Biotech & Pharma OPT Jobs in Wisconsin
Wisconsin's biotech and pharma sector offers F-1 OPT candidates meaningful opportunities, anchored by employers like MilliporeSigma, Exact Sciences, and bioprocessing firms concentrated in Madison and Milwaukee. The state's research university ecosystem and growing biologics manufacturing base create consistent demand for lab, research, and quality roles that align with STEM OPT eligibility.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
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.
ABOUT THE JOB
Tech at Lilly MES Systems Engineer | Lilly Kenosha
Position Summary
Lilly is entering an exciting period of growth, and we are committed to delivering innovative medicines to patients around the world. This is an exciting once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to work in a state-of-the-art manufacturing site in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin.
The facility will utilize the latest technology to increase the company's manufacturing capacity in parenteral (injectable) medications, device assembly and packaging operations. The Lilly Kenosha site will leverage use of high-tech equipment, advanced highly integrated and automated manufacturing systems, and have a focus on minimizing the impact to our environment.
As MES Systems Engineer, your main function is to design, develop, implement, enhance, and maintain the Manufacturing Execution System (MES) software application that helps optimize manufacturing processes, reduce errors, and increase efficiency by integrating production operations with business systems. You will also play a key role as a Process Team member with direct ownership of day-to-day operations at the manufacturing site, representing the Tech@Lilly function.
Key Responsibilities
1. MES Solution Delivery:
- Bring your technical knowledge and experience to design, develop, implement, enhance, and maintain the MES solution that integrates production processes with business systems to optimize manufacturing efficiency, quality, and safety.
- Stay up to date with emerging trends in MES technologies.
2. System Operations and Support:
- Conduct testing, troubleshooting, and ongoing maintenance of the MES to ensure system reliability and accuracy of data.
- As a Process Team member, take direct ownership of day-to-day MES operations at the manufacturing site, representing the Tech@Lilly function.
3. Compliance and Quality:
- Ensure the MES is in compliance with industry-specific regulations, such as FDA guidelines and GMP requirements, Lilly policy and procedures, and local procedures to maintain product quality and safety.
- Ensure documented processes and procedures are in place for all activities to meet quality and compliance standards.
4. Collaboration and Continuous Improvement:
- Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams to drive continuous improvement in manufacturing operations.
- Effectively influence the business to drive value and implement the appropriate digital solutions.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree in Software Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related field such as Information Systems, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Industrial/Manufacturing Engineering, Mechatronics/Automation Engineering, or Biomedical Engineering.
- Strong understanding of GxP manufacturing processes and practices.
- Experience working with MES technologies such as MasterControl, Rockwell Automation PharmaSuite, Emerson Syncade, Siemens Camstar, or Werum PAS-X.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to identify and resolve technical issues related to MES systems, configurations, or integrations.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to build relationships with stakeholders and articulate complex technical concepts.
- Adaptability and flexibility to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
- Master's degree in Software Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related field.
- Expertise with related technologies and standards, including ISA-95, OPC, and data historians.
- Experience integrating MES with other enterprise systems, such as ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) and SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition), to ensure seamless data flow and system interoperability.
- Understanding of cybersecurity concepts and best practices related to MES technologies.
- Understanding of regulatory requirements in GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice), such as FDA regulations for pharmaceutical manufacturing.
- Experience building solutions using an agile framework across the entire solution lifecycle, including designing, implementing, automating, modernizing, maintaining, and optimizing solutions.
- Experience with Computer System Validation.
- Experience with technical mentoring and developing technical team members.
- Exposure to international operations, diverse teams, global IT projects, or working in a global organization.
OTHER INFORMATION
- Role is Monday through Friday and based on-site. Must be flexible in providing support to accommodate other inputs (production schedules, shutdowns, etc.). Occasional extended-hour and/or off-hour work may be required.
- Position will be based in the Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin area with the ability to travel to other U.S. Lilly sites and other global Lilly sites 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 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 $66,000 - $158,400.
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.
INTRODUCTION
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.
ABOUT THE JOB
Tech at Lilly MES Systems Engineer | Lilly Kenosha
Position Summary
Lilly is entering an exciting period of growth, and we are committed to delivering innovative medicines to patients around the world. This is an exciting once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to work in a state-of-the-art manufacturing site in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin.
The facility will utilize the latest technology to increase the company's manufacturing capacity in parenteral (injectable) medications, device assembly and packaging operations. The Lilly Kenosha site will leverage use of high-tech equipment, advanced highly integrated and automated manufacturing systems, and have a focus on minimizing the impact to our environment.
As MES Systems Engineer, your main function is to design, develop, implement, enhance, and maintain the Manufacturing Execution System (MES) software application that helps optimize manufacturing processes, reduce errors, and increase efficiency by integrating production operations with business systems. You will also play a key role as a Process Team member with direct ownership of day-to-day operations at the manufacturing site, representing the Tech@Lilly function.
Key Responsibilities
1. MES Solution Delivery:
- Bring your technical knowledge and experience to design, develop, implement, enhance, and maintain the MES solution that integrates production processes with business systems to optimize manufacturing efficiency, quality, and safety.
- Stay up to date with emerging trends in MES technologies.
2. System Operations and Support:
- Conduct testing, troubleshooting, and ongoing maintenance of the MES to ensure system reliability and accuracy of data.
- As a Process Team member, take direct ownership of day-to-day MES operations at the manufacturing site, representing the Tech@Lilly function.
3. Compliance and Quality:
- Ensure the MES is in compliance with industry-specific regulations, such as FDA guidelines and GMP requirements, Lilly policy and procedures, and local procedures to maintain product quality and safety.
- Ensure documented processes and procedures are in place for all activities to meet quality and compliance standards.
4. Collaboration and Continuous Improvement:
- Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams to drive continuous improvement in manufacturing operations.
- Effectively influence the business to drive value and implement the appropriate digital solutions.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree in Software Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related field such as Information Systems, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Industrial/Manufacturing Engineering, Mechatronics/Automation Engineering, or Biomedical Engineering.
- Strong understanding of GxP manufacturing processes and practices.
- Experience working with MES technologies such as MasterControl, Rockwell Automation PharmaSuite, Emerson Syncade, Siemens Camstar, or Werum PAS-X.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to identify and resolve technical issues related to MES systems, configurations, or integrations.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to build relationships with stakeholders and articulate complex technical concepts.
- Adaptability and flexibility to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
- Master's degree in Software Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related field.
- Expertise with related technologies and standards, including ISA-95, OPC, and data historians.
- Experience integrating MES with other enterprise systems, such as ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) and SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition), to ensure seamless data flow and system interoperability.
- Understanding of cybersecurity concepts and best practices related to MES technologies.
- Understanding of regulatory requirements in GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice), such as FDA regulations for pharmaceutical manufacturing.
- Experience building solutions using an agile framework across the entire solution lifecycle, including designing, implementing, automating, modernizing, maintaining, and optimizing solutions.
- Experience with Computer System Validation.
- Experience with technical mentoring and developing technical team members.
- Exposure to international operations, diverse teams, global IT projects, or working in a global organization.
OTHER INFORMATION
- Role is Monday through Friday and based on-site. Must be flexible in providing support to accommodate other inputs (production schedules, shutdowns, etc.). Occasional extended-hour and/or off-hour work may be required.
- Position will be based in the Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin area with the ability to travel to other U.S. Lilly sites and other global Lilly sites 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 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 $66,000 - $158,400.
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.
OPT Biotech & Pharma Job Roles in Wisconsin
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Search Biotech & Pharma Jobs in WisconsinBiotech & Pharma OPT Sponsorship Jobs in Wisconsin: Frequently Asked Questions
Which biotech and pharma companies sponsor F-1 OPT visas in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin employers with documented OPT hiring patterns in biotech and pharma include Exact Sciences, MilliporeSigma (a Merck KGaA subsidiary), Promega Corporation, and Exact Sciences in Madison, along with pharmaceutical manufacturing operations in the Milwaukee metro area. These companies regularly hire for research, analytical chemistry, and quality assurance roles that qualify under STEM OPT. Sponsorship practices vary by department, role level, and hiring cycle.
Which cities in Wisconsin have the most biotech and pharma F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs?
Madison concentrates the largest share of Wisconsin's biotech and pharma OPT opportunities, driven by proximity to the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a dense cluster of life sciences companies and research institutes. Milwaukee is the secondary hub, with pharma manufacturing and medical device firms active in the surrounding metro. Smaller pockets of activity exist in Green Bay and the Fox Valley corridor, primarily in pharmaceutical distribution and quality roles.
What types of biotech and pharma roles typically qualify for F-1 OPT sponsorship in Wisconsin?
Roles that commonly qualify for STEM OPT in Wisconsin's biotech and pharma sector include research associate, analytical chemist, quality control specialist, process development scientist, regulatory affairs coordinator, and bioinformatics analyst positions. These roles require degrees in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, or related STEM fields. Non-STEM degree holders are limited to the standard 12-month OPT period, while STEM graduates can apply for a 24-month extension with an eligible employer.
How do I find biotech and pharma F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs in Wisconsin?
Migrate Mate lets you filter specifically for F-1 OPT-compatible biotech and pharma jobs in Wisconsin, so you're not sifting through postings that won't consider international candidates. The platform surfaces roles from employers with demonstrated OPT sponsorship activity in the state, including Madison and Milwaukee based companies. Searching by both city and role type helps narrow results to positions that match your degree field, which matters for STEM OPT extension eligibility.
Are there any Wisconsin-specific or industry-specific considerations for F-1 OPT sponsorship in biotech and pharma?
Wisconsin's biotech sector has a strong academic-to-industry pipeline through UW-Madison's research programs, which means many employers are familiar with OPT timelines and the E-Verify requirement that applies to STEM OPT extension employers. Bioprocessing and pharmaceutical manufacturing roles are subject to FDA oversight, so employers may require specific compliance training before hire. International candidates should confirm that their degree field aligns with the STEM OPT designated degree list before applying, as not all life science degrees automatically qualify.