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Distributed Control System Operator Jobs in Indianapolis, IN

Support the use of the Inotiv documentation control system. * Support any special projects assigned ... Convert documents to appropriate format for general distribution and use. * Prepare and distribute ...

Support the use of the Inotiv documentation control system. * Support any special projects assigned ... Convert documents to appropriate format for general distribution and use. * Prepare and distribute ...

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Distributed Control System Operator information

See Indianapolis, IN salary details

$11

$23

$36

How much do distributed control system operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for distributed control system operator in Indianapolis, IN is $23.55, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.61 and $26.63 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a distributed control system operator?

A Distributed Control System (DCS) Operator is a professional responsible for monitoring, controlling, and optimizing industrial processes using a distributed control system. They ensure that manufacturing plants or industrial facilities run efficiently, safely, and within set parameters by managing process variables such as temperature, pressure, and flow. DCS Operators respond to alarms, troubleshoot issues, and coordinate with other team members to maintain smooth operations. Their role is crucial in industries like oil and gas, power generation, chemical manufacturing, and water treatment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a distributed control system operator?

To thrive as a Distributed Control System (DCS) Operator, you need a solid understanding of process control, instrumentation, and industrial automation, typically supported by a technical diploma or associate degree in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with DCS platforms such as Honeywell, Siemens, or Emerson, as well as relevant safety certifications and SCADA systems, is usually required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help operators manage complex systems and respond quickly to issues. These competencies ensure safe, efficient, and reliable plant operations in highly regulated industrial environments.

What are some common challenges faced by distributed control system operators, and how can they be managed?

Distributed Control System Operators often encounter challenges such as responding to system alarms, managing equipment malfunctions, and ensuring continuous, safe plant operations. Rapid decision-making and effective communication with maintenance and engineering teams are crucial to minimize downtime and safety risks. Staying updated with system upgrades and participating in regular training also help operators manage new technologies and evolving procedures. Collaboration and strong attention to detail are key to successfully overcoming these challenges.

What is the difference between Distributed Control System Operator vs Control Room Operator?

AspectDistributed Control System OperatorControl Room Operator
CredentialsTechnical certifications in control systems, process operationsBasic operational training, sometimes technical certifications
Work EnvironmentIndustrial plants, manufacturing facilities, energy plantsControl rooms, monitoring stations across various industries
Industry UsagePower plants, oil & gas, manufacturingUtilities, transportation, manufacturing

The Distributed Control System Operator focuses on managing and monitoring complex control systems within industrial environments, often requiring technical certifications. Control Room Operators oversee plant operations from control rooms, ensuring safety and efficiency. While both roles involve monitoring equipment, the DCS Operator specializes in control system management, whereas the Control Room Operator handles overall plant operations.

What are popular job titles related to Distributed Control System Operator jobs in Indianapolis, IN?

For Distributed Control System Operator jobs in Indianapolis, IN, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Distributed Control System Operator jobs in Indianapolis, IN look for?

The top searched job categories for Distributed Control System Operator jobs in Indianapolis, IN are:

What cities near Indianapolis, IN are hiring for Distributed Control System Operator jobs?

Cities near Indianapolis, IN with the most Distributed Control System Operator job openings:

Infographic showing various Distributed Control System Operator job openings in Indianapolis, IN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 8% Temporary, and 8% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $48,983 per year, or $23.5 per hour.

Sr. Engineer, Automation Engineering, Controls Hardware - Lilly Medicine Foundry

Eli Lilly and Company

Indianapolis, IN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 29 days ago


Eli Lilly and Company rating

8.9

Company rating: 8.9 out of 10

Based on 64 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

9th of 86 rated pharmaceutical


Job description

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.


The Senior Engineer - Automation Engineering will work as a member of the Automation Engineering Department at Eli Lilly, Foundry. The engineer will provide automation support for one or more operating areas across site and/or for capital projects, with primary focus on Instrumentation and Control Hardware. Process Automation is core to delivering the right first-time facility start up and continued support of ongoing manufacturing operations into the future.

The Senior Engineer will collaborate and partner with cross-functional peers to support successful delivery of robust control systems and instrumentation.

In the project delivery phase and startup phase of the project (startup expected 2026 to 2028), automation engineering roles will be fluid and dynamic as we endeavor to support the project delivery, build a new organization, develop and implement the necessary systems and business processes required to support GMP operations, and build the site culture. This will require significant collaboration, creativity and resilience as the site grows to a full scale GMP manufacturing through start up.

Key Objectives/Deliverables:

  • Experience working with DeltaV Distributed Control System, Batch Process Automation.
  • Experience working with Rockwell Allen Bradley PLC's, FactoryTalk View.
  • Experience working with DeltaV control panels, DeltaV Remote I/O panels and Rockwell I/O's.
  • Experience in performing automation engineering activities including design, Development and Commissioning Process Automation projects using DeltaV DCS and/or Rockwell Allen Bradley PLC.
  • Experience with tuning and troubleshooting of control loops and Field Instruments.
  • Hands-on experience in configuration and troubleshooting of Variable Frequency Drives (VFD's).
  • Thorough understanding of P&ID's and Instrument loop drawings.
  • Understanding various process control communication protocols.

Operational Excellence

  • Site operation runtime support, enhance control system reliability and lifecycle management, in a GMP regulated environment.
  • Support capital project execution, Commissioning and Qualification.
  • Demonstrated ability in resolving complex technical challenges with instrument and control system hardware.
  • Work with Site Area leads and System Integrators.
  • Develop and Review Functional Requirements, Design Specifications and Test Specifications.
  • Demonstrated experience utilizing Master maintenance plans.
  • Familiarity with 21CFR Part 11, GMP processes.
  • Participate in design reviews and Site system hardware reviews, attend equipment FATs.
  • Provide periodic status updates to Project Management.
  • Support electronic systems (such as plant historians) used to capture process automation related production data.
  • Maintain the validated state of the site control system hardware in line with Lilly quality standards including the development and execution of validation strategies and associated documentation.
  • Good planning and organizational skills, ability to prioritize tasks, commitment to task completion and timelines.

Organizational Capability

  • In coordination with automation and compliance consultants, set and reinforce standards for appropriate rigor in automation work products.
  • Engage with cross-functional peers to strengthen technical capabilities and adopt best practices to enhance system reliability and business continuity.

Basic Requirements:

  • Minimum B.S. in Engineering or related degree and experience in Automation Engineering
  • 2+ years working experience in Pharmaceutical or highly regulated environment
  • Knowledge of GMP, regulatory requirements, computer system validation
  • Available to participate in a rotational on-call schedule
  • 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 Requirements:

  • Experience working in highly automated facility, using DeltaV DCS, Rockwell Allen Bradley PLC, Veeva, PI, and/or BMS Warehouse Monitoring from design through Startup.
  • Possess a keen technical curiosity and has demonstrated strong problem-solving skills and a desire for continuous improvement
  • Good written and verbal communication skills for both technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Hands-on experience working directly with automation control panel hardware and wiring.

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 (AMECA), Black Employees at Lilly (BE@Lilly), 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.

#WeAreLilly


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About Eli Lilly

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Eli Lilly, based in Indianapolis, IN, US, is one of the pioneers in the pharmaceutical industry with a rich history dating back to 1876. This global pharmaceutical company focuses on discovering, developing, manufacturing and selling pharmaceutical products in approximately 120 countries. The company's product categories include endocrinology, oncology, cardiovascular, neuroscience, and immunology. Having invested over $9 billion in research and development in the past decade, Eli Lilly is also committed to creating high-quality medicines that meet real needs. As a recipient of several awards and recognitions, Eli Lilly is known for its focus on life-saving research and drug development. Their mission is to make medicines that help people live longer, healthier, and more active lives.

Industry

Pharmaceutical product wholesalers

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Indianapolis, IN, US

Year founded

1876