Sr. Process Development & Automation Engineer

Position Overview

The Senior Engineer, Process Development & Automation leads, manages, implements, and provides technical engineering support for a variety of process automation hardware, software applications, and laboratory instruments. This position collaborates cross-functionally with internal and external partners to enhance existing workflows and develop new automated workflows in a complex, rapidly evolving clinical laboratory.

Engineering Design & Project Leadership

• Develop process architectures and functional specifications based on user and workflow requirements.
• Lead planning activities and conduct complex engineering design, platform eligibility testing, systems integration, and performance testing.
• Manage moderately complex projects and initiatives, applying project leadership skills in planning, delegating, influencing, and managing priorities.
• Provide input for project design and development, and accurately estimate task effort.
• Take scientific bench protocols from the bench to the automation system.
• Contribute creative, practical ideas and insights on new technologies, testing methodologies, applications, techniques, and procedures.
• Make decisions involving complex issues, working autonomously and checking in with the supervisor or project lead as decisions are made.

Instrumentation & Automation Lifecycle

• Work with project managers and cross-functional teams on user requirements, factory acceptance tests, validation planning, site acceptance tests, pre-installation planning, initial installation, setup, maintenance, and improvement for new or upgraded instrumentation and automation systems.
• Lead recommendations and implementation of changes that ensure ongoing high-quality performance of laboratory equipment.
• Lead technical investigation and troubleshooting of laboratory systems.
• Independently address routine issues using documented procedures and historical case research.
• Support and respond to complex system problems, counseling internal and external vendors and Laboratory Service Engineers on corrective and preventive actions.
• Maintain oversight of the quality of mechanical repairs and related documentation.
• Lead continuous improvement projects that drive cost reduction and lab efficiency.

Quality, Safety & Compliance

• Ensure new and existing instrumentation meets safety requirements and compliance standards.
• Maintain records and follow laboratory procedures to meet regulatory requirements such as FDA, CLIA, and/or CAP.
• Support and comply with the company's Quality Management System policies and procedures.
• Adhere to the maintenance schedule and maintain detailed records.

Collaboration, Mentorship & Communication

• Mentor and provide technical guidance to service engineers, laboratory technicians, junior engineers, and other members of the Process Development & Automation team.
• Actively and constructively contribute to others' designs through design reviews within the organization.
• Facilitate reuse by communicating available technologies and opportunities across the organization.
• Present factual information and convey very complex information clearly, in both written and oral form.
• Influence others, gain acceptance, and build consensus.
• Communicate issues, problems, and results that affect timelines, accuracy, and reliability of data.
• Understand internal and external customer needs and how they affect business unit products and services.
• Continuously develop personal knowledge and expertise related to the service of complex clinical laboratory equipment.

Skills & Competencies

• Advanced knowledge of engineering theories, practices, and procedures, applied to complete assignments.
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw data-driven conclusions.
• Excellent verbal and written English communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to follow procedures, maintain detailed records, and manage time effectively across competing priorities.
• Highly motivated, able to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Adaptable and open to change; able to work in ambiguous situations and respond to new information and unexpected circumstances.
• Creativity and latitude, including the ability to multi-task and work productively in a demanding environment with changing priorities.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related field; or an Associate's degree in Engineering, Technology, Electronics, or a similar field plus 2 years of experience.
• 6+ years of experience in engineering or a relevant industry.
• Advanced knowledge of engineering theories, practices, and procedures.
• Authorization to work in the United States without sponsorship.
• Demonstrated ability to perform the essential duties of the position, with or without accommodation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related field and 10+ years of relevant experience; or an Associate's degree in Engineering, Technology, Electronics, or a similar field with 12+ years of relevant industry experience.
• Technical proficiency and experience in automation, system development, and integration in a laboratory environment.
• Experience in process optimization involving complex workflows with both system equipment and software components.
• Experience working in a CAP/CLIA and/or other regulated production environment.
• Advanced knowledge of databases, laboratory information management systems, and other file management applications.

Physical Requirements & Work Conditions

• Work seated and in front of a computer screen and/or typing approximately 80% of a typical working day.
• Work standing approximately 20% of a typical working day.
• Lift up to 50 pounds for less than 5% of a typical working day.
• Comply with all applicable personal protective equipment requirements.
• Travel approximately 10% of working time for occasional training, out-of-state vendor site visits, and travel between Abbott Cancer Diagnostics sites.
• Regular and reliable attendance; occasional evening and weekend work may be required.