Instrumentation/Automation Service Engineer I

Abbott•Madison, WI

5d•$22 - $45•Onsite

About The Position

Abbott’s Automation Service Engineer I installs, calibrates, maintains, and repairs laboratory automation equipment across clinical, research and development, manufacturing, and quality control laboratories. Equipment may include liquid handling robots, 6-axis robots, work cells, and other custom or off-the-shelf automation. The role supports equipment operating in regulated environments, including clinical laboratories subject to CAP/CLIA and NYSDOH requirements and manufacturing environments subject to cGMP, FDA, and ISO requirements. The engineer spends significant time performing routine and complex service work, provides technical support, and helps ensure customer needs and laboratory operations are addressed professionally and promptly. The engineer works with Engineer IIs, other engineers, laboratory teams, operations, quality, R&D, manufacturing, technicians, and external vendors. The role contributes to troubleshooting, system reliability and efficiency improvements, equipment changes and minor upgrades, service projects, and team development. It calls for clear communication, collaboration, adaptability, accountability, and consistent attention to quality and documentation. The position is scheduled Tuesday through Friday, 8:00 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. It may also require nights or weekends as needed, overtime, assigned on-call work, and travel. The role includes regular use of computers and mobile devices, substantial standing, and lifting up to 40 pounds. Work may involve exposure to hazardous materials, tissue specimens, and automation with moving parts, lasers, heating and freezing elements, and high-speed centrifugation. The posted base pay is $22.45–$44.85 per hour, with variation possible in specific locations.

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 and approach engineering problems methodically.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook) and mobile devices or tablets.
Attention to detail and a track record of documenting service activities accurately and promptly.
Experience working independently and as part of a team.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Mechanical and troubleshooting aptitude, including hands-on experience with on-site calibration 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 schedule, nights and/or weekends as needed, overtime as needed, and on-call as assigned.
Ability to use mobile devices, tablets, computers, and a telephone headset; type or work in front of a screen for approximately 70% of a typical workday and use a computer and phone simultaneously.
Ability to work seated approximately 25–40% of a typical workday and standing approximately 60–75%.
Ability to lift up to 40 pounds and comply with applicable personal protective equipment requirements.
Ability and means to travel between local locations and travel away from the work location; the description lists 10–20% in the role details and 5% in the travel field.

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 experience using common measurement tools such as multimeters and oscilloscopes.
Experience with mechanical parts and assembly drawings.
Experience working in a current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) environment.
Database management experience, 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 issues, lead structured root-cause investigations, and implement corrective actions; escalate complex problems to senior engineers as appropriate.
Perform preventive maintenance, calibration, system startups, and IQ/OQ/PQ qualification tasks according to established protocols.
Complete accurate service records in accordance with Good Documentation Practices and applicable safety and regulatory requirements; support the Quality Management System and review Level I service records when appropriate.
Develop expertise in servicing complex automation equipment and provide hands-on mentorship or informal technical guidance to Level 1 technicians.
Interpret assembly drawings in support of service work.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams, service engineers, laboratory teams, external vendors, and operations and quality teams on troubleshooting, maintenance, and service prioritization.
Support R&D, Manufacturing, and Lab Operations during automation changes and minor upgrades.
Conduct engineering design, platform eligibility testing, systems integration, or performance testing.
Identify recurring service issues and suggest corrective actions; contribute to small service projects, including system upgrades and preventive maintenance improvements, under senior staff direction.
Maintain and update service documentation, including reports, procedures, and troubleshooting guides.
Support system availability and continuous improvement in automation reliability and operational efficiency.
Maintain regular and reliable attendance, work the designated schedule, and work independently or collaboratively as operational needs require.
Comply with company values, inclusion expectations, and Quality Management System policies and procedures.