Instrumentation/Automation Service Engineer I

Abbott•Phoenix, AZ

1d•$22 - $45•Onsite

About The Position

The Automation Service Engineer I installs, calibrates, maintains, and repairs simple and complex laboratory automation equipment. The role provides technical support and works to meet customer needs promptly and professionally. It involves performing routine and complex equipment service tasks, including work on liquid handling robots, custom and off-the-shelf automation, 6-axis robots, work cells, and other specialized devices in clinical, R&D, manufacturing, and quality control laboratories. Work takes place in regulated environments, including clinical laboratories governed by CAP/CLIA and NYSDOH requirements, and production and manufacturing laboratories subject to cGMP, FDA, and ISO requirements. The Engineer I works with Engineer IIs, other engineers, laboratory teams, vendors, and cross-functional groups to resolve technical issues, share feedback about automation performance, and improve equipment reliability and operational efficiency. The position contributes to team development and day-to-day service operations, supports laboratory operations and customer satisfaction, and provides technical guidance and hands-on mentorship to technicians. The role also supports R&D, manufacturing, and laboratory operations during automation changes and minor upgrades. The position is scheduled for second shift, Tuesday through Friday or Wednesday through Saturday, either 2:00 PM–12:00 AM or 1:00 PM–11:00 PM. Work may include nights or weekends, overtime, and assigned on-call coverage. Travel is required; the posting lists 5% of the time and also states travel may be 10–20% between local locations and 10–20% of working time away from the work location, potentially including overnight or weekend travel.

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, including use of electrical measurement tools such as multimeters and analyzers.
Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines under pressure while maintaining quality and attention to detail.
Ability to exercise independent judgment within generally defined practices and procedures when selecting methods and techniques to obtain solutions.
Methodical approach to engineering problems.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook) and mobile devices or tablets.
Attention to detail and a track record of accurate, timely service documentation.
Experience working independently and as part of a team.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Mechanical and troubleshooting aptitude, including hands-on experience performing on-site calibrations and preventive maintenance of automation equipment.
Ability to work in ambiguous situations, adapt to new information, and respond effectively to 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 second-shift schedule and nights and/or weekends as needed; ability to work overtime and on-call as assigned.
Ability to use a mobile device, tablet, or computer and type for approximately 70% of a typical workday; ability to use a computer and phone simultaneously and a telephone through a headset.
Ability to work seated for approximately 25–40% and standing for approximately 60–75% of a typical workday; ability to lift up to 40 pounds.
Ability to comply with applicable personal protective equipment requirements and work around potential exposure to hazardous materials, tissue specimens, moving automation parts, lasers, heating and freezing elements, and high-speed centrifugation.
Ability and means to travel between local locations and away from the work location as required.

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, such as liquid handling robots.
Understanding of electrical circuits and diagrams, including 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 advanced 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 IQ/OQ/PQ qualification tasks according to established protocols.
Maintain accurate service records and documentation in accordance with Good Documentation Practices and applicable safety, regulatory, and Quality Management System requirements; review Level I service records when appropriate.
Develop expertise in servicing complex automation equipment and provide hands-on mentorship, informal guidance, and subject-matter-expert training to technicians and team members.
Interpret assembly drawings and conduct engineering design, platform eligibility testing, systems integration, and performance testing.
Support R&D, manufacturing, and laboratory operations during automation changes and minor upgrades; contribute to small service projects such as system upgrades and preventive-maintenance improvements under senior staff direction.
Maintain and update service reports, procedures, and troubleshooting guides to reflect current practices.
Work with operations and quality teams to prioritize service tasks and maintain system availability.
Identify recurring service issues and suggest basic corrective actions.
Communicate with colleagues, management, external vendors, engineers, and laboratory teams to coordinate troubleshooting and maintenance.
Support the company’s Quality Management System and uphold its mission and values through accountability, innovation, integrity, quality, and teamwork.
Maintain regular and reliable attendance and work the designated schedule, including nights, weekends, overtime, or on-call assignments as needed.
Travel between local locations and away from the work location as required.
Use a mobile device, tablet, computer, and telephone as part of daily work; work seated and standing, lift up to 40 pounds, and comply with applicable personal protective equipment requirements.