Systems Reliability Engineer - 1st Shift (8am to 5pm Monday through Friday) On-Site, Ankeny, Iowa

Bayer•Ankeny, IA

2d•$69,520 - $104,280•Onsite

About The Position

The Systems Reliability Engineer ensures the highest level of availability, performance, and quality of all equipment in the laboratory environment; you assess equipment specifications in the context of how they are used and derive and implement appropriate maintenance strategies to achieve optimum equipment effectiveness; in this 2nd shift Systems Reliability Engineer role, you focus on ensuring the consistent performance and reliability of complex laboratory systems and automation equipment, analyzing data to identify potential failures, implementing reliability‑centered maintenance strategies, and developing improvement plans to enhance operational uptime; you collaborate with cross‑functional teams to establish metrics, conduct root cause analysis, and integrate best practices that promote long‑term reliability, safety, and efficiency.

Requirements

BS and 4+ years of relevant work experience, or associate degree or equivalent technical training and 6+ years of relevant work experience, or 12+ years of relevant or related experience in Biology, Engineering, Mechanical Systems, Electronics, or Robotics
Experience in the installation, configuration, maintenance, and repair of integrated laboratory automation systems (for example plate sealers, centrifuges, automated storage, and labware handling devices)
Advanced troubleshooting skills, including structured Root Cause Analysis methods (5 Whys, Fishbone, Fault Tree), with the ability to diagnose failures across mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and software systems
Experience with laboratory robotics, including SCARA and multi‑axis robotic arms, and machine motion systems such as mechanical, pneumatic, and linear motion
Experience with automated liquid handling platforms (including pipetting robots, non‑contact dispensers, and flow‑through systems)
Basic proficiency with CAD to review mechanical designs or create minor modifications
Knowledge of CMMS systems, including work orders, preventive/predictive maintenance, spare parts management, and asset lifecycle practices
Experience working collaboratively with laboratory engineering, maintenance, production teams, and external automation vendors
Ability to take initiative and work independently in a fast‑paced automated laboratory environment
Experience training operators in basic machine operation and autonomous maintenance practices

Nice To Haves

Working knowledge of electrical and controls systems, including sensors, actuators, industrial control architectures (PLC or embedded controllers), safety systems, and I/O
Experience with fluorescence/absorbance microplate readers
Experience with multi‑threaded automation scheduling/orchestration software and automated system integration concepts, including networked instrumentation and device communication protocols
Basic scripting experience (for example JavaScript, Python, C#, or PowerShell)
Familiarity with TPM, LEAN, continuous improvement methodologies, and reliability‑focused problem solving

Responsibilities

Troubleshoot, diagnose, and repair laboratory equipment and integrated automation systems to restore performance and minimize downtime
Utilize a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) to document and track work orders, record labor hours and parts, and maintain accurate asset records in the database
Perform scheduled preventive and predictive maintenance in line with performance targets, regularly reviewing, modifying, and creating maintenance procedures based on industry best practices
Develop, document, and perform internal quality repair testing procedures, validating equipment performance according to industry standards after maintenance, relocation, deployment, or installation
Act as a liaison between equipment vendors and end‑users, translating technical specifications and problem descriptions to facilitate advanced repairs and effective issue resolution
Provide appropriate maintenance training to end‑users to enable autonomous maintenance and basic machine operation, supporting a culture of shared equipment ownership
Utilize structured root cause analysis to identify and implement initiatives that improve equipment reliability and coordinate and contribute to continuous improvement efforts with multidisciplinary teams to enhance production and laboratory processes.