Instrumentation/Automation Service Engineer I

Abbott•Madison, WI

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Automation Service Engineer I installs, calibrates, maintains, and repairs simple and complex laboratory automation equipment across clinical, research and development, manufacturing, and quality control settings. Equipment may include liquid-handling robots, six-axis robots, work cells, and other specialized devices. The role provides technical support, helps meet customer needs, and supports reliable laboratory operations in regulated environments, including clinical laboratories and production or manufacturing laboratories. The engineer spends significant time performing routine and complex equipment service tasks and works with Engineer IIs, other engineers, laboratory teams, operations, quality, vendors, and technicians. The position supports troubleshooting, automation changes and minor upgrades, system qualifications, and continuous improvement. It requires clear communication, sound documentation, attention to quality, adaptability, and the ability to work independently or collaboratively. The designated schedule is Tuesday through Friday, 8:00 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. The role may also require nights or weekends as needed, overtime, on-call assignments, and travel between local locations or away from the work location. The position is based in Madison, Wisconsin, and is listed as a night-shift role. The posted base pay is $22.45–$44.85 per hour, with possible variation by location.

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 or deadlines under pressure while maintaining quality and attention to detail.
Ability to exercise independent judgment within defined practices and procedures when selecting methods and techniques to obtain solutions.
Demonstrated methodical approach to engineering problems.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, and with mobile devices or tablets.
Strong attention to detail and a 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 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; nights, weekends, overtime, and on-call work may be required as needed.
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 use a telephone headset.
Ability to sit approximately 25–40% and stand 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 laboratory hazards.
Ability and means to travel between local locations and away from the work location; the job posting lists travel requirements of 10–20% in the role description and 5% in the job details.

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 maintaining and repairing 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.
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.
Perform preventive maintenance, calibrations, system startups, and IQ/OQ/PQ qualification tasks according to established protocols.
Complete accurate service records and maintain 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 and informal technical guidance to technicians.
Interpret assembly drawings in support of service work.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams, service engineers, laboratory teams, vendors, and other stakeholders to troubleshoot and maintain equipment.
Support R&D, Manufacturing, and Lab Operations during automation changes and minor upgrades.
Conduct engineering design, platform eligibility testing, systems integration, or performance testing.
Contribute to small service projects, including system upgrades and preventive maintenance improvements, under senior staff direction.
Maintain and update service reports, procedures, and troubleshooting guides to reflect current practices.
Partner with operations and quality teams to prioritize service tasks and maintain system availability.
Identify recurring service issues and suggest basic corrective actions; escalate complex problems to senior engineers.
Manage multiple tasks and deadlines while maintaining quality and attention to detail.
Comply with company policies, the Quality Management System, safety requirements, and applicable regulations.
Maintain regular and reliable attendance and work the designated schedule.
Work on mobile devices, tablets, computers, and phones; use a telephone headset as needed.
Travel between local locations and travel away from the work location, potentially including overnight or weekend travel.
Use required personal protective equipment and work safely around hazardous materials, tissue specimens, and automation equipment.