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.
Help Launch a World‑Class Manufacturing Operation — From the Ground Up
This is a rare opportunity to be part of a new facility startup and help build safe, compliant, and high‑performing manufacturing operations from day one.
As an Operations Associate, you will play a critical role in starting up a state‑of‑the‑art bulk liquid operation inclusive of loading and unloading facilities. This position is designed for individuals who are energized by complex operations, technical detail, high accountability, and fast‑paced problem solving in a regulated manufacturing environment.
This role is challenging by design. It requires hands‑on leadership, technical judgment, and the ability to operate effectively amid ambiguity. In return, it offers accelerated professional growth, deep operational exposure, and the opportunity to leave a lasting impact on a new manufacturing site.
About the Role
The Operations Associate supports the successful startup and long-term execution of Tank Farm and Rail Operation within a new API manufacturing campus. Working closely with cross‑functional teams, you will help bring cGMP systems online, support commissioning and qualification activities, and ensure safe, right‑first‑time execution as operations ramp up.
You will develop deep knowledge of site infrastructure, operating systems, and bulk chemical processes while serving as a visible leader on the floor.
Key Responsibilities
Startup & Operations Leadership
Support the startup, commissioning, and qualification of manufacturing systems in a chemical cGMP environment
Partner with cross‑functional process teams to deliver safe, compliant, and reliable operations
Serve as a hands‑on operational leader and first point of contact for day‑to‑day challenges during operations
Provide continuity between teams and escalate critical issues appropriately
Safety, Quality & Compliance
Champion a safety‑first culture, emphasizing individual accountability and safe systems of work
Ensure cGMP readiness of equipment, systems, and processes
Support deviation investigations and author high‑quality reports
Maintain bulk liquid equipment in a compliant and operationally ready state
Continuous Improvement & Execution
Lead or participate in continuous improvement initiatives focused on capacity, reliability, and cost
Support development and execution of the site’s Operational Excellence roadmap
Lead manufacturing and operational projects with cross‑functional stakeholders
Documentation & Team Development
Author and revise SOPs, work instructions, and other operational documentation
Participate in training and onboarding of new operations personnel
Mentor and support team members as the organization grows
What Makes This Role Different
Startup environment: You will help build systems, processes, and culture — not inherit them
High visibility: Your work directly impacts facility readiness and long‑term success
Real accountability: This role requires strong ownership, resilience, and decision‑making
Accelerated development: Broad exposure across operations, engineering, quality, and safety
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related technical field
3+ years of experience in engineering, technical services, or operations within hazardous chemical manufacturing environments
Qualified applicants must be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Lilly will not provide support for or sponsor work authorization or visas for this role, including but not limited to F-1 CPT, F-1 OPT, F-1 STEM OPT, J-1, H-1B, TN, O-1, E-3, H-1B1, or L-1.
Preferred Qualifications
Preference to a Chemical Engineering Degree
Experience working in cGMP manufacturing environments including pharmaceutical manufacturing
Strong operational problem‑solving skills with a data‑driven mindset
Demonstrated ability to influence and lead without direct authority
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including technical writing
Interest in cross‑functional leadership and operational excellence
Understanding of normal process variability versus special‑cause variability
Additional Information
Flexibility to support off‑shift operations and attend meetings as required during startup
Limited domestic and international travel may be required (<10%)
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
$65,250 - $145,200Full-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.
#WeAreLilly