documents and machine vision application development
• Create validation and safety documentation, including FAT execution and machine safety reports, ensuring automation designs incorporate appropriate safety controls and risk mitigation
• Provide automation leadership on capital projects, partnering with system integrators and internal teams to deliver designs that meet requirements, optimize life cycle cost, and leverage replication and best practices
• Develop broad understanding of Lilly's manufacturing processes and lifecycle, monitor external automation standards, evaluate emerging technologies, mentor EDG staff, and support corporate initiatives like cybersecurity and engineering information management
• Champion safe, compliant, and effective operations by supporting departmental activities, maintaining HSE compliance, fostering cross-functional collaboration, and promoting continuous improvement across diverse work environments

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's in engineering or related science
• Minimum 3 years' experience in automation machine control, process control, or equivalent with demonstrated proficiency in Allen-Bradley PLC/HMI platforms (PLC RS Logix, FactoryTalk View, Microsoft Visual Basic, and/or Visual C++) and machine vision applications
• Qualified applicants must be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Lilly will not provide support for or sponsor work authorization or visas for this role, including but not limited to F-1 CPT, F-1 OPT, F-1 STEM OPT, J-1, H-1B, TN, O-1, E-3, H-1B1, or L-1.

Additional Skills/Preferences

• UL 508A Manufacturer Technical Representative (MTR) certification
• Experience in a pharmaceutical manufacturing or related life science field, including familiarity with GAMP 5.0 design guidelines and experience working with validated automation systems in a GMP-regulated environment
• Experience in system integration design and delivery, including management of external system integrators and outsource automation partners on capital projects
• Experience in automation system project delivery and major capital projects, including schedule and cost management and collaboration with other Lilly asset delivery teams
• Experience with robotic systems integration in manufacturing automation applications, including design, programming, integration, and commissioning of robotic assembly or handling systems
• Expertise in one or more automation platforms including Rockwell Automation (Allen-Bradley), Siemens (TIA Portal), and/or Emerson DeltaV, with demonstrated ability to apply platform expertise to diverse manufacturing automation challenges
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Products and demonstrated oral and written communication skills; strong collaborative skills with experience working effectively in cross-functional project teams spanning engineering, quality, operations, and external vendor partners