Senior / Principle Automation Engineer – Data Historian and OT Platforms

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) 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 Automation Data Systems Engineer supports the Aveva PI based Data Historian and other data systems at the Katwijk site. This role ensures the reliability, compliance, and continuous performance of the automation data 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 Corporate Automation, Automation Integrators, and Global Facilities delivery to design, install, and qualify the site Aveva PI based Data Historian and other data systems.
• System Administration ownership of these data platforms post‑delivery including user access controls, life cycle management, process improvements, data management, and system maintenance.
• Manage and own the system security including data integrity.
• Perform audits and periodic assessments of the data systems to ensure compliance with Global Quality and Engineering Standards.
• Lead the management and growth of the data platforms and support of manufacturing process teams as new systems are added to the facility.
• Partner with Corporate Automation, Information Technology, and Information Security for global initiatives and life cycle management.
• Develop site procedures that will govern the Data Historian and other data systems.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related science field.
• Professional fluency in English.
• Experience/Technical Knowledge: 5+ years in automation, 5+ years in pharmaceutical or other regulated industries, Knowledge of GMPs, regulatory requirements, computer system validation, 3+ years of experience in Aveva PI Data Historian administration including hardware design, software integration, and system procedures, Experience in Microsoft operating systems, virtual environments, and networking, Experience in ISA S95 Manufacturing Enterprise IT/Automation integration principles, Experience in managing IT/OT platforms.
• Additional Skills/Preferences: Experience in IT Infrastructure and Networking, Experience in Citrix Application publishing, Experience in virtual environments (VMware), Experience in manufacturing connectivity software (i.e., OPC Server such as Kepware, Matrikon), Experience in relational enterprise databases (i.e., SQL Server).
• 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.

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 €60,000 - €99,000 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.

#WeAreLilly

At Lilly we strive to ensure our employees are part of a team that cares about them and our shared purpose of making life better for those around the world. How do we do this? We continue to look for ways to include, innovate, accelerate and deliver while maintaining integrity, excellence and respect for people. We hope that you seek to join us on our journey as we create medicine and deliver improved outcomes for patients across the globe!