Instrument/Automation Service Engineer I OS

Abbott•Madison, WI

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Automation Service Engineer I installs, calibrates, maintains, and repairs laboratory automation equipment, from standard systems to complex and specialized platforms. Equipment may include liquid handling robots, 6-axis robots, work cells, and other automation used in clinical, research and development, manufacturing, and quality control laboratories. The role spends significant time performing routine and complex service work and operates in regulated environments, including clinical laboratories and production or manufacturing settings. The engineer provides timely, professional technical support to customers and works with other engineers, laboratory teams, operations, quality, R&D, and manufacturing to resolve issues and improve automation reliability and operational efficiency. The role performs system startups, calibrations, and qualification activities; documents work in accordance with Good Documentation Practices and applicable regulatory requirements; and supports the company’s Quality Management System. The engineer also contributes to service projects and upgrades, identifies recurring issues, and provides technical support and informal mentorship to technicians, escalating more complex concerns to senior engineers. The schedule is Tuesday through Friday, 8:00 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. The position may require nights, weekends, overtime, on-call work, and travel. It is based at 650 Forward Dr, Madison, Wisconsin, and involves local and other work-related travel. The role includes working with computers and mobile devices, standing and walking for extended periods, lifting up to 40 pounds, and possible exposure to hazardous materials, tissue specimens, and moving or temperature-controlled equipment.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related field; alternatively, an associate degree in Engineering, Technology, Electronics, or a similar field plus 2 years of experience.
At least 3 years of relevant experience.
Experience interpreting mechanical parts and assembly drawings.
Experience with electrical circuits and diagrams and electrical measurement tools such as multimeters and analyzers.
Demonstrated mechanical and troubleshooting aptitude, including hands-on experience with on-site calibration and preventive maintenance of automation equipment.
Ability to manage multiple tasks or deadlines under pressure while maintaining quality and attention to detail.
Ability to approach engineering problems methodically and exercise independent judgment within established practices and procedures.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, and with mobile devices or tablets.
Demonstrated ability to document service activities accurately and promptly.
Experience working independently and as part of a team.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to adapt to ambiguous situations, new information, and unexpected circumstances.
Ability to perform the essential duties with or without accommodation.
Authorization to work in the United States without sponsorship.
Ability to work the designated Tuesday–Friday, 8:00 p.m.–6:30 a.m. schedule, and nights or weekends as needed; ability to work overtime and on-call as assigned.
Ability to use a mobile device, tablet, computer, and telephone, including typing for approximately 70% of a typical workday and using a headset.
Ability to sit approximately 25–40% and stand approximately 60–75% of a typical workday; lift up to 40 pounds; and comply with applicable personal protective equipment requirements.
Ability to travel between local locations and away from the work location; the posting gives multiple estimates, including 10–20% and 5% of working time.

Nice To Haves

At least 3 years of experience with quality systems, documentation requirements, and regulatory compliance, such as OSHA, FDA, CLIA, ISO, or CAP.
At least 2 years of experience operating automation equipment, such as liquid handling robots, and performing hands-on technical troubleshooting.
Experience loading or updating software applications related to automation equipment.
Mechanical aptitude relevant to maintenance and repair of complex automation equipment, including liquid handling robots.
Understanding of electrical circuits and diagrams and use of common electrical measurement tools such as multimeters and oscilloscopes.
Experience with mechanical parts and assembly drawings and troubleshooting.
Experience working in a current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) environment.
Experience with database management, preferably developing continuous database-management procedures or process improvements.
Experience with validation processes and automation qualification.
Ability to plan workload, allocate tasks, and scale operations to align with business priorities.
Working knowledge of clinical laboratory service operations and activities.

Responsibilities

Install and commission automation systems and complete qualifications according to service policies and procedures.
Troubleshoot automation failures, conduct structured root-cause investigations, and implement corrective actions; collaborate with senior engineers on complex issues.
Perform preventive maintenance, calibrations, system startups, and qualification tasks, including IQ/OQ/PQ, using established protocols.
Conduct engineering design, platform eligibility testing, systems integration, and performance testing.
Complete and maintain accurate service records, reports, procedures, and troubleshooting guides in accordance with Good Documentation Practices and regulatory requirements; review Level I service records when appropriate.
Support the company’s Quality Management System and comply with applicable safety and regulatory requirements.
Develop expertise in complex automation equipment and provide hands-on mentorship or informal technical guidance to technicians.
Support R&D, manufacturing, and laboratory operations during automation changes, minor upgrades, and service projects.
Collaborate with engineers, cross-functional teams, operations, quality teams, laboratory teams, and external vendors to troubleshoot, maintain equipment, and prioritize service work.
Provide feedback on automation performance, identify recurring service issues, and suggest corrective actions and reliability improvements.
Maintain regular and reliable attendance, work the designated schedule, and uphold company values and inclusion-minded behaviors.