Instrumentation/Automation Service Engineer I - OS

Abbott Laboratories•Madison, WI

11d•$22 - $45

About The Position

Abbott’s Automation Service Engineer I installs, calibrates, maintains, and repairs simple and complex laboratory automation equipment. The role provides technical support and helps ensure customer needs are met promptly and professionally. Work may involve automation in clinical, research and development, manufacturing, and quality control laboratories, including liquid handling robots, 6-axis robots, work cells, and other custom or off-the-shelf devices. The position operates in regulated environments, including clinical laboratories and production or manufacturing laboratories. The Engineer I works with Engineer IIs and other colleagues to escalate concerns, report on service-team operations, support team development, and promote customer satisfaction and smooth laboratory operations. The role collaborates with engineering, laboratory, operations, quality, R&D, manufacturing, and external vendor teams to resolve issues, provide feedback on automation performance, and improve reliability and operational efficiency. It spends up to 65% of its time on routine and complex calibration, maintenance, and repair work. The scheduled shift is Tuesday through Friday, 8:00 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. The position may also require nights or weekends as needed, overtime, on-call work, and travel. The base pay is $22.45–$44.85 per hour, with ranges potentially varying 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 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 computer software, including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook), and mobile devices or tablets.
Strong attention to detail and a 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, with 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 essential duties with or without accommodation.
Authorization to work in the United States without sponsorship.

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 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.
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, completing qualifications according to service policies and procedures.
Troubleshoot automation failures, lead structured root-cause investigations, and implement corrective actions; collaborate with senior engineers on more complex issues.
Perform preventive maintenance, calibrations, system startups, and IQ/OQ/PQ qualification tasks following established protocols.
Complete accurate service records 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 complex automation equipment and provide hands-on mentorship and informal guidance to Level 1 technicians.
Understand assembly drawings in support of service duties.
Support R&D, Manufacturing, and Lab Operations during automation changes and minor upgrades, and communicate with colleagues, management, and vendors.
Conduct engineering design, platform eligibility testing, systems integration, and performance testing.
Identify recurring service issues and suggest basic 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.
Partner with operations and quality teams to prioritize service tasks and maintain system availability.
Uphold company mission and values, support Quality Management System policies and procedures, and maintain regular and reliable attendance.
Work independently or collaboratively, adapt to changing information and unexpected situations, and manage multiple tasks and deadlines while maintaining quality.
Work the designated schedule and be available for nights or weekends, overtime, and on-call assignments as needed.
Use a mobile device, tablet, computer, and phone; perform typing for approximately 70% of a typical workday and use a telephone through a headset.
Work seated approximately 25–40% of a typical workday and standing approximately 60–75% of a typical workday; lift up to 40 pounds and comply with applicable PPE requirements.
Travel 10–20% between local locations and 10–20% of working time away from the work location, potentially including overnight or weekend travel.