Principal - Engineer – Automation; Building Management Systems

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 worldwide 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 put people first and seek individuals determined to make life better for people worldwide.

Lilly is currently constructing an advanced manufacturing facility for the production of API molecules located in Houston, TX. This greenfield site will provide APIs for current and future products, including new modalities. This is a unique opportunity to join the site technical team for the startup of a greenfield manufacturing site. The successful candidate will help build the organization, the facility, and the culture needed to enable a successful startup into GMP manufacturing operations.

The Principal Automation Engineer – Building Management Systems is a mid‑level automation engineering position that supports the design and delivery of automation platforms and system integration as part of Lilly’s manufacturing expansion. The role supports manufacturing and admin buildings, designing and delivering Building Management Systems (BMS). Key responsibilities include system design, process design, delivery strategy, factory acceptance testing, installation, and system commissioning.

During the design and delivery (startup expected 2029 to 2030) this position will be integrated into the corporate automation team GPACE and then transition to a site‑based process team. The engineer will collaborate with A&E firms, system integrators, corporate and site engineering peers, and Tech@Lilly to develop and manage software/hardware design, testing, startup, commissioning, and qualification. After project delivery, the engineer will support GMP manufacturing operations in the central engineering function.

• Champion a strong safety culture, mentor and coach others, and utilize engineering and automation 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.
• Support the design and delivery, collaborating with Lilly’s A&E and selected BMS supplier, of the site BMS platform.
• Support the design and delivery of AF&’s, P&’s, instrument specifications, sequences of operation, panel design, and testing strategies for the BMS platforms.
• Collaborate with Tech@Lilly to deliver a fully integrated automation solution scaled for business needs.
• Participate in basic and detailed design that 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.

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related discipline.
• 3+ years of experience in Building Management or Building Automation Systems.
• 3+ years of experience in Process Automation with experience on Rockwell Automation Platforms, JCI Metasys, or Siemens Desigo preferred (other 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 does not sponsor work authorization or visas for this role.

• Technical knowledge in process instrumentation.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Ability to collaborate with others.
• Technical knowledge of data historian utilization.

• Potential for travel (