Senior / Principle Automation Engineer – Data Historian and OT Platforms

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