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Senior Instrument Engineer Jobs in Indianapolis, IN

CSV Engineer III

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

$68K - $88K/yr

This is a senior-level Computer System Validation (CSV) role for an experienced validation ... Support change controls, configuration changes, system upgrades, instrument additions, user access ...

CSV Engineer III

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

$68K - $88K/yr

This is a senior-level Computer System Validation (CSV) role for an experienced validation ... Support change controls, configuration changes, system upgrades, instrument additions, user access ...

CSV Engineer I

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

$68K - $88K/yr

The CSV Engineer will work under the guidance of senior CSV team members to execute and document ... Exposure to laboratory systems such as LIMS, CDS, ELN, SDMS, analytical instruments, or instrument ...

CSV Engineer I

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

$68K - $88K/yr

The CSV Engineer will work under the guidance of senior CSV team members to execute and document ... Exposure to laboratory systems such as LIMS, CDS, ELN, SDMS, analytical instruments, or instrument ...

Software Engineer II

Carmel, IN · On-site +1

$89K - $134K/yr

Work closely with senior engineers to learn architecture patterns, code review practices, and ... Instrument the systems you build - metrics, logging, alerting, and dashboards so the team knows ...

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Senior Instrument Engineer information

See Indianapolis, IN salary details

$75.5K

$111.7K

$157.7K

How much do senior instrument engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior instrument engineer in Indianapolis, IN is $111,682.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $89,900.00 and $131,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a senior instrument engineer do?

A Senior Instrument Engineer is responsible for designing, specifying, installing, and maintaining instrumentation and control systems used in industrial processes. They ensure that these systems function efficiently, safely, and reliably to monitor and control variables such as pressure, temperature, and flow. Senior Instrument Engineers often lead projects, troubleshoot complex issues, and provide technical guidance to junior engineers. They also collaborate with other engineering disciplines to optimize process performance and comply with industry standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior instrument engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Senior Instrument Engineer, you typically need a degree in engineering (often electrical, instrumentation, or control engineering) and extensive experience with instrumentation design, installation, and maintenance. Proficiency with industry-standard tools such as PLCs, DCS, CAD software, and familiarity with relevant codes and certifications like ISA or IEC are essential. Strong problem-solving, project management, and communication skills help coordinate teams and interface with other engineering disciplines. These skills and qualities ensure the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of complex industrial processes.

What are some common challenges faced by senior instrument engineers when working on multidisciplinary projects?

Senior Instrument Engineers often encounter challenges coordinating with other engineering disciplines, such as process, electrical, and mechanical teams, to ensure instrumentation specifications align with overall project requirements. Integrating new instrumentation technologies into existing systems while maintaining compliance with safety and industry standards can also be demanding. Effective communication, strong project management skills, and adaptability are essential to successfully navigate these complexities and ensure project deliverables are met on time and within budget.

What is the difference between Senior Instrument Engineer vs Instrument Technician?

AspectSenior Instrument EngineerInstrument Technician
CredentialsBachelor's degree in Engineering, certifications like CSE or ISATechnical diploma or associate degree, specialized training
Work EnvironmentDesign, project management, troubleshooting in industrial plantsInstallation, maintenance, calibration on-site
Industry UsageEngineering firms, oil & gas, manufacturingRefineries, power plants, process industries

While both roles involve instrumentation, the Senior Instrument Engineer focuses on design, planning, and troubleshooting at a higher level, often overseeing projects. The Instrument Technician handles hands-on installation, maintenance, and calibration tasks. Both roles are essential in industrial settings but differ in responsibilities and required qualifications.

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

Indianapolis, IN • On-site


Eli Lilly
Pharmaceutical Product Wholesalers • 10K+ employees

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 63 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

11th of 86 rated pharmaceutical

Great coworkers

People enjoy working here

Good employer


$99K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Senior Engineer - Automation Engineering

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 and experience in Automation Engineering, preferably in major pharmaceutical manufacturing.
  • 2+ years working experience in Biopharma engineering, operations, or manufacturing.
  • Experience working in highly automated Greenfield Pharmaceutical facility, using DeltaV DCS, Rockwell Allen Bradley PLC, BMS and 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.
  • Knowledge of GMP, regulatory requirements, computer system validation.
  • 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.

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 (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 $64,500 - $167,200.

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.


Eli Lilly logo

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


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