Principal - Engineer - Automation (Data & Platforms integration

Perspective on the Opportunity

Lilly is currently constructing an advanced manufacturing facility for the production of API molecules located in Houston, TX. This facility will provide APIs for current and future products, including new modalities. The role offers a unique chance to join the site technical team during the startup of a greenfield manufacturing site, helping build the processes, the facility, and the culture required for successful GMP manufacturing operations.

The Principal Automation Engineer – Data and Integration Platforms is a mid‑level automation engineering position that requires a deep understanding of process data historians, system integration, Lilly’s computer system validation practices, cGMP standards related to computer systems, and data integrity as they relate to pharmaceutical manufacturing.

This role will support the design and delivery of the site data historian system, key integration platforms, and the system administration of site servers.

The engineer will be integral in designing and delivering data historian and integration platforms, developing validation plans, selecting and overseeing system integrators, and developing site administrative procedures to ensure these remain in a validated state. The role will also support related site automation platforms, including process automation servers and the DeltaV DCS. Lilly Houston is part of Lilly’s Drug Substance (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient) network.

During project design and delivery, the engineer works within the corporate automation team GPACE (Global Process Automation & Control Engineering), then transitions to a fully site‑based process team position. Collaboration occurs with Lilly Quality, A&E firms, system integrators, Emerson, and corporate and site engineering peers.

After project delivery, the engineer supports GMP manufacturing operations through the central engineering function, assisting site process teams with data historian and integration services, system administration, and platform upgrades. The role demands significant collaboration, creativity, and resilience as the site evolves into a full‑scale GMP manufacturing site during startup.

• Champion a strong safety culture, mentor and coach others, and apply engineering and automation fundamentals in design and problem‑solving.
• Become a subject‑matter expert on Lilly’s Aveva PI Data Historian reference architecture.
• Support the design, delivery, validation, and system management of the site Data Historian and related system integration platforms.
• Lead and direct system integrations and OEMs on the design and installation of the Aveva PI platforms, data centers, and associated site infrastructure.
• Collaborate with Lilly’s Quality organization, Corporate Engineering, and Global Facilities Delivery to develop computer system qualification and testing strategies.
• Ensure CSV documents comply with Corporate Quality Standards and Practices, local templates, and electronic document management system properties.
• Participate in basic and detailed design, including staffing, statements of work, supplier management, and delivery strategies for computer system validation.
• Develop and build capabilities within the Houston site automation team.
• Support the development of site procedures related to computer system validation and administration practices.
• 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 applicable discipline.
• 3+ years of experience in Aveva PI Data Historian administration, including hardware design, software integration, and system procedures.
• Experience with Windows Servers and virtual environments.

• 3+ years of experience in pharmaceutical manufacturing preferred; other manufacturing experience will be considered.
• Strong analytical, writing, and critical‑thinking skills.
• Experience with Kneat Validation software, Veeva Vault, or similar…