Engineering Automation Technician

Eli Lilly Eli Lilly · Pharma · Pleasant Prairie, WI

The Engineering Automation Technician provides high-level automation and controls support for OEM filling equipment and associated systems in a cGMP pharmaceutical manufacturing environment. This role focuses on troubleshooting, maintenance, and ensuring automated lines operate safely and reliably, partnering with Operations, Engineering, and Quality.

What you'd actually do

  1. Provide first-line mechanical automation and controls support for OEM automated filling equipment to minimize downtime
  2. Troubleshoot PLC/HMI and automation hardware (sensors, vision systems, drives, instrumentation) and partner with Operations to safely restore equipment to service
  3. Investigate recurring faults and production delays
  4. Plan and execute equipment and mechanical automation improvements (upgrades, obsolescence planning, and small projects), including contractor/vendor coordination as needed
  5. Ensure automation work complies with safety requirements, cGMP, and site procedures

Skills

Required

  • Associate’s degree or higher in Mechanical Automation, Electrical Engineering Technology, Mechatronics, or a related technical discipline, or equivalent automation experience
  • Hands-on experience troubleshooting highly automated manufacturing equipment (preferably filling, sterilization, or packaging systems)
  • Working knowledge of PLC and HMI platforms (e.g., Siemens, Allen-Bradley)
  • Experience with industrial instrumentation, sensors, and electrical troubleshooting
  • Strong mechanical aptitude and understanding of automated equipment operation
  • Ability to work cross‑functionally with Operations, Engineering, Maintenance, and Quality teams
  • Strong documentation and communication skills
  • Experience with CMMS systems (e.g., Maximo, SAP)

Nice to have

  • Experience supporting OEM high-speed pharmaceutical filling equipment and/or sterilization, and inspection equipment
  • Familiarity with GMP manufacturing environments
  • Experience supporting servo systems and vision systems
  • Prior involvement in equipment start-ups, FAT/SAT, or mechanical automation upgrades

What the JD emphasized

  • mechanical automation