Kilo Lab Lead Technician

At Lilly, we unite caring with discovery to make life better for people around the world. We are a global healthcare leader headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our employees around the world work to discover and bring life-changing medicines to those who need them, improve the understanding and management of disease, and give back to our communities through philanthropy and volunteerism. We give our best effort to our work, and we put people first. We’re looking for people who are determined to make life better for people around the world.

Lilly recently announced a $4.5 billion investment to create the Lilly Medicine Foundry, a new center for advanced manufacturing and drug development. The first-ever facility of its kind, combining research and manufacturing in a single location, the Medicine Foundry will allow Lilly to further develop innovative solutions to optimize manufacturing processes and increase capacity for clinical trial medicines, while also reducing costs and environmental impact.
 

The Process Translation and Execution (PTE) team translates API/DS process knowledge into clinical supply readiness, oversees technology transfer, implements phase-appropriate control strategies, and ensures right-first-time clinical manufacturing for a variety of modalities, including synthetic molecules, biologics, peptides, oligonucleotides, and bioconjugates (ADC, ARC, etc.). Through cross-functional collaboration, PTE influences process design, revolutionizes clinical manufacturing, builds capabilities in emerging technologies, and aligns with corporate and Lilly Research Labs (LRL) goals, drives scientific excellence and innovation to accelerate manufacturing advancements, and propels the site toward long-term business success.
 

In the Foundry Construction and Project Delivery/Startup Phase (2025 to 2028), roles will be fluid and dynamic as we build a new organization, design and implement the necessary systems and business processes required to enable operational readiness, support project delivery, and build the site culture. Success will require significant collaboration, creativity, and resilience as the Lilly Medicine Foundry transitions from design to startup and ultimately to steady-state operations and continuous improvement. This period presents a unique opportunity for learning, growth, and making a lasting impact.
 

The Lilly Medicine Foundry Kilo Lab Lead Technician actively supports start-up activities to bring manufacturing equipment into service. The Lead Technician becomes an expert in their assigned area and educates the team on the proper operation of the facility. This role requires domestic and international travel to collaborate, train, and learn from sites that currently produce APIs. Upon completion of the project phase, the Lead Technician provides on-the-floor, tactical leadership for production of API molecules, ensuring a safety-first, quality-always approach while managing a production process that encompasses diverse unit operations and manufacturing skills.
 

We are seeking passionate and agile lead technicians to join the PTE team and help bring the Lilly Medicine Foundry's vision to life.

Responsibilities

This role ensures the supply of our medicines by supporting the team, following instructions, assisting with troubleshooting, collaborating cross-functionally, and upholding our safety-first, quality-always mindset. The Kilo Lab Lead Technician will be an integral part of executing the transfer of chemical processes from development laboratories to kiloscale operations, supporting clinical supply activities across multiple modalities including small molecules, peptides, oligonucleotides, and high-potent compounds. Lead Technicians will support daily Kilo Lab activities to meet production plans by:

• Enforcing adherence to compliance requirements (safety, quality, and environmental) and appropriately escalating any adverse events.
• Providing on-the-floor leadership to make tactical day-to-day decisions and ensure proper prioritization of operations resources throughout the shift.
• Training entry-level Kilo Lab Technicians with structured, hands-on instruction on manufacturing processes, equipment use, and site procedures to build skills and ensure consistent compliance.
• Operating processes and equipment according to batch records, user manuals, design parameters, standard operating procedures, and work instructions to meet the production schedule.
• Conducting lab or pilot plant experiments, maintaining notebooks or records, and supplying written summaries to supervisors as needed.
• Accurately dispensing materials as requested and executing written and verbal directions, including material testing, complex experimental designs, and/or process scaling up to pilot plant level.
• Ensuring completion of daily monitoring, testing, and cleaning duties to keep equipment and systems in good operating condition per local and corporate regulatory requirements.
• Assembling and disassembling machinery for processing of materials, demonstrating strong mechanical aptitude.
• Serving as a cultural leader for site safety culture, promoting compliant operations and positive safety behaviors; leading by example and promoting accountability at all levels.
• Providing technical leadership for troubleshooting and reaction to process upsets, integrating operator input and escalating as appropriate.
• Following all applicable procedures for safety event reporting and documentation, including spill response, issue escalation, and initiating Emergency Response procedures as needed.
• Ensuring adequate communication at shift changeovers and participating in daily shift huddles/meetings to understand and set expectations for daily operational goals.
• Ensuring all area personnel follow cGMP practices, safe work habits, plant dress code, hygiene standards, and housekeeping requirements unique to the work area and job classification.
• Partnering with area management and supervision to understand Foundry strategy and future production needs; representing and supporting this strategy in conversations with shift members.
• Summarizing, preparing, and tabulating data; coordinating activities with other laboratories and support groups.
• Making interpretations of data generated and suggesting subsequent experimentation; offering ways to improve efficiency of time utilization, equipment design, configurations, and process improvements.
• Planning own work schedule and operating with minimal supervision; level of independence increases with experience and equipment familiarity.
• Actively participating in assigned building and area operations such as safety audits, procedure coordination, housekeeping, and continuous improvement projects.
• Understanding and utilizing computer systems and programs for development project activities, including control or automation systems such as Delta V and Pi.
• Using specified company-supplied personal protective equipment (PPE) (e.g., hair and beard coverings, lab coats or gowns, safety shoes, safety glasses, hard hats, etc.) as required.
• Performing clean room gowning and wearing respirators and safety equipment during processing and cleaning of equipment/rooms.

Basic Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• 3+ years of direct manufacturing experience; GMP and/or chemical processing strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated learning agility to operate a variety of new equipment and systems.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and experience working with solvents and large equipment.
• Demonstrated experience in manufacturing, cGMP, or a regulated environment.
• Qualified applicants must be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Lilly does not anticipate providing sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H-1B, TN, or similar) for this position.

Additional Skills and Preferences

• Previous experience in facility or area start-up environments.
• Prior work in pharmaceutical or chemical manufacturing involving Process Safety Management regulations or hazardous chemicals.
• Experience in the handling of controlled drugs.
• Previous experience operating kiloscale glassware and equipment such as glass reactor systems, filtration equipment (AFDs, Nutsche filters, cartridge), rotary evaporators, and pumping systems.
• Ability to work cross-functionally with PTE scientists, process engineers, operations, analytical chemists, safety and quality representatives.
• Experience in small molecule, peptide/oligonucleotide, or high-potent manufacturing operations.
• Familiarity with unit operations regarding distillation, filtration, extraction, and chromatography.
• Solid understanding of FDA guidelines and cGMP requirements.
• Demonstrated strong documentation skills.
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing principles.
• Problem-solving skills: proven ability to analyze data, perform root cause analysis, and resolve complex technical challenges.
• Ability to understand technical nomenclature and language and work with mathematical formulas.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to handle and prioritize multiple projects and requests.
• Demonstrated ability to manage priorities and ambiguity.
• Demonstrated initiative to solve problems, troubleshoot issues, and learn new processes and computer system applications.
• Ability to effectively communicate (electronically, written, and verbal) across levels and functions.
• Basic computer skills required; proficiency in MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint preferred.
• Working knowledge of synthetic chemistry.
• Post-secondary education helpful.
• Highly motivated, able to learn rapidly, and demonstrates strong attention to detail.
• Strong teamwork and interpersonal skills.

Other Information

• This is a manufacturing-based role.
• This position requires flexibility to work either first or second shift.
• May be required to provide support outside of normal working hours, including nights or weekends.
• Initial location: Lilly Technology Center – North (LTC-N), Indianapolis, IN.
• Permanent location: Lilly Medicine Foundry, Lebanon, Indiana.
• Limited domestic and international travel (< 10%) may be required.
• Potential exposure to chemicals, allergens, loud noises, and controlled substances.
• Role requires ability to work in laboratory and manufacturing environments.

Physical Demands

The physical demands of this job are consistent with a lab/pilot plant environment. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

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 (https://careers.lilly.com/us/en/workplace-accommodation) 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 is proud to be an EEO Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, gender identity, sex, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.

Our employee resource groups (ERGs) offer strong support networks for their members and are open to all employees. Our current groups include: Africa, Middle East, Central Asia Network, Black Employees at Lilly, Chinese Culture Network, Japanese International Leadership Network (JILN), Lilly India Network, Organization of Latinx at Lilly (OLA), PRIDE (LGBTQ+ Allies), Veterans Leadership Network (VLN), Women’s Initiative for Leading at Lilly (WILL), enAble (for people with disabilities). Learn more about all of our groups.

Actual compensation will depend on a candidate’s education, experience, skills, and geographic location.  The anticipated wage for this position is

$28.84 - $42.31

Full-time equivalent employees also will 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 company-sponsored 401(k); pension; vacation benefits; eligibility for medical, dental, vision and prescription drug benefits; flexible benefits (e.g., healthcare and/or dependent day care flexible spending accounts); 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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