At Lilly, the work is demanding because patients are waiting. We unite caring with discovery to help make life better for people around the world, knowing that every decision, every detail, and every day matters. Headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, our over 50,000 employees around the globe take on complex challenges to discover and deliver life-changing medicines, strengthen how health is understood and managed, and support the communities we serve. This is hard, urgent, selfless work—but it’s work worth doing. If you’re driven by purpose and ready to bring your best to work that truly matters for patients, we invite you to join us.
About the Katwijk Site
This position starts with a 12-month contract, with the intention of offering a permanent contract based on mutual fit. (Dienstverband: tijdelijk met uitzicht op vast)
Experience within an SDD (Spray Dried Dispersion) manufacturing environment is strongly preferred
Eli Lilly is investing €2.6 billion in a new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Katwijk, Netherlands. This facility will produce oral medicines for cardiometabolic health, neuroscience, oncology, and immunology, incorporating next-generation manufacturing technologies including dock-to-dock automation, paperless manufacturing, and process analytical technology while achieving carbon neutrality and zero waste to landfills.
Position Overview
The Process Automation Area Lead provides automation support for manufacturing at the Katwijk site. This role ensures the reliability, compliance, and continuous performance of the Spray Dried Dispersion (SDD) process automation systems from site startup through steady-state operations.
During the design and delivery of the project this role will be integrated into the global automation team and then transition fully to a site-based process team position.
Key Responsibilities
- Partner with Global Automation and Global Facilities Delivery to design, install, and qualify SDD process automation systems.
- Lead the integration of the automation systems into the site data collection and IT systems.
- Manage and own the automation system security and data integrity.
- Lead the management and growth of the automation systems as new process equipment is added to the facility.
- Partner with Corporate Automation for global initiatives including advanced data programs and cyber security.
- Develop site procedures that will govern the process automation systems.
- Solutions preparation and spray drying in the unit operations it will support.
Qualifications & Requirements
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related science field
- Professional fluency in English and Dutch preferred.
Experience/Technical Knowledge
- 7+ years in automation
- 5+ years in pharmaceutical or other regulated industries
- Knowledge of GMPs, regulatory requirements, and computer system validation.
- Experience with Rockwell Automation platforms including FactoryTalk View SE distributed and ControlLogix/CompactLogix PLCs or other similar automation technologies.
Additional Skills/Preferences
- Experience with Spray Dried Dispersion manufacturing.
- Knowledge of ISE S95 principles and IT/Automation integration.
- Experience with Data Historians or related technology.
- Experience in Microsoft operating systems, virtual environments, and networking.
- Experience with installation of platform software on virtual servers.
- Ability to interpret control wiring diagrams and process and instrumentation diagrams.
- Experience with Pharmasuite or other MES.
Interpersonal Skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills for internal customers, business partners, and leadership
- Ability to work with minimal supervision, manage competing priorities, and drive results in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
- Ability to collaborate with others.
- Strong decision-making, problem-solving, and organisational skills.
On-site Requirement - This is 100% full-time on-site role
Travel requirements –
- We typically expect travel to be 10-20% during the design and delivery phase for engineering meetings, training, and job shadowing opportunities.
Eli Lilly and Company | Katwijk, Netherlands Lilly is dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities to actively engage in the workforce, ensuring equal opportunities when vying for positions. If you require accommodation to submit a resume for a position at Lilly, please complete the accommodation request form ( for further assistance. Please note this is for individuals to request an accommodation as part of the application process and any other correspondence will not receive a response.
Lilly does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status.
Actual compensation will depend on a candidate’s education, experience, skills, and geographic location. The anticipated wage for this position is €78,750 - €115,500
Full-time equivalent employees may also be eligible for a company bonus (depending, in part, on company and individual performance). In addition, Lilly offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees, including eligibility to participate in a pension plan; vacation benefits; eligibility for healthcare benefits; flexible benefits (if applicable) life insurance and death benefits; certain time off and leave of absence benefits; and well-being benefits (e.g., employee assistance program, fitness benefits, and employee clubs and activities). Lilly reserves the right to amend, modify, or terminate its compensation and benefit programs in its sole discretion and Lilly’s compensation practices and guidelines will apply regarding the details of any promotion or transfer of Lilly employees.
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