Eli Lilly

Senior Director, Mechanical & Materials Engineering | Drug Delivery Devices & Combination Products

Eli Lilly$163K — $239K *
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, or Materials Science required.
  • 5+ years of leadership experience in mechanical or materials engineering within regulated products.
  • Experience leading engineering organizations with at least 40 team members.
  • Strong knowledge of regulated product development and verification testing.
  • Understanding of manufacturing processes and interfaces.

Responsibilities

  • Set and manage mechanical and materials technical strategy to align with objectives.
  • Establish engineering standards and best practices for development.
  • Champion right-the-first-time quality across the organization.
  • Monitor quality signals to drive corrective actions effectively.
  • Lead capability improvement initiatives in alignment with transformation maps.
  • Oversee internal and external GMP testing for compliance and design verification.
  • Grow platform management initiatives across delivery systems.

Benefits

  • Company-sponsored 401(k) and pension plan.
  • Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug benefits.
  • Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care.
  • Life insurance and death benefits options.
  • Well-being benefits including employee assistance programs and fitness benefits.
Full Job Description
Organization Overview:

Delivery, Devices & Connected Solutions (DDCS) is responsible for the design, development, and lifecycle management of drug delivery devices, digital solutions, and connected systems that enable Lilly's medicines. Within DDCS, Delivery Systems & Technology provides the core engineering leadership for device platforms, materials, and system architectures. The Mechanical & Materials organization plays a critical role in ensuring robust, compliant, and scalable delivery system solutions through strong mechanical design, materials science, and testing capabilities.

Position Overview:

Help shape how the world's leading medicines reach patients. We are seeking a PhD-credentialed engineering leader to own the mechanical design, materials science, and verification testing capabilities behind Lilly's drug delivery devices and combination products. Leading a global team of roughly 40 engineers, you will set technical strategy, drive a right-the-first-time quality culture, and deliver platform-based solutions that enable predictable, scalable execution across the DDCS portfolio. You will partner across Systems, Manufacturing, Quality, and digital teams to manage technical risk, advance capability transformation, and bring next-generation delivery platforms to life. If you are energized by complex, regulated engineering challenges with a direct line to patient impact, this role offers the scope, the team, and the platform to make it happen.

Key Responsibilities:

Technical & Organizational Leadership

  • Set and own the mechanical and materials technical strategy, aligned with DDCS platform, sustainability, and delivery objectives.


  • Establish and maintain engineering standards, governance, and best practices for mechanical and materials development.


Right-First-Time Quality & Execution Excellence

  • Champion a right-the-first-time mindset across the M&M organization, with accountability for reducing deviations and improving execution discipline.


  • Actively monitor deviations and quality signals to identify themes, drive corrective actions, and review progress through established governance forums.


  • Partner closely with Quality, Manufacturing, and Systems teams to proactively manage technical and compliance risk.


Capability Transformation & Testing Network Leadership

  • Advance M&M capability improvement initiatives in alignment with established transformation maps, including regular reviews, updates, and progress tracking.


  • Lead and optimize internal and external GMP testing capabilities supporting Design Verification and Stability studies.


  • Establish effective governance and performance metrics with external testing partners.


  • Drive readiness of testing sites, SOP updates, and operational coordination across the testing network.


  • Enable improved scheduling, workload management, and data flow across testing activities.


Platform & Portfolio Delivery

  • Grow and expand the platform management initiative across DDCS delivery systems, fostering platform thinking in data, designs, and deliverables.


  • Ensure Mechanical & Materials leadership and support for critical programs, including successful delivery of Boone platform devices through DV, RS, and subsequent phases.


  • Balance near-term execution needs with longer-term platform and capability investments to support the DDCS portfolio.


People, Culture & Ways of Working

  • Model and reinforce DDCS @ Work expectations, including safety, inclusion, and effective use of digital tools.


  • Build strong talent pipelines, develop future leaders, and create an inclusive environment where teams can perform at their best.


  • Leverage digital tools and automation to improve efficiency, data integrity, and decision-making across the organization.


Basic Requirements:

  • PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, or Materials Science (or a closely related engineering discipline) required.


  • 5+ years of progressive leadership experience in mechanical and/or materials engineering for complex, regulated products.


  • Demonstrated experience leading sizable engineering organizations (on the order of 40 or more people) and large, geographically distributed cross-functional teams.


  • Strong understanding of regulated product development, verification testing, and manufacturing interfaces.


Additional Preferences:

  • Direct experience developing drug delivery devices, injectables, or combination products in a regulated (FDA/ISO 13485) environment.


  • Deep knowledge of materials science, mechanical architectures, and manufacturing processes.


  • Experience managing external testing partners and supplier networks.


  • Strong systems thinking and executive-level communication skills.


  • Proven ability to drive transformation while delivering results.


Other Information:

  • Location: Indianapolis, IN (hybrid)


  • Travel: Up to 15%


Actual compensation will depend on a candidate's education, experience, skills, and geographic location. The anticipated wage for this position is
$163,500 - $239,800

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

About Eli Lilly

ICOS Corporation is a biotechnology company that engages in the discovery, development, and commercialization of therapeutic products. It is engaged in the commercialization of treatments for unmet medical conditions, such as benign prostatic hyperplasia, hypertension, pulmonary arterial hypertension, cancer, and inflammatory diseases. It is the developer of a treatment known as Cialis (tadalafil), a product for the treatment of erectile dysfunction through its joint venture with Eli Lilly and Company in North America and Europe. It is also engaged in contract manufacturing services for third parties. It is in a strategic alliance with Solvay Pharmaceuticals, Inc. ICOS Corporation was established in 1989, based in Bothell, Washington. It is currently operated by Eli Lilly and Company.

Eli Lilly Careers

Joining Eli Lilly offers an unparalleled opportunity to become part of a leading global team dedicated to creating a healthier future. As a company revered for its commitment to innovation and leadership in the pharmaceutical industry, Eli Lilly is where your professional journey can flourish. Work You’ll Do At Eli Lilly, we are passionate about transforming patient care and advancing medical innovation. Our team at Eli Lilly is at the forefront of developing groundbreaking solutions in healthcare. By joining us, you will collaborate with some of the brightest minds in the industry, using cutting-edge technology to make real-world impacts. Lead with Innovation and Leadership Eli Lilly stands out in the marketplace by integrating deep industry expertise with robust research and development efforts. We are looking for professionals who are eager to drive change and lead the way in developing therapeutic breakthroughs. Explore Job Opportunities and Growth Eli Lilly offers a variety of career paths, including full-time positions and internships, across multiple functions such as research, marketing, IT, and sales. Whether you are a seasoned professional or a recent graduate, Eli Lilly provides an environment that promotes career growth and learning opportunities. Our commitment to diversity and leadership training ensures that every employee can achieve their potential. Be Part of Our Team Our team at Eli Lilly is committed to excellence and driven by a mission to improve lives. Employees enjoy a supportive culture that values collaboration, creativity, and diversity. We believe that a diverse workforce fosters innovation and helps us better connect with the communities we serve. Benefits and Culture Eli Lilly is dedicated to supporting our employees, offering competitive benefits, wellness programs, and comprehensive health care. Our culture is built on a foundation of respect, integrity, and quality, making Eli Lilly not just a great place to work, but a community to grow with. Networking and Professional Development Eli Lilly encourages continuous professional development and networking. With access to various training programs and mentorship opportunities, employees can enhance their skills and advance their careers. Our leadership is committed to nurturing talent through effective training and development strategies. Join Our Team Discover the exciting job opportunities at Eli Lilly by exploring open positions that match your skills and interests. We are continuously hiring and looking for individuals who are passionate, innovative, and ready to contribute to our mission of making life better for people around the globe. Stay Connected Keep up to date with the latest at Eli Lilly by following our careers blog. Gain insights from industry leaders and get tips on everything from crafting the perfect resume to preparing for your interview. Eli Lilly is not just a company—it's a place where you can make a difference. Explore the positions available and find out how your talents can help change the world. SEARCH ELI LILLY JOBS Stay ahead in your career with Eli Lilly, where innovation, leadership, and a commitment to diversity and growth lead the way to future advancements.
Learn more about Eli Lilly
Size
35,000 employees
Market Cap
$344.2 billion
Industry
Net Income
$6.1 billion
Founded
1876
5 Year Trend
+5.9%
Revenue
$24.5 billion
NASDAQ

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