Sr. Automation Engineer

Quest Diagnostics•Lewisville, TX

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Lead Automation Engineer is responsible for the proper operation, troubleshooting, repair, and preventive maintenance (PM) carried out on advanced equipment and automation systems in the laboratory. The role requires knowledge of automation and; and ability to support the associated equipment (e.g., Agilent Technology Bravo workstations, Formulatrix Tempest, BioNex Nanodrop, Tecan EvoWare and Fluent, and Hamilton Microlab Star). To support the automation system/robotics, the ability to work with dynamic scheduling software, equipment drivers, issue log, documentation is required. The Lead Automation Engineer works independently, set priorities, and manages multiple projects simultaneously. This Engineer solves equipment problems quickly and efficiently using all resources available and will be expected to keep lab management and bench supervisors informed of his/her appraisal of equipment needs and impact on daily production, including time limits for completion. Proper operation of assigned equipment is essential to the achievement of Quest Diagnostic’s production and operational goals.

Requirements

Demonstrated ability to service and support complex automation, track systems, and/or robotic arms
Investigates defects or errors in the technology
Develops tests and simulations to ensure the systems work as intended
Extensive knowledge of troubleshooting, PM and / or calibration requirements.
Experience with service documentation systems (i.e., Computerized Maintenance Management Systems).
Demonstrated ability to build and implement preventive maintenance programs to minimize equipment downtime / maximize lab instrument availability.
Knowledge of robotics, process automation, electrical principles, computer-aided design.
Basic knowledge of (a) scheduler software programming and (b) programming languages (like Java, C# and Python).
Identify opportunities to increase efficiency with automation.
Interacts professionally and courteously with all levels of laboratory personnel when servicing and/or maintaining equipment.
Strong computer skills (i.e. word processing skills using Windows based software such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
Able to work in a fast paced, multi-tasking environment and maintain production and quality standards determined by the department.
Excellent problem solving and troubleshooting skills, independent thinker
Ability to work independently and on a team
Proficient in reading both mechanical drawings and electrical schematics to isolate a problem and determine root cause
Excellent communication skills, written and verbal
Strong project management skills
Associates Degree AS/two-year cert with at least 6 years’ experience servicing automation systems OR Bachelor’s Degree BA/ BS degree or above in automation, computer science, or engineering from an accredited college with at least 4 years’ experience servicing automation systems.
High School Diploma or Equivalent High school diploma with a minimum of ten (10) years of automation systems experience
Manual dexterity adequate to handle small tools requiring intricate manipulations of small pieces in confined areas.
Must be able to react to auditory warnings and messages.
Must be able to differentiate between color coded wires and interpret visual readouts.
Must pass color blindness screening.
Objects in the weight range of 1 to 10 pounds are lifted and carried frequently; objects in the weight range of 11 to 25 pounds are lifted and carried occasionally and objects in the weight range of 26 to 50 pounds are seldom lifted and carried.
Objects exceeding 50 pounds are not to be lifted or carried without assistance.
Must be able to sit or stand for long periods of time, and requires long hours of eye and hand coordination.

Nice To Haves

Experience with liquid handling instrument including script / method development
Familiar with highly regulated environments (e.g., CAP, CLIA, ISO15189, etc.)
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree preferred in Mechanical, Electrical, or Biomedical Engineering or related technical fields.
Registered Professional Engineer (PE)

Responsibilities

Responsible for the operation, preventive maintenance, and repair of advanced automated equipment which supports continuous, 24/7 operations.
Strong ability with software testing and validation
Ability to assess priority of equipment repair or maintenance.
Maintains inventory of all service parts and materials as necessary in a cost-efficient manner.
Record Keeping - Maintains accurate and detailed records on all laboratory instrumentation associated with the system to include service/repair reports, calibrations, preventive maintenance, and current operational status of equipment.
Submits status reports to the Biomedical Supervisor and Laboratory Manager on a regular schedule; ensures the priorities of the integrated system are fully supported (i.e., budgeting, setting goals, maintaining parts inventory, evaluating progress toward achieving department objectives).
Safety - adheres to all company and accepted industry safety procedures (i.e. electrical, electronic, and biological) while performing job duties.
Act as a liaison to other service engineers or vendor reps.
Work with the vendors to attend all advanced Biomedical training courses.

Benefits

Day 1 Medical, supplemental health, dental & vision for FT employees who work 30+ hours
Best-in-class well-being programs
Annual, no-cost health assessment program
Blueprint for Wellness® healthyMINDS mental health program
Vacation and Health/Flex Time
6 Holidays plus 1 "MyDay" off
FinFit financial coaching and services
401(k) pre-tax and/or Roth IRA with company match up to 5% after 12 months of service
Employee stock purchase plan
Life and disability insurance, plus buy-up option
Flexible Spending Accounts
Annual incentive plans
Matching gifts program
Education assistance through MyQuest for Education
Career advancement opportunities