Instrumentation/Automation Service Engineer I
Abbott Laboratories
Summary
The Automation Service Engineer I role is responsible for the installation, calibration, maintenance, and repair of both simple and complex laboratory automation equipment. The role fosters positive interactions, provides technical support, and ensures customer needs are met in a timely and professional manner. The Engineer I will spend significant time (up to 65%) performing routine and complex tasks related to the calibration, maintenance, and repair of automation equipment across clinical, R&D, manufacturing, and quality control laboratories.
Job description
Position Overview
The Automation Service Engineer I role is responsible for the installation, calibration, maintenance, and repair of both simple and complex laboratory automation equipment. The role fosters positive interactions, provides technical support, and ensures customer needs are met in a timely and professional manner. The Engineer I will spend significant time (up to 65%) performing routine and complex tasks related to the calibration, maintenance, and repair of automation equipment across clinical, R&D, manufacturing, and quality control laboratories.
Essential Duties
- Install and commission advanced automation systems, ensuring qualifications are completed per service policies and procedures.
- Leads structured root cause investigations for automation failures and implements corrective actions.
- Perform routine preventive maintenance and calibrations in accordance with service policies.
- Complete accurate service records, ensure documentation meets Good Documentation Practices (GDP), and comply with safety and regulatory requirements (e.g., OSHA, FDA, ISO, CLIA) and support the company's Quality Management System (QMS).
- Continuously develop expertise in servicing complex automation equipment and provide hands-on mentorship to Level 1 technicians.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams and service engineers to ensure effective troubleshooting and maintenance.
- Perform system startups, calibrations, and qualification tasks (IQ/OQ/PQ) following established protocols.
- Conduct engineering design, platform eligibility testing, systems integration, or performance testing.
- Contribute to small service projects, such as system upgrades and preventive maintenance improvements, under the direction of senior staff.
- Maintain service documentation, including reports, procedures, and troubleshooting guides.
Schedule
Shift: Tuesday - Friday 8:00 pm - 6:30 am.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field; or Associate's degree in Engineering, Technology, Electronics, or similar field with 2 years of experience
- 3+ years of relevant experience
- Experience interpreting mechanical parts and assembly drawings
- Experience with electrical circuits and diagrams, including use of multi-meters and analyzers
- Ability to operate under pressure, managing multiple tasks and/or deadlines while maintaining quality and attention to detail
- Exercises independent judgment within generally defined practices and procedures
- Demonstrated ability to approach engineering problems methodically
- Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and mobile devices/tablets
- Proven attention to detail with accurate and timely documentation of service activities
- Experience working independently and as part of a team
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Demonstrated mechanical and troubleshooting aptitude with hands-on experience performing on-site calibrations and preventative maintenance of automation equipment
- Experience working in ambiguous situations and adapting to new information
- Authorization to work in the United States without sponsorship
Benefits
- 401(k) Matching
- Medical, Dental & Vision
- Paid Time Off
Company overview
Abbott Laboratories is a global healthcare technology leader founded in 1888 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. As an international medtech and pharmaceutical company, Abbott operates in approximately 160 countries worldwide with a workforce of over 115,000 employees. The company is organized into four major business segments: Medical Devices (48% of revenue), Diagnostics (20%), Nutritional Products (19%), and Established Pharmaceutical Products (12%). Abbott's medical devices portfolio includes revolutionary technologies such as the FreeStyle Libre continuous glucose monitoring system for diabetes management, cardiovascular devices like the MitraClip and TriClip for heart valve repair, and neuromodulation systems for chronic pain management. The company's diagnostics division pioneered breakthrough tests including the first licensed HIV blood test in 1985. With a rich history spanning over 135 years, Abbott has consistently been recognized as one of Fortune's World's Most Admired Companies since 1984 and continues to drive innovation in healthcare technology to help people live healthier, fuller lives.