SPS Lab Process Engineer

Azenta•Indianapolis, IN

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The SPS (Sample Preparation Services) Lab Process Engineer is responsible for designing, optimizing, and sustaining efficient, high-quality sample preparation processes within the laboratory environment. This role applies Lean principles, standard work, and continuous improvement methodologies to improve throughput, reduce waste, ensure compliance, and enhance customer satisfaction. The Lab Process Engineer partners closely with lab and biobank operations, quality, safety, and cross-functional teams to deliver reliable, scalable, and cost-effective lab processes.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Chemical, Mechanical, Biomedical, Industrial, or related field) or equivalent experience
4+ years of experience in a laboratory, manufacturing, or process engineering environment
Demonstrated experience applying Lean, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and data analysis skills
Experience with process documentation, SOP development, and standard work
Effective communication skills and ability to influence across functions

Nice To Haves

Experience in sample preparation, analytical laboratories, or regulated environments (e.g., GMP, GLP, ISO)
Experience with laboratory automation, equipment validation, or process scaling
Working knowledge of statistical tools and data visualization
Project management experience

Responsibilities

Design, document, and continuously improve SPS lab processes to support sample receipt, registration, processing, QC and handoff while meeting quality, safety, and turnaround time requirements
Apply Lean tools to identify inefficiencies and drive sustainable improvements
Optimize workflows to improve capacity, cycle time, yield, and cost while minimizing variation and rework
Incorporate client requirements into new project designs for each workflow and into standard work documents
Maintain equipment according to manufacturer and regulatory standards
Assist in the development and qualification of new methods
Lead root cause analysis using structured problem-solving methods
Ensure all processes align with quality standards, regulatory requirements, and internal SOPs
Partner with Quality and EHS teams to maintain compliance with safety protocols and laboratory best practices
Participate in investigations related to nonconformances, deviations, or CAPAs and implement corrective actions
Support audit readiness and documentation accuracy
Collaborate with Operations, R&D, Quality, Automation, IT, and Supply Chain to implement process changes
Support new method introductions, technology transfers, and scale-up activities
Provide process engineering expertise for equipment selection, validation, and layout planning
Develop and maintain SOPs, work instructions, process maps, and training materials
Ensure changes are effectively communicated and embedded through standard work and training
Support change management to ensure adoption and sustainability of improvements