Sr. Principal - Engineer - Process; Critical Utilities

Organization Overview

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 part of the startup team for a greenfield manufacturing site, and the successful candidate will help build the processes and facility to enable a successful startup into GMP manufacturing operations.

• Provide engineering support to the Global Facility Delivery Team with a strong focus on right‑first‑time and on‑schedule facility start‑up. This includes design reviews, process safety assessments, user requirements, C&Q support, unit operation shakedown and start‑up, and facility operational readiness.
• Define and own relevant aspects of the overall integrated operational readiness plan (e.g., SOP development, maintenance strategy, automation optimization, pre‑startup safety reviews, alarm requirements, performance qualification requirements/protocol development).
• Own the qualified state of equipment for the respective area of responsibility.
• Develop and implement unit operation and equipment control strategy to sustain and optimize utilities systems in support of manufacturing operations.
• Support initial operations training requirements as the equipment and area SME.

• Provide engineering support in utilities operations through application of chemical and/or mechanical engineering fundamentals.
• Monitor, assess, and document equipment performance to maintain ongoing qualification.
• Develop and maintain the basis of safety for equipment as required.
• Integrate mechanistic modelling, process simulation, and analysis into current and future processes to enhance process understanding and control.
• Identify and implement continuous improvement opportunities related to equipment and processes as a core member of a cross‑functional process team.
• Utilize root cause analysis techniques to investigate process and equipment issues and deliver robust and sustainable corrective and preventative actions.

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (chemical or mechanical preferred).
• 7+ years of relevant experience in pharmaceutical manufacturing operations.
• 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.

• Deep technical interest and understanding in the field of chemical engineering.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to work on own initiative and as part of a process team consisting of a diverse group of management, production, science, and engineering professionals.
• Creativity to identify improvement opportunities and the tenacity/initiative to see them implemented.
• Mentoring/guidance of others in technical processes.
• Flexibility to meet business needs.

• Occasional travel required (5–10%).
• Required to be working onsite.
• Required to be on call.
• Occasional shift work may apply.

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.