Engineer II, Instrumentation integration

Abbott Laboratories; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 61,000 - 123,000; Full time

Job summary

Abbott Laboratories in San Diego seeks an Engineer II to resolve moderately complex instrument escalations, perform multi-instrument troubleshooting, and analyze performance trends. You will mentor peers and collaborate with developers, vendors, and IT to improve diagnostics, support coordination, and knowledge sharing across laboratories.

Responsibilities include leading root cause analyses, documenting preventive measures, and supporting readiness for new systems while contributing to

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or related field; or Associates degree in Engineering/Technology with 2+ years of relevant industry experience; or High School Diploma with 4+ years of relevant experience as outlined in essential duties.
• 3+ years of experience in engineering or technical support role.
• 3+ years of experience performing root cause analysis on analytical instrumentation and systems.
• Demonstrated understanding of clinical lab regulations.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot and resolve moderately complex issues across multiple analytics instruments.
• Identify trends in instrument failures and adjust workflows or docs to prevent recurrence.
• Collaborate with IT and developers to resolve connectivity/software issues.
• Lead root cause analyses and document preventive measures.
• Lead resolution of service escalations within set timeframes.
• Analyze logs and performance metrics to identify failure patterns.
• Interface with IT to support instrument networking and connectivity.
• Mentor Engineer I teammates and support knowledge sharing.
• Assist in transfer, setup, and validation of new hardware across labs.

Skills

Root cause analysis

Instrument troubleshooting

Data analysis

Regulatory knowledge

Mentoring

Project coordination

Communication

Mechanical aptitude

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering

Associates degree in Engineering/Technology

High School Diploma with experience

Tools

Hamilton STARlet

NGS sequencers

Promega Maxwell

Thermo QS5

Microsoft Office

Networking basics

Job description

Position Overview

The Engineer II works independently to resolve moderately complex instrument escalations and participates in the ongoing refinement of equipment support processes. This role expands technical responsibilities to include multi-instrument troubleshooting, data analysis for performance trending, and process documentation updates. It acts as a direct escalation partner for Lab Service Engineers and increasingly collaborates with developers, vendors, and IT for diagnostic and support coordination. The Engineer II supports service readiness for new systems and contributes to recurring issue reduction efforts by identifying patterns and implementing structured fixes. This position also plays an emerging role in mentoring peers and supporting knowledge-sharing within the team.

Essential Duties

• Include, but are not limited to, the following:
• Troubleshoot and resolve moderately complex issues across multiple types of analytical instrumentation, including multi-instrument workflows (e.g., Hamilton STARlet, NGS sequencers, Promega Maxwell, Thermo QS5).
• Identify trends in instrumentation failures and propose minor adjustments to service workflows or documentation to prevent recurrence.
• Collaborate with IT and instrumentation developers to elevate basic connectivity or software issues that contribute to recurring performance problems.
• Lead root cause analysis efforts for common issues on supported platforms and document recommended preventive measures.
• Lead resolution of service escalations within established time requirements, applying both mechanical expertise and analytical problem-solving skills.
• Analyze log files and performance metrics to identify failure patterns, root causes, and areas for reliability improvement.
• Apply CAP/CLIA compliance knowledge when investigating and resolving equipment issues.
• Interface with IT to support basic instrument networking and connectivity issues.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to address customer questions related to equipment use, maintenance, and service enhancement opportunities.
• Conduct experiments to reproduce customer issues; create and interpret queries and data to support investigations and improvements.
• Serve as liaison between internal teams and OEM vendors for complex issue escalation and technical problem-solving.
• Identify top service bottlenecks and proactively lead improvement initiatives with high business value.
• Lead or contribute to small-scale initiatives for process improvement, documentation updates, and new tool implementation.
• Provide informal mentorship to Engineer I team members and contribute to the development of troubleshooting resources and knowledge sharing.
• Assist in the technical transfer, setup, and validation of new hardware and instrumentation across laboratories.
• Actively participate in development initiatives and represent instrumentation needs in core team meetings.
• Build strong relationships with customers and internal teams through effective communication, responsiveness, and service excellence.
• Demonstrate high mechanical and analytical aptitude and the ability to plan, prioritize, and manage tasks independently.
• Maintain personal technical knowledge and stay up to date on new tools, systems, and regulatory expectations.
• Collaborate in a positive, inclusive team environment and act with curiosity, integrity, and accountability.
• Support and comply with the company’s Quality Management System and applicable safety and regulatory requirements (e.g., OSHA, CLIA).

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Ability to work seated and standing for approximately 50% of the working day each.
• Ability to work designated schedule, including up to 30% travel (which may include overnight/weekend travel).
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds (5% of the time).
• Ability to work on a mobile device, tablet, or computer for up to 90% of the working day.
• Ability to use gross and fine motor skills to troubleshoot and maintain instrumentation.
• Ability to comply with personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements.
• Ability and means to travel between local Madison locations.
• Occasional evening or weekend work may be required.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or related field; or Associates degree in Engineering, Technology, Electronics, or similar field with 2+ years of relevant industry experience; or High School Diploma/General Education Degree and 4+ years of relevant experience in Engineering or related field as outlined in the essential duties in lieu of Bachelor’s Degree.
• 3+ years of experience in an engineering or technical support role.
• 3+ years of experience performing root cause analysis on analytical instrumentation and systems.
• Demonstrated understanding of clinical lab regulations.
• Possesses advanced knowledge of engineering theories, practices and procedures and applies this knowledge and skills to complete assignments.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Demonstrated ability to perform the Essential Duties of the position with or without accommodation.
• Authorization to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Preferred Qualifications

• 6+ years’ of experience in engineering, technical support, or related fields.
• 3+ years' hands-on experience installing, troubleshooting, and repairing Hamilton STAR liquid handling systems, serving as a subject matter expert.
• Experience with standard molecular biology techniques, such as nucleic acid isolation, RNA/DNA quantification, PCR, and RT-PCR.
• 3D modeling and printing/ prototyping experience.
• Experience with Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS).
• Experience servicing analytical laboratory instrumentation.
• Understanding of networking and software connectivity of analytical instrumentation.
• Working knowledge of CAP and CLIA regulations.
• Automated liquid handler maintenance and scripting.
• Process and workflow mindset.
• 3+ years of experience with data analysis and query engines.
• 3+ years of experience in a FDA or CAP/CLIA regulated industry.

The base pay for this position is $61,300.00 – $122,700.00. In specific locations, the pay range may vary from the range posted.