Principal/Sr. Principal Logistics Engineer

At Lilly, the work is demanding because patients are waiting. We unite caring with discovery to help make life better for people around the world, knowing that every decision, every detail, and every day matters. Headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, our over 50,000 employees around the globe take on complex challenges to discover and deliver life-changing medicines, strengthen how health is understood and managed, and support the communities we serve. This is hard, urgent, selfless work-but it's work worth doing. If you're driven by purpose and ready to bring your best to work that truly matters for patients, we invite you to join us.


Description of Role / Position


The Logistics Engineer is responsible for supporting the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of logistics and material flow systems at the Lilly Richmond manufacturing site. This role supports the build-out and operational readiness of the site's logistics infrastructure-including Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (ASRS), material conveyance, Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs), and SAP Extended Warehouse Management (EWM) integration. The Logistics Engineer works cross-functionally to develop assigned business processes. The role contributes to building a paperless, digitally enabled logistics environment in alignment with Lilly's Next Generation Biotech manufacturing vision.


Key Responsibilities


Project / Start-up Phase

• Create and maintain a site-level Plan for Every Part (PFEP), incorporating supplier data, SAP bill-of-material and non-BOM items (e.g. reusable containers and pallets), and product usage rates across the Richmond site.
• Support the design and implementation of business processes during the start-up phase.
• Support the set-up, commissioning, and qualification activities for automated material handling systems (ASRS, VSM, AMRs, AGVs, and conveyance equipment).
• Drive lean principles and ensure efficient material flows are maintained throughout the logistics center; support value stream mapping initiatives.
• Develop Logistics Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and work instructions in partnership with Operations, Quality, and Safety.
• Partner with maintenance and automation teams to develop a spare parts strategy for logistics equipment.

Ongoing Operations

• Responsible for ensuring logistics systems (ASRS, VSM, conveyance, AMRs, AGVs) consistently meet the operational demands of the business.
• Monitor daily system performance metrics and KPIs, identifying trends and driving continuous improvement opportunities.
• Maintain PFEP data throughout the full lifecycle of all production flows to ensure system capacity is not exceeded.
• Work closely with business leaders to anticipate when business demand will approach or exceed logistics system capability and propose solutions proactively.
• Develop and maintain quality systems for logistics and materials management, including SOPs, work instructions, and training materials pertinent to receipt, kitting, shipping, and general warehouse practices.
• Manage change controls and support or lead quality investigations; own work instructions and SOPs governing warehouse equipment.
• Participate in Quality and Safety Time on Floor (TOF) audits; support safety assessments, job hazard analyses, and FMEAs relevant to warehouse operations and material movement equipment.
• Support change and deviation management within the function.
• Provide daily operations support across: (i) receipt of inbound materials, (ii) kitting and replenishment of production materials, (iii) general material flow through the logistics center, and (iv) execution of daily shipments.
• Benchmark emerging materials management and logistics initiatives across the Lilly network and externally.
• Support capital planning for expansion or recapitalization of warehouse systems and equipment.

Minimum Educational Qualifications / Experience Required

• Bachelor's Degree (BSc) in Engineering, Supply Chain, Logistics, Science, or a related discipline required.
• Minimum of 3 years' experience in a logistics, materials management, or supply chain engineering role, preferably within pharmaceutical, biotech, medical device, automotive, or FMCG industries.
• Experience with ERP systems required.
• 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

Additional Skills / Preferences

• MBA or MSc preferred.
• SAP S/4HANA and/or SAP EWM experience strongly preferred.
• Lean Six Sigma experience or certification is desirable.
• Strong analytical and quantitative problem-solving skills with demonstrated ability in root cause analysis and data-driven decision making.
• Experience with automated storage and material handling systems (ASRS, VSM, AMRs, AGVs, conveyance) is highly desirable.
• Solid understanding of GMP requirements as they apply to warehouse and material management operations.
• Understanding of data integrity principles and their application in a regulated manufacturing environment.
• Ability to communicate and influence effectively across functional groups and site stakeholders.
• Demonstrated project management capability; able to coordinate complex, cross-functional initiatives.
• Strategic thinking with the ability to balance short-term operational needs against long-term business evolution.
• Demonstrates continuous improvement mindset; familiar with lean principles and value stream mapping.
• Self-motivated, organized, and able to work proactively with minimal supervision.
• Enthusiasm for change, team spirit, and flexibility to adapt to evolving business needs.

Additional Requirements / Information

• This role requires flexibility and the ability to adapt across Materials Management and Warehousing/Logistics workstreams in a state-of-the-art logistics center, including inbound receipts, kitting, management of contract service providers, and shipping execution.

• Ability to travel occasionally during the start-up phase of the project.

• Role may require participation in on-call or off-hours support during key start-up and validation phases.

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 ( 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 (AMECA), Black Employees at Lilly (View email address on click.appcast.io), Chinese Culture Network (CCN), EnAble, Evolve, Lilly Indian Network (LIN), Organization of Latinx at Lilly (OLA), Pride (LGBTQ+ Allies), Veterans Leadership Network (VLN) and Women's Initiative for Leading at Lilly (WILL).

Actual compensation will depend on a candidate's education, experience, skills, and geographic location. The anticipated wage for this position is
$66,000 - $171,600

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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