Eli Lilly and Company logo

Sr. Principal Process Engineer - Small Molecule

Eli Lilly and Company
Full-time
Remote friendly (Houston, TX)
United States

Want to see how your resume matches up to this job? A free trial of our JobsAI will help! With over 2,000 biopharma executives loving it, we think you will too! Try it now — JobsAI.

Role Summary

The Senior Principal Process Engineer provides technical leadership for production operations in small molecule or peptide manufacturing. Key responsibilities include mentoring process engineers, sustaining process knowledge, supporting equipment and process optimization, and managing engineering systems and assets. During the project delivery and startup phase (2029–2030), the role will be dynamic and collaborative—focused on building the organization, implementing GMP-supporting systems and processes, and shaping site culture to support full-scale manufacturing.

Responsibilities

  • Mentor process engineers in core engineering practices for oligonucleotide API supply
  • Promote data-driven decision-making using statistical methods and first principles
  • Support and review root cause analyses and technical documentation
  • Identify and address process knowledge gaps affecting equipment and process performance
  • Capture essential process knowledge (e.g., material/energy balances, kinetics, design basis)
  • Maintain and support process safety foundations and hazard review activities
  • Ensure equipment qualification aligns with intended use and remains valid after changes or maintenance
  • Integrate modeling and simulation to improve process understanding and control
  • Drive continuous improvement in equipment and processes as part of cross-functional teams
  • Lead or support tech transfer of new processes and unit operations
  • Guide development of user requirements, design reviews, and verification plans
  • Advise on return-to-service protocols following equipment interventions

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's Degree in Process, Chemical, Biochemical Engineering or related applicable STEM discipline
  • 5+ years of experience in API Manufacturing Unit Operations

Skills

  • Experience with API chemical synthesis and biotech unit operations, including chromatography
  • Understanding of GMP production environments
  • Strong technical foundation in Chemical Engineering
  • Analytical thinking and problem-solving
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively within cross-functional teams
  • Coaching capability to build technical expertise
  • Creativity in identifying improvements and proactive in driving implementation
  • Mentoring experience through technical processes
  • Flexibility and adaptability to evolving business needs
Apply now
Share this job