Sr. Process Development & Automation Engineer

Abbott•Phoenix, AZ

1d•$78,000 - $156,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Engineer, Process Development & Automation leads, manages, implements, and provides technical engineering support for process automation hardware, software applications, and laboratory instruments. The position collaborates with internal and external partners to improve existing workflows and develop new automated workflows in a complex, evolving clinical laboratory. It guides teams through automation selection, system design, integration, commissioning, and project documentation, and works across technical, quality, business, and laboratory operations teams to deliver successful processes, systems, validation methods, and projects. The role leads engineering design and project activities, supports the full lifecycle of laboratory instrumentation and automation, and ensures equipment meets safety, quality, and regulatory requirements. It also provides technical mentorship and guidance, communicates complex information, contributes to design reviews, and drives continuous improvement, cost reduction, and laboratory efficiency.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related field; or 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.
Demonstrated 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 and ability to work in ambiguous situations and respond to changing information and circumstances.
Creativity, ability to multitask, and ability to work productively in a demanding environment with changing priorities.

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 with 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 system equipment and software components while meeting user and business requirements.
Experience 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, delegating, influencing, and managing priorities.
Provide input for project design and development and estimate task effort, including work performed by others.
Translate scientific bench protocols into automated systems.
Contribute ideas and insights on technologies, testing methodologies, applications, techniques, and procedures.
Make decisions on complex issues autonomously while checking in with a supervisor or project lead.
Coordinate with project managers and cross-functional teams on user requirements, acceptance tests, validation planning, pre-installation planning, installation, setup, maintenance, and improvements for instrumentation and automation systems.
Recommend and implement changes to maintain high-quality laboratory equipment performance.
Lead technical investigations and troubleshooting of laboratory systems; resolve routine issues and support complex system problems and corrective and preventive actions.
Maintain oversight of mechanical repair quality 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, including FDA, CLIA, and/or CAP requirements.
Comply with the company’s Quality Management System policies and procedures, maintenance schedules, and recordkeeping requirements.
Mentor and provide technical guidance to service engineers, laboratory technicians, junior engineers, and other team members.
Contribute constructively to designs through design reviews and communicate reusable technologies and opportunities across the organization.
Present factual and complex information clearly in writing and orally; influence others, build consensus, and communicate issues affecting timelines, accuracy, and data reliability.
Apply company and industry knowledge and technical and scientific skills to product creation, and develop expertise related to complex clinical laboratory equipment.
Understand internal and external customer needs and their impact on business unit products and services.
Uphold company mission and values and demonstrate leadership behaviors of pioneering, achieving, caring, and enduring.
Travel for occasional training, out-of-state vendor site visits, and travel between Abbott Cancer Diagnostics sites.
Maintain regular and reliable attendance; occasional evening and weekend work may be required.
Comply with applicable personal protective equipment requirements.