Process Automation Engineer
Elanco · Clinton, IN
- Level
- Engineer
- Team
- Controls
- Degree
- Required
- Industry
- Pharma & life sciences
- Posted
- 30+ days ago
The role in 30 seconds
An engineer-level controls role at Elanco (pharma & life sciences) in Clinton, IN. In this role, you’ll partner with cross-functional teams to plan, implement, and support Operational Technology (OT) solutions that improve quality, throughput, and cost while advancing the site’s automation strategy and lifecycle management.
- They ask for
- degree required
- Tools it names
- Validation (IQ/OQ/PQ), PLC, Automation
- Day to day
- some off-shift / weekend coverage · relocation help
Read from the posting. The full description is below.
From the plant jobs report · week of October 19, 2026
Controls Engineer roles in the US: typical posted base $97k–$143k.
Median of the low and high ends of 252 live postings that list pay, out of 735 controls engineer openings in the US, read from manufacturers' own careers sites.
Indiana plant jobs report →Pay by team and state →What moves pay →
How this role compares
Against 17 other live controls postings in Indiana.
- Experience asked
- Not stated
Similar roles usually ask 6+ years.
Skills these teams ask for most
- ✓ Automation 89%
- ✓ PLC 78%
- Robotics 61%
- ✓ Validation (IQ/OQ/PQ) 33%
- Team leadership 28%
- New product launch 22%
✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.
At a glance
Pulled from the posting text. If it's not listed here, the posting didn't say.
How to get in at this plant
Five moves over a week or two. The first one takes ten minutes.
- 1
Pick 2–3 people on the Controls team at Elanco
Engineers who joined in the last year or two reply the most. Use the team search on this page to find them.
- 2
Send a short, curious note
One real question about their work. No favors yet. Each person gets a different note, written for this role.
- 3
Turn a reply into a short call
Questions worth asking about this team:
- What does a normal week look like on your team?
- How does off-shift and weekend coverage work?
- How did you land the job? What stood out in your interviews?
- 4
Apply with someone vouching for you
If the call went well, ask whether they’d pass your résumé to the hiring manager. Send your résumé link, apply that day, and let them know.
- 5
Bring proof to the interview
One page of before-and-after numbers from projects you led: scrap, OEE, cycle time, cost. Plant managers hire on results.
This plant: Elanco in Clinton
1 other open role at this site.
- HVAC / Refrigerant Maintenance Technician · Reliability · Technician
Full description from ElancoAs posted on their careers site.ShowHide
Your Role: Process Automation Engineer
As a Process Automation Engineer, you will support the Clinton Manufacturing site by delivering and optimizing automation and control systems that drive safe, reliable, and efficient operations. In this role, you’ll partner with cross-functional teams to plan, implement, and support Operational Technology (OT) solutions that improve quality, throughput, and cost while advancing the site’s automation strategy and lifecycle management.
Your
Responsibilities
- ◆Provide troubleshooting, maintenance, change management, and ongoing support for control systems (PLCs, HMIs, DeltaV, vision, etc.) to ensure reliable operations
- ◆Lead and support small to medium automation projects, including planning, coordination of internal/contract resources, scheduling, and issue resolution
- ◆Identify and implement process improvements and optimized control strategies to enhance safety, quality, and productivity
- ◆Partner with Operations, Engineering, and Quality to ensure validated, compliant automation solutions that meet business
requirements
- ✓Train, mentor, and influence site teams to increase effective use of automation systems, data, and tools
to Succeed (minimum qualifications)
- ✓Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering (Controls, Automation, Computer/Control Systems, or related field)
- ✓Required Experience: Experience with industrial control system programming and support (PLCs, HMIs, DCS such as DeltaV) in a manufacturing environment
- ✓Top 2 skills: Strong project management and prioritization skills combined with excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration
What will give you a competitive edge (preferred qualifications)
- ✓Experience in a regulated manufacturing environment (pharma, biotech, food, or similar)
- ✓Knowledge of computer system validation (CSV) and change control practices
- ✓Experience supporting Operational Technology (OT) lifecycle strategy and system upgrades
- ✓Demonstrated ability to deliver automation-driven process improvements and business value
- ✓Experience coordinating contractors and cross-functional project teams
Show full description ↓Show less ↑
At Elanco (NYSE: ELAN) – it all starts with animals!
As a global leader in animal health, we are dedicated to innovation and delivering products and services to prevent and treat disease in farm animals and pets. At Elanco, we are driven by our vision of Food and Companionship Enriching Life and our purpose – all to Go Beyond for Animals, Customers, Society and Our People.
At Elanco, we pride ourselves on fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. We believe that diversity is the driving force behind innovation, creativity, and overall business success. Here, you’ll be part of a company that values and champions new ways of thinking, work with dynamic individuals, and acquire new skills and experiences that will propel your career to new heights.
Making animals’ lives better makes life better – join our team today!
Additional Information
- •Location: Clinton, IN – On-site manufacturing environment (24/7 support as business needs require)
Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown underrepresented groups are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At Elanco we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive work environment. If you think you might be a good fit for a role but don't necessarily meet every requirement, we encourage you to apply. You may be the right candidate for this role or other roles!
Elanco Benefits and Perks
We offer a comprehensive benefits package focusing on financial, physical, and mental well-being while encouraging our employees to pursue our purpose! Some highlights include:
- •Multiple relocation packages
- •Two weeklong shutdowns (mid-summer and year-end) in the US (in addition to PTO)
- •8-week parental leave
- •9 Employee Resource Groups
- •Annual bonus offering
- •Up to 6% 401K matching
Elanco is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status
Elanco may use automated tools, including AI, to support parts of our recruitment process, such as reviewing applications against job‑related criteria and/or transferrable skills. These tools help ensure a consistent, structured evaluation, but they do not make hiring decisions. All decisions involve a human reviewer. For more information on how we handle personal data, please see our Elanco Workforce Privacy Notice.