Staff Engineer, Process Development & Automation

Abbott•Madison, WI

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Staff Engineer, Process Development & Automation leads and provides technical engineering support for process automation hardware, software applications, and laboratory instruments in a complex, evolving clinical laboratory. The role collaborates with internal and external partners to improve existing workflows and develop new automated workflows. It may guide Lab Service, Process Development & Automation, and Laboratory Operations teams through automation selection, system design, integration, commissioning, and project documentation. The position works across technical, quality, and business teams and supports other engineers in laboratory operations. The engineer provides technical and project leadership across automation and laboratory systems, from requirements and design through testing, validation, installation, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement. The role also supports quality, safety, and regulatory compliance; influences decisions across functions; and mentors engineers, service personnel, and laboratory technicians. This is a full-time position based in Madison, Wisconsin. Travel is approximately 10% of working time. Work is primarily seated at a computer, with standing and occasional lifting; occasional evening or weekend work may be required. The base pay range is $99,300 to $198,700, and may vary in specific locations.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related field; alternatively, 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.
Successful track record leading projects from inception through implementation with cross-functional participation.
Authorization to work in the United States without sponsorship.
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 situations and changing circumstances; and ability to manage multiple tasks in a demanding environment.
Regular and reliable attendance.
Ability to comply with applicable personal protective equipment requirements.
Ability to work seated at a computer or typing approximately 80% of a typical working day and standing approximately 20%.
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds for less than 5% of a typical working day.

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 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 advanced technical knowledge to engineering and testing activities, experiments, and studies that inform tactical, strategic, and compliance decisions.
Develop process architectures and functional specifications based on user and workflow requirements.
Plan or conduct engineering design, platform eligibility testing, systems integration, and performance and validation testing.
Solve complex technical or scientific problems and provide expert input on technical decisions and recommendations.
Translate scientific bench protocols to automated systems and develop products and technologies for existing and emerging markets.
Participate in design reviews across platforms and communicate technologies and opportunities to support reuse.
Lead major project teams and cross-organizational programs, coaching multiple efforts and teams to successful delivery.
Work with business stakeholders to define strategy and requirements and execute collections of business projects.
Coordinate with project managers and cross-functional teams on user requirements, factory acceptance tests, validation planning, site acceptance tests, pre-installation planning, installation, 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 or functional decisions.
Lead support and response for complex system problems; advise internal and external vendors and Laboratory Service Engineers on corrective and preventive actions.
Lead technical investigation and troubleshooting of laboratory systems and recommend and implement changes to sustain high-quality equipment performance.
Lead continuous improvement projects focused on cost reduction and laboratory efficiency; address routine issues using procedures and historical case research, and adhere to maintenance schedules.
Ensure instrumentation meets safety requirements and compliance standards; maintain records and follow laboratory procedures supporting FDA, CLIA, and/or CAP requirements.
Support and comply with the company’s Quality Management System policies and procedures.
Influence decisions across functional areas and platforms, evaluate and advocate for alternative solutions, and serve as an expert resource across projects and product lines.
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; maintain and develop expertise in complex clinical laboratory equipment.
Uphold the company mission and values and demonstrate leadership behaviors described as pioneering, achieving, caring, and enduring.