Associate Director - Engineering (Automation)
Eli Lilly and Company
August 13, 2026
On-site
Houston, TX
IT
Responsibilities
Pre-Startup/Startup:
- Attract, hire, and onboard Process Control Engineering talent; build capability, capacity, and culture for safety, quality, and operational excellence.
- Develop and implement site business systems/processes; establish lean practices and continuous improvement.
- Support project delivery with design decision input, commissioning & qualification strategies, and automation deliverables.
- Organize and implement standard automation and process control SOPs for startup and post-startup phases.
- Plan/manage operational expenses, capital, and headcount targets.
Post-Startup:
- Supervise and coach the process control team (performance reviews/development plans); recruiting/resource/succession planning.
- Coordinate process control work; develop and implement the Process Control Engineering Business Plan.
- Demonstrate EHS commitment (including PSM); track KPIs and ensure compliance.
- Set/reinforce rigor standards for automation work products; monitor critical assignments.
- Review/approve automation deviations and change controls; review/approve SOPs and technical documents (investigations, validations, procedures, control strategies, regulatory submissions).
- Interact with regulators/customers; network globally to harmonize control strategies; participate in plant flow leadership and develop future leaders.
Qualifications
- B.S. in Engineering (preferably Chemical Engineering)
- 5+ years Process Control & Automation Engineering (preferably API manufacturing)
- 3+ years related leadership experience
Additional Skills/Preferences
- Automation platforms: Rockwell Automation, Emerson DeltaV
- Team leadership/interpersonal skills; technical depth/rigor; independent decision-making; global networking
- Professional Engineer licensure not required but encouraged
Compensation/Benefits (as stated)
- Anticipated wage: $123,000–$180,400; company bonus eligibility; comprehensive benefits incl. 401(k), medical/dental/vision, life insurance, time off/leave, well-being benefits.
Pre-Startup/Startup:
- Attract, hire, and onboard Process Control Engineering talent; build capability, capacity, and culture for safety, quality, and operational excellence.
- Develop and implement site business systems/processes; establish lean practices and continuous improvement.
- Support project delivery with design decision input, commissioning & qualification strategies, and automation deliverables.
- Organize and implement standard automation and process control SOPs for startup and post-startup phases.
- Plan/manage operational expenses, capital, and headcount targets.
Post-Startup:
- Supervise and coach the process control team (performance reviews/development plans); recruiting/resource/succession planning.
- Coordinate process control work; develop and implement the Process Control Engineering Business Plan.
- Demonstrate EHS commitment (including PSM); track KPIs and ensure compliance.
- Set/reinforce rigor standards for automation work products; monitor critical assignments.
- Review/approve automation deviations and change controls; review/approve SOPs and technical documents (investigations, validations, procedures, control strategies, regulatory submissions).
- Interact with regulators/customers; network globally to harmonize control strategies; participate in plant flow leadership and develop future leaders.
Qualifications
- B.S. in Engineering (preferably Chemical Engineering)
- 5+ years Process Control & Automation Engineering (preferably API manufacturing)
- 3+ years related leadership experience
Additional Skills/Preferences
- Automation platforms: Rockwell Automation, Emerson DeltaV
- Team leadership/interpersonal skills; technical depth/rigor; independent decision-making; global networking
- Professional Engineer licensure not required but encouraged
Compensation/Benefits (as stated)
- Anticipated wage: $123,000–$180,400; company bonus eligibility; comprehensive benefits incl. 401(k), medical/dental/vision, life insurance, time off/leave, well-being benefits.