Principal - Engineer – Automation (Utility Systems)

Company: Eli Lilly and Company
Location: Houston
Posted on: February 27, 2026

Job Description:

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. Lilly is currently constructing an advanced manufacturing facility for production of API molecules located in Houston, TX. This facility is intended to provide APIs for current and future products, including new modalities. This is a unique opportunity to be a part of the site technical team for the startup of a greenfield manufacturing site, and the successful candidate will help to build the organization, the facility and the culture to enable a successful startup into GMP manufacturing operations. Responsibilities: The Principal - Engineer – (Automation - Utility Systems) is a mid-level automation engineering position that will support the design and delivery of the automation platforms and associated system integration as part of Lilly’s manufacturing expansion. This role is intended to support one or more project workstreams including central utility systems and process utility systems in the manufacturing and lab areas. Key responsibilities include system design, hardware/software selection, delivery strategy, factory acceptance testing, and installation and testing. Lilly Houston is part of Lilly’s Drug Substance (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient) network. During the design and delivery (startup expected 2029 to 2030) of the project this role will be integrated into the corporate automation team GPACE (Global Process Automation & Control Engineering) and then transition fully to a site-based process team position. During delivery, this role will collaborate with A&E firms, system integrators, corporate and site engineering peers, and Tech@Lilly (Lilly’s corporate IT team) to develop and manage software/hardware design, testing, startup, commissioning, and qualification. Post-project delivery, this role will support GMP manufacturing operations in the central engineering function supporting one or more process teams. This role will require significant collaboration, creativity and resilience as the site grows to a full scale GMP manufacturing site through start up. Key Deliverables: Champion a strong safety culture, mentor and coach others, and utilize engineering and automation fundamental principles in design and problem solving. Collaborate with Lilly Engineering, A&E firms, and system integrators to develop requirements and specifications that will be the foundation for software development, hardware design, and system architecture. Manage one or more system integrators and partners with utility OEM’s to fully deliver utility process equipment. Collaborate with Tech@Lilly to deliver a fully integrated Automation solution that is scaled for the needs of business if applicable. Participate in basic and detailed design that also includes staffing, statements of work, supplier management, and delivery strategies for automation systems. Participate in developing computer system validation strategies. Develop and build capabilities within the Houston site automation team. Develop site procedures for automation platforms and associated administration activities. Provide engineering support for Process Safety Management (PSM) and Process Hazard Reviews (PHRs). Provide technical oversight during development of equipment and process system User Requirements and related Design Review/Qualification documentation to ensure equipment and systems are appropriate for intended purpose. Basic Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related applicable discipline required. 3 years of experience in GMP pharmaceutical utility systems automation including water, steam, and air generation and distribution is preferred. Related manufacturing experience will be considered. 3 years of experience in Process Automation with experience in Rockwell Automation Platforms, or Emerson DeltaV preferred. Related control system platforms will be considered. 3 years of experience in manufacturing. 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: Technical knowledge in process instrumentation. Strong analytical and critical thinking skills. Ability to collaborate with others. Technical knowledge on the utilization of data historians. Additional Information: Potential for travel (less than 20% - could be domestic and/or international) to support system, factory acceptance testing, and training. 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 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 Network, Black Employees at Lilly, Chinese Culture Network, Japanese International Leadership Network (JILN), Lilly India Network, Organization of Latinx at Lilly (OLA), PRIDE (LGBTQ Allies), Veterans Leadership Network (VLN), Women’s Initiative for Leading at Lilly (WILL), enAble (for people with disabilities). Learn more about all of our groups. Actual compensation will depend on a candidate’s education, experience, skills, and geographic location. The anticipated wage for this position is $66,000 - $171,600 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

Keywords: Eli Lilly and Company, Houston , Principal - Engineer – Automation (Utility Systems), Engineering , Houston, Texas