Sr. Process Development & Automation Engineer

Abbott Laboratories•Phoenix, AZ

2d•$78,000 - $156,000•Onsite

About The Position

Abbott is a global healthcare leader with businesses in diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals, and branded generic medicines. The Senior Engineer, Process Development & Automation leads, manages, implements, and provides technical engineering support for process automation hardware, software applications, and laboratory instruments in a complex, rapidly evolving clinical laboratory. The role collaborates with internal and external partners to improve existing workflows and develop new automated workflows. The engineer guides Lab Service, Process Development & Automation, and Laboratory Operations teams through automation selection, system design, integration, commissioning, and project documentation. The role influences technical, quality, and business teams and other engineers in laboratory operations, and is expected to make new processes, systems, validation methods, and projects successful. The position is based in Phoenix, Arizona, with approximately 10% travel. The role requires a bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related field, or an associate’s degree in a related technical field plus qualifying experience, and at least six years of engineering or relevant industry experience. Preferred qualifications include extensive relevant experience, laboratory automation and systems integration experience, regulated-environment experience, and advanced knowledge of databases and laboratory information management systems. The position requires authorization to work in the United States without sponsorship. The base pay is $78,000–$156,000; pay ranges may vary in specific locations. Work typically includes sitting at a computer or typing approximately 80% of the day, standing approximately 20%, and lifting up to 50 pounds for less than 5% of the day. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required. Employees must follow applicable personal protective equipment requirements and maintain regular, reliable attendance.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related field; alternatively, an associate’s degree in Engineering, Technology, Electronics, or a similar field plus 2 years of experience.
At least 6 years of experience in engineering or a relevant industry.
Advanced knowledge of engineering theories, practices, and procedures.
Authorization to work in the United States without sponsorship.
Ability to perform the essential duties of the position, with or without accommodation.
Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw data-driven conclusions.
Excellent verbal and written English communication skills.
Ability to follow procedures, maintain detailed records, and manage time effectively across competing priorities.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team; adaptability in ambiguous situations and when priorities or circumstances change.
Creativity and ability to multitask and work productively in a demanding environment.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related field and at least 10 years of relevant experience; or an associate’s degree in Engineering, Technology, Electronics, or a similar field and at least 12 years of relevant industry experience.
Technical proficiency and experience in automation, system development, and integration in a laboratory environment.
Experience optimizing processes involving complex workflows with equipment and software components while meeting user and business requirements.
Experience working in a CAP/CLIA and/or other regulated production environment.
Advanced knowledge of databases, laboratory information management systems, and other file management applications.

Responsibilities

Develop process architectures and functional specifications based on user and workflow requirements.
Lead planning, complex engineering design, platform eligibility testing, systems integration, and performance testing.
Manage moderately complex projects and initiatives, including planning, delegation, influencing, and priority management.
Provide input to project design and development and accurately estimate task effort, including work performed by others.
Translate scientific bench protocols into automated systems.
Contribute ideas and technical insights on technologies, testing methodologies, applications, techniques, and procedures.
Make decisions on complex issues autonomously while checking in with a supervisor or project lead as decisions are made.
Work with project managers and cross-functional teams on user requirements, acceptance testing, validation planning, pre-installation planning, installation, setup, maintenance, and improvement of new or upgraded instrumentation and automation systems.
Recommend and implement changes that support the ongoing high-quality performance of laboratory equipment.
Lead technical investigation and troubleshooting of laboratory systems.
Address routine issues using documented procedures and historical case research; support complex system problems and advise vendors and Laboratory Service Engineers on corrective and preventive actions.
Oversee the quality of mechanical repairs and related documentation.
Lead continuous improvement projects that reduce costs and improve laboratory efficiency.
Ensure instrumentation meets safety requirements and compliance standards.
Maintain records and follow laboratory procedures to meet regulatory requirements such as FDA, CLIA, and/or CAP; comply with the company Quality Management System and maintenance schedule.
Mentor and provide technical guidance to service engineers, laboratory technicians, junior engineers, and Process Development & Automation team members.
Contribute to design reviews and facilitate reuse by communicating available technologies and opportunities across the organization.
Communicate complex information clearly, influence others, build consensus, and report issues affecting timelines, accuracy, and data reliability.
Understand customer needs and their effects on business-unit products and services; continually develop expertise in complex clinical laboratory equipment.
Uphold company mission and values and demonstrate leadership behaviors: pioneering, achieving, caring, and enduring.