Sr. Principal Process Engineer - Oligonucleotides

Eli Lilly Eli Lilly · Pharma · Houston, TX

This role is for a Senior Principal Process Engineer in API manufacturing for oligonucleotides at Eli Lilly. The position involves technical leadership, mentoring, process optimization, and supporting the startup of a new advanced manufacturing facility. The focus is on building the organization, systems, and culture for GMP manufacturing operations.

What you'd actually do

  1. Mentor process engineers in core engineering practices for oligonucleotide API supply
  2. Promote data-driven decision-making using statistical methods and first principles
  3. Support and review root cause analyses and technical documentation
  4. Identify and address process knowledge gaps affecting equipment and process performance
  5. Capture key process knowledge such as material and energy balances, kinetics, and design basis

Skills

Required

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

Nice to have

  • Experience with API chemical synthesis, biotech operations, and chromatography
  • Familiar with GMP production environments
  • Strong foundation in chemical engineering and technical problem-solving
  • Able to work independently and within cross-functional teams
  • Skilled in coaching and mentoring for technical development
  • Proactive in identifying and implementing improvements
  • Flexible and responsive to evolving business needs

What the JD emphasized

  • startup of a manufacturing site
  • build the organization
  • implementing GMP-supporting systems and processes
  • shape site culture to enable successful full-scale manufacturing