Kilo Lab Lead Technician

Position Overview The Lilly Medicine Foundry Kilo Lab Lead Technician supports start‑up activities to bring manufacturing equipment into service and provides on‑the‐floor, tactical leadership for production of API molecules. The role requires domestic and international travel to collaborate, train, and learn from sites that currently produce APIs. This position belongs to the Process Translation and Execution (PTE) team. Responsibilities Enforce compliance with safety, quality, and environmental requirements and appropriately report adverse events. Provide on‑the‑floor leadership to make tactical decisions and prioritize operations resources during the shift. Train entry‑level Kilo Lab Technicians with hands‑on instruction on manufacturing processes, equipment use, and site procedures. Operate processes and equipment according to batch records, user manuals, design parameters, SOPs, and work instructions to meet the production schedule. Conduct lab or pilot plant experiments, maintain records, and provide written summaries to supervisors. Accurately dispense materials and execute written and verbal directions, including material testing, complex experimental designs, and process scale‑ups to pilot plant level. Complete daily monitoring, testing, and cleaning duties to keep equipment and systems operating properly per local and corporate regulations. Assemble and disassemble machinery for material processing, demonstrating strong mechanical aptitude. Promote a safety‑first culture, lead by example, and encourage accountability at all levels. Provide technical leadership for troubleshooting and reacting to process upsets, integrating operator input and escalating as appropriate. Follow procedures for safety event reporting, including spill response, escalation, and emergency response procedures. Ensure effective communication at shift changeovers and participate in daily shift huddles to set operational goals. Ensure all personnel follow cGMP practices, safe work habits, plant dress code, hygiene standards, and housekeeping requirements specific to the job classification. Partner with area management to understand Foundry strategy and future production needs, representing this strategy in shift conversations. Summarize, prepare, and tabulate data; coordinate activities with other laboratories and support groups. Interpret data and suggest subsequent experimentation; propose ways to improve efficiency, equipment design, configurations, and process improvements. Plan own work schedule and operate with minimal supervision; independence increases with experience and equipment familiarity. Participate in safety audits, procedure coordination, housekeeping, and continuous improvement projects. Use computer systems and programs for development project activities, including control or automation systems such as Delta V and Pi. Use specified PPE (e.g., hair and beard coverings, lab coats or gowns, safety shoes, safety glasses, hard hats) as required. Perform clean‑room gowning and wear respirators and other 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 experience strongly preferred. Demonstrated learning agility with 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. Authorized to work in the United States on a full‑time basis; no visa sponsorship 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 handling controlled drugs. Experience operating kiloscale glassware and equipment such as glass reactors, filtration equipment (AFDs, Nutsche filters, cartridges), rotary evaporators, and pumping systems. Ability to work cross‑functionally with 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 including distillation, filtration, extraction, and chromatography. Solid understanding of FDA guidelines and cGMP requirements. Strong documentation skills. Knowledge of lean manufacturing principles. Problem‑solving skills: proven to analyze data, conduct root cause analysis, and resolve complex technical challenges. Ability to understand technical nomenclature and work with mathematical formulas. Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and requests. Demonstrated ability to manage priorities and ambiguity. Initiative to solve problems, troubleshoot issues, and learn new processes and computer system applications. Effective electronic, written, and verbal communication 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 support outside 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 ( 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. Those demands are representative of those that must be met to perform the essential functions of this role. Compensation Actual compensation will depend on education, experience, skills, and geographic location. The anticipated wage for this position is $28.84 – $42.31 per hour. Benefits Full‑time employees are eligible for a comprehensive benefit program, including a company‑sponsored 401(k), pension, vacation, medical, dental, vision, prescription drug benefits, flexible benefits, life and death insurance, leave of absence, and well‑being benefits such as employee assistance program, fitness benefits, and employee clubs. EEO Statement 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr BioSpace