At Lilly, the work is demanding because patients are waiting. We unite caring with discovery to help make life better for people around the world, knowing that every decision, every detail, and every day matters. Headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, our over 50,000 employees around the globe take on complex challenges to discover and deliver life-changing medicines, strengthen how health is understood and managed, and support the communities we serve. This is hard, urgent, selfless work-but it's work worth doing. If you're driven by purpose and ready to bring your best to work that truly matters for patients, we invite you to join us.
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:- Education Level: 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
Additional Information:
- Position Location: US: Indianapolis IN Tech Center South
- Travel Percentage (%): ~15% on average; some international travel required; significant domestic and international travel may be required during active capital project delivery phases.
- Shift Information: Standard 8-hour day, Monday through Friday, with some allowance for flex time; overtime and some weekend or holiday work may be required to support global site engagement across time zones and business needs
NOTE: This job description is intended to provide a general overview of the job requirements at the time it was prepared. The job requirements of any position may change over time and may include additional responsibilities not specifically described in the job description. For GMP purposes, the job description should be updated for significant changes. As always, you should consult with your supervisor regarding your actual job responsibilities and any related duties that may be required for the position.
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 ( 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 proud to be an EEO Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, gender identity, sex, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, ancestry, 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 are open to all employees. Our current groups include: Africa, Middle East, Central Asia (AMECA), Black Employees at Lilly (BE@Lilly), Chinese Culture Network (CCN), EnAble, Evolve, Lilly Indian Network (LIN), Organization of Latinx at Lilly (OLA), Pride (LGBTQ+ Allies), Veterans Leadership Network (VLN) and Women's Initiative for Leading at Lilly (WILL).
Actual compensation will depend on a candidate's education, experience, skills, and geographic location. The anticipated wage for this position is
$67,500 - $173,800
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.
#WeAreLilly
