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Senior Principal Automation Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Principal Automation Engineer

Cranston, RI · On-site

$122K - $169K/yr

As a recognized subject matter expert, the Principal Automation Engineer will play a critical role in evaluating customer requirements, developing manufacturing concepts, supporting technical ...

Principal Automation Engineer

Staunton, VA · On-site

$122K - $169K/yr

As a recognized subject matter expert, the Principal Automation Engineer will play a critical role in evaluating customer requirements, developing manufacturing concepts, supporting technical ...

Principal Automation Engineer

Cranston, RI · On-site

$122K - $169K/yr

As a recognized subject matter expert, the Principal Automation Engineer will play a critical role in evaluating customer requirements, developing manufacturing concepts, supporting technical ...

Principal Automation Engineer

Staunton, VA · On-site

$122K - $169K/yr

As a recognized subject matter expert, the Principal Automation Engineer will play a critical role in evaluating customer requirements, developing manufacturing concepts, supporting technical ...

Principal Automation Engineer - Bulk Manufacturing Position Summary The Principal Automation Engineer provides technical leadership and subject matter expertise for automation systems supporting bulk ...

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Senior Principal Automation Engineer information

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$85.5K

$128.2K

$209K

How much do senior principal automation engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior principal automation engineer in the United States is $128,153.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $106,000.00 and $135,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a senior principal automation engineer?

A Senior Principal Automation Engineer is a highly experienced professional who leads the design, development, and implementation of automation systems in industries such as manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, or technology. They are responsible for overseeing complex automation projects, mentoring engineering teams, and ensuring that automation solutions are reliable, efficient, and scalable. This role often requires expertise in control systems, robotics, programming, and project management. Senior Principal Automation Engineers also collaborate with stakeholders to align automation strategies with business goals and ensure compliance with industry standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior principal automation engineer?

To thrive as a Senior Principal Automation Engineer, you need deep expertise in automation engineering, advanced knowledge of control systems, and a degree in engineering, often backed by significant industry experience. Familiarity with PLCs, SCADA systems, industrial networking, and certifications like ISA/IEC standards or PMP are highly valued. Exceptional leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills set top candidates apart, enabling them to guide teams and manage complex projects. These capabilities ensure the delivery of robust, efficient automation solutions that drive operational excellence and innovation.

How does a senior principal automation engineer typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during large-scale automation projects?

A Senior Principal Automation Engineer often works closely with software developers, quality assurance specialists, IT infrastructure teams, and project managers to ensure seamless integration and implementation of automation solutions. They are responsible for translating business requirements into technical specifications, mentoring junior engineers, and facilitating communication between technical and non-technical stakeholders. Effective collaboration is key to overcoming challenges such as aligning automation strategies with broader organizational goals and troubleshooting complex system interactions.

What is the difference between Senior Principal Automation Engineer vs Senior Automation Engineer?

AspectSenior Principal Automation EngineerSenior Automation Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires advanced degrees (BS, MS, or PhD) in engineering or related fields, with extensive experience in automationUsually requires a bachelor's or master's degree with significant automation experience
Work EnvironmentLeads complex automation projects, sets strategic direction, and mentors teams in large-scale or enterprise settingsFocuses on designing, developing, and implementing automation solutions under senior guidance
Industry UsageCommonly found in large corporations, R&D, and specialized automation sectorsWidely used across manufacturing, software, and industrial automation companies

The Senior Principal Automation Engineer typically holds more advanced credentials, leads strategic automation initiatives, and operates in larger, more complex environments compared to the Senior Automation Engineer, who focuses on technical execution and project delivery.

What cities are hiring for Senior Principal Automation Engineer jobs?

Cities with the most Senior Principal Automation Engineer job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Senior Principal Automation Engineer jobs?

For Senior Principal Automation Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Senior Principal Automation Engineer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 89% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $128,153 per year, or $61.6 per hour.

Sr. Principal DeltaV Automation Engineer - Biotechnology

Richmond, VA • On-site

Eli Lilly and Company
Pharmaceutical Product Wholesalers • 10K+ employees

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 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


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.


Sr. Principal DeltaV Automation Engineer - Biotechnology

Lilly is currently constructing an advanced manufacturing facility for production of monoclonal antibodies and bioconjugates located in Richmond, VA. This facility is intended to provide APIs for current and future products, including new modalities. This is a unique opportunity to be a part of the site technical team for the startup of a greenfield manufacturing site, and the successful candidate will help to build the organization, the facility and the culture to enable a successful startup into GMP manufacturing operations.


Responsibilities:

The Sr. Principal Automation Engineer is a senior automation position that will lead the design and delivery of the DeltaV platform and associated software integration teams as part of Lilly's manufacturing expansion. This role is intended to lead one or more project workstreams for the automation DCS function including design, scheduling, staffing, and qualification in the Drug Substance (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient) network.

During the design and delivery (startup expected 2029 to 2030) of the project this role will be integrated into the corporate delivery team leading one or more workstreams on the design, delivery, and startup of drug substance manufacturing focusing on monoclonal antibodies. This role will collaborate with A&E firms, system integrators, corporate and site engineering peers, and Tech@Lilly (Lilly's corporate IT team) develop and manage the DeltaV DCS system and software design, testing, startup, and qualification.

The Sr. Principal Automation Engineer is a site-based position but will be closely integrated with Lilly's Corporate Automation Team GPACE. GPACE (Global Process Automation & Control Engineering) provides automation, measurement, and process control solutions to Lilly manufacturing as well as a technical resource for training, standards, and capital project delivery.

Post project delivery, this role will support GMP manufacturing operations in monoclonal antibodies or Bioconjugates. This will require significant collaboration, creativity and resilience as the site grows to a full scale GMP manufacturing through start up.

Key Deliverables:

  • Champion a strong safety culture, mentor and coach others, and utilize engineering and automation fundamental principles in design and problem solving.

  • Collaborate with Lilly engineering, A&E firms, and system integrators to develop requirements and specifications that will be the foundation for software development and system architecture.

  • Manage one or more system integrators for fully deliver and test DeltaV software.

  • Collaborate with Tech@Lilly to deliver a fully integrated Automation/MES solution that is scaled for the needs of business.

  • Participate in basic and detailed design that also includes staffing, statements of work, supplier management, and delivery strategies for automation systems.

  • Participate in developing computer system validation strategies.

  • Develop and build capabilities within the Richmond site automation team.

  • Develop site procedures for automation platforms and associated administration activities.

  • Provide engineering support for Process Safety Management (PSM) and Process Hazard Reviews (PHRs).

  • Provide technical oversight during development of equipment and process system User Requirements and related Design Review/Qualification documentation to ensure equipment and systems are appropriate for intended purpose.

Basic Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in engineering or related applicable discipline required.

  • 5+ years of experience Process Automation with experience on the Emerson DeltaV Platform.

  • 5+ years of experience in or supporting manufacturing.

  • 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:

  • Technical knowledge in process instrumentation.

  • API/Drug Substance GMP manufacturing experience.

  • Batch control.

  • Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.

  • Ability to collaborate with others.

  • Ability to influence.

  • Technical knowledge on the utilization of data historians.

  • Experience with system integration including MES.

Additional Information:

  • Potential for travel (less than 20% - could be domestic and/or international).

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

$79,500 - $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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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