Senior Manufacturing Technician

Abbott Laboratories; Kilkenny; On-site; EUR 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Shift allowance

Family health insurance

Pension scheme

Life assurance

Training & development

Career growth

Job summary

Abbott Diabetes Care – Kilkenny is seeking a Senior Manufacturing Technician to own equipment performance in a highly automated production setting. You will lead troubleshooting, maintenance planning, and continuous improvement while ensuring GMP and safety standards are met.

The role requires deep technical expertise, autonomy, and the ability to influence both people and processes in a fast-paced manufacturing site. Abbott offers a competitive package and ongoing training.

Qualifications

• Level 6 qualification (or higher) in engineering or a related technical discipline.
• 4+ years of related experience in a regulated manufacturing environment.
• Very high level of hands-on experience with automated manufacturing equipment.
• Strong expertise across mechanical, electrical, and pneumatic systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead advanced troubleshooting and fault diagnosis across mechanical, electrical, and pneumatic systems.
• Perform and optimise preventative maintenance strategies to improve uptime and reliability.
• Drive root cause investigations using data, trends, and structured problem-solving methodologies.
• Monitor and improve OEE, yield, cycle time, and equipment performance.
• Use CMMS and equipment data to proactively identify and eliminate recurring issues.
• Lead and implement continuous improvement initiatives across equipment and processes.
• Support and influence equipment installation, validation, and upgrades.
• Train and certify manufacturing associates, elevating team capability.

Skills

Automated equipment

Mechanical systems

Electrical systems

Pneumatic systems

Root cause analysis

Data-driven mindset

Education

Engineering degree (Level 6+)

Related technical discipline

Tools

CMMS

Job description

Senior Manufacturing Technician

Abbott Diabetes Care – Kilkenny

Build Your Future. Improve Lives. Grow with Abbott.

At Abbott, we don’t just manufacture products — we change lives.

Our Kilkenny facility is one of the most advanced manufacturing sites in Europe, producing FreeStyle glucose monitoring technology that supports millions of people living with diabetes worldwide. We are now expanding our team with high‑impact Manufacturing Technicians who bring deep expertise, strong ownership, and the ability to drive real improvements in a fast‑paced, automated environment.

The Role

As a Senior Manufacturing Technician, you will take ownership of equipment performance, technical problem‑solving, and continuous improvement within a highly automated production environment.

This is a hands‑on, high‑impact role requiring deep technical expertise, strong autonomy, and the ability to influence both people and processes.

What You’ll Do

• Lead advanced troubleshooting and fault diagnosis across mechanical, electrical, and pneumatic systems
• Perform and optimise preventative maintenance strategies to improve uptime and reliability
• Drive root cause investigations using data, trends, and structured problem‑solving methodologies
• Monitor and improve OEE, yield, cycle time, and equipment performance
• Use CMMS and equipment data to proactively identify and eliminate recurring issues
• Lead and implement continuous improvement initiatives across equipment and processes
• Support and influence equipment installation, validation, and upgrades
• Act as a technical point of contact, guiding and supporting other technicians and operators
• Train and certify manufacturing associates, elevating team capability
• Coordinate and oversee external contractors and technical interventions
• Ensure all activities meet safety, quality, and regulatory standards

What You’ll Bring

Core Technical Capability

• Level 6 qualification (or higher) in engineering or a related technical discipline
• 4+ year of related experience in a regulated manufacturing environment
• Very high level of hands‑on experience with automated manufacturing equipment
• Strong expertise across mechanical, electrical, and pneumatic systems
• Proven ability to work directly on complex, high‑speed production equipment

Troubleshooting & Problem Solving

• Advanced, systematic troubleshooting capability
• Experience conducting root cause analysis and implementing sustainable fixes
• Data‑driven mindset with ability to interpret performance metrics and trends

Manufacturing Experience

• Candidates must have demonstrated experience in a regulated manufacturing environments
• Strong understanding of OEE, yield optimisation, and continuous improvement principles
• Strong working knowledge of compliance standards, with demonstrated ability to adhere to and uphold GMP practices.

Autonomy & Ownership

• Operates independently with full accountability for equipment performance
• Leads improvement initiatives and drives outcomes
• Comfortable making decisions in real‑time production environments

Communication & Influence

• Clear, structured communicator across functions (engineering, quality, operations)
• Ability to influence, train, and elevate others
• Contributes beyond own role to improve team and site performance

What Success Looks Like

• Equipment runs reliably, efficiently, and consistently
• Problems are not just fixed — they are eliminated at source
• Improvements are identified, led, and delivered
• Team capability is stronger because of your contribution

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and shift allowance (where applicable)
• Family health insurance
• Excellent pension scheme
• Life assurance
• Ongoing training and professional development
• The opportunity to work in a world‑class, high‑tech facility
• Long‑term career growth within a global healthcare leader

Important Information

Please note that any offer of employment is conditional upon the successful completion of a pre‑employment medical examination, including drug and alcohol screening, conducted by a Company‑designated medical practitioner.