Staff Engineer, Process Development & Automation

Abbott•Madison, WI

1d•$99,300 - $198,700•Onsite

About The Position

The Staff Engineer, Process Development & Automation leads, manages, implements, and provides technical engineering support for process automation hardware, software applications, and laboratory instruments. The role collaborates with internal and external partners to enhance existing workflows and develop new automated workflows in a complex, rapidly evolving clinical laboratory. It guides teams through automation selection, system design, integration, commissioning, and project documentation, and works with technical, quality, business, and laboratory operations groups. The position provides technical leadership in engineering design, process development, automation integration, testing, troubleshooting, continuous improvement, and regulatory compliance. It leads major projects and cross-organizational programs, mentors colleagues, and helps shape technical and business decisions. The role is based in Madison, Wisconsin, with approximately 10% travel. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related field; or an Associate’s degree in Engineering, Technology, Electronics, or a similar field plus at least 2 years of relevant industry experience.
At least 8 years of experience in engineering or a relevant industry.
At least 2 years of experience leading and developing projects or colleagues.
Extensive experience optimizing processes involving complex workflows with system equipment and software components while meeting user and business requirements.
A successful track record of leading projects from inception to implementation with cross-functional participation.
Authorization to work in the United States without sponsorship.
Demonstrated ability to perform the essential duties of the position, with or without accommodation.
Advanced knowledge of engineering theories, practices, and procedures.
Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid 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 and changing situations; creativity and ability to multitask in a demanding environment.
Ability to meet the position’s physical requirements, including computer work, standing, and lifting up to 50 pounds.
Regular and reliable attendance; occasional evening and weekend work may be required.
Ability to travel approximately 10% of working time.

Nice To Haves

Direct experience with NGS sequencing automation and process scaling.
Significant experience scripting liquid handling instruments such as Hamilton or Tecan systems.
Prior experience with work cell design and optimization of NGS laboratory library creation.
Experience working in a CAP/CLIA and/or other regulated production environment.
Working knowledge of databases, laboratory information management systems, and other file management applications.

Responsibilities

Apply in-depth technical knowledge to testing activities and direct or conduct experiments and engineering studies that support tactical, strategic, and compliance decisions.
Develop process architectures and functional specifications based on user and workflow requirements.
Plan and conduct engineering design, platform eligibility testing, systems integration, and performance and validation testing.
Solve unusual technical or scientific problems and provide expert input into technical decisions and recommendations.
Transfer scientific bench protocols to automation systems and develop products and technologies for emerging and existing markets.
Participate in design reviews across platforms and communicate technologies and reuse opportunities across organizations.
Lead major project teams and cross-organizational programs; coach multiple efforts and teams to successful delivery.
Work with business stakeholders to define strategy and requirements and execute collections of projects.
Coordinate with project managers and cross-functional teams on user requirements, acceptance testing, validation planning, installation planning and setup, maintenance, and improvement of instrumentation and automation systems.
Collaborate and negotiate deliverables with other functional organizations and work with senior management on product development initiatives and strategic decisions.
Drive support and response to complex system problems, advising internal and external vendors and Laboratory Service Engineers on corrective and preventive actions.
Lead technical investigations and troubleshooting of laboratory systems.
Recommend and implement changes to ensure ongoing high-quality laboratory equipment performance.
Lead continuous improvement projects that reduce costs and improve laboratory efficiency.
Address routine issues using documented procedures and historical case research, and adhere to maintenance schedules.
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.
Support and comply with the company’s Quality Management System policies and procedures.
Influence decisions across functions and platforms, evaluate and advocate alternative solutions, and serve as an expert resource and role model.
Teach and mentor process and development engineers, service engineering team members, and laboratory technicians.
Communicate issues, problems, and results affecting timelines, accuracy, and data reliability; continually develop expertise related to complex clinical laboratory equipment.
Uphold the company mission and values through pioneering, achieving, caring, and enduring.