Lead Chemical Operator - Peptide Synthesis

Company: Lilly
Location: Carmel
Posted on: March 1, 2026

Job Description:

At Lilly, we unite caring with discovery to make life better for people around the world. We are a global healthcare leader headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our employees around the world work to discover and bring life-changing medicines to those who need them, improve the understanding and management of disease, and give back to our communities through philanthropy and volunteerism. We give our best effort to our work, and we put people first. We’re looking for people who are determined to make life better for people around the world. Organization Overview: Lilly is currently constructing an advanced manufacturing facility for production of API (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient) molecules located in Lebanon, IN. This facility is Lilly’s largest investment in manufacturing capacity and is intended to provide APIs for current and future products, including new modalities. This is a unique opportunity to be a part of the startup team for a greenfield manufacturing site, and the successful candidate will help to build the processes and facility to enable a successful startup into GMP manufacturing operations. Position Brand Description: The Lead Operator for API manufacturing operations is directly responsible for the production of API molecules used in Lilly medicines. The Lead Operator will be responsible for upholding a safety-first, quality-always mindset in the production of API while running a production process that incorporates a wide range of unit operations. In the project delivery phase and startup phase of the project (startup expected 2025 to 2027), 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. Responsibilities: Maintain compliance with all regulatory requirements at all times. Support the execution of the production plan for the site. Carry out daily monitoring testing and cleaning duties as assigned on the above listed systems to ensure equipment and systems are in good operating conditions and they are maintained in accordance with local and corporate regulatory requirements. Enter Trackwise events, participate in and lead CAPA investigations Troubleshoot and diagnose process problems and take appropriate actions to minimize deviations or site impact Understand Health, Safety & Environmental-regulated environment and application of Health & Safety/Process Safety standards in order to execute key/critical GMP duties. Understand other area processes & their operational hazards and being able to react appropriately. Monitor and collect data on equipment use and performance i.e. trying to anticipate potential equipment reliability problems. Work with Maintenance and Technical Support to respond appropriately to potential utility supply upsets or equipment failure. Contact the appropriate help if there is a problem or an event (spill/deviation/incident) during processing. Communicate to other shifts regarding the status of the area operations and details of any issues/problems that have occurred at handover. Actively participate in assigned building & area operations such as safety audits, procedure co-ordination, housekeeping and improvement projects. Be trained and qualified on all specified unit operations within the building. Identify concerns for informal or formal discussion (shift meetings, safety representative). Know and follow cGMP practices, safe work habits, plant dress code, hygiene standards, and housekeeping requirements unique to the work area and job classification. Ability to effectively communicate (electronically, written and verbal). Basic computer skills (desktop software) are required. Basic Requirements: High School Diploma or equivalent 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. Completion of Post Offer Exam or Completion of Work Simulation if applicable. 3 years chemical processing experience or equivalent comparable manufacturing experience Additional Preferences: Previous experience in facility/area start-up environments Previous experience in a pharmaceutical manufacturing operation with PSM-regulated/hazardous chemicals Ability to assume leadership and prioritize daily priorities without direct supervision Solid understanding of FDA guidelines and cGMP requirements Strong organizational skills and ability to handle and prioritize multiple requests Knowledge of lean manufacturing principles Flexibility – ability to troubleshoot and triage challenges Ability to understand technical nomenclature and language as well as work with mathematical formulas Manual material handling as appropriate Bend, reach, stretch, climb ladders, and work in tight spaces Stand for long periods Additional Information: Ability to work rotating 12-hour day or night shifts Ability to work flexible schedules during startup period Ability to work overtime as required 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 Network, Black Employees at Lilly, Chinese Culture Network, Japanese International Leadership Network (JILN), Lilly India Network, Organization of Latinx at Lilly (OLA), PRIDE (LGBTQ Allies), Veterans Leadership Network (VLN), Women’s Initiative for Leading at Lilly (WILL), enAble (for people with disabilities). Learn more about all of our groups. Actual compensation will depend on a candidate’s education, experience, skills, and geographic location. The anticipated wage for this position is $25.96 - $41.25 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

Keywords: Lilly, Fairfield , Lead Chemical Operator - Peptide Synthesis, Manufacturing , Carmel, Ohio