Instrument/Automation Service Engineer I OS

Abbott; Madison (WI); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Abbott in Madison, WI is seeking an Automation Service Engineer I to install, calibrate, maintain and repair laboratory automation equipment across clinical, R&D, manufacturing and QC labs. The role emphasizes precise service delivery and strong communication with customers.

The engineer collaborates with senior staff to resolve issues, run IQ/OQ/PQ tasks, document activities, and support quality systems under CAP/CLIA, cGMP, FDA and ISO guidelines, while working a Tuesday–Friday night shift in

Responsibilities

• Installation & Qualifications: Install and commission advanced automation systems, ensuring qualifications are completed per service policies and procedures.
• Troubleshooting & Repair: Leads structured root cause investigations for automation failures and implements corrective actions.
• Preventative Maintenance & Calibration: Perform routine preventive maintenance and calibrations in accordance with service policies.
• Documentation & Compliance: Complete accurate service records, ensure documentation meets GDP, and comply with safety and regulatory requirements (OSHA, FDA, ISO, CLIA).
• Knowledge & Training: Develop expertise in servicing complex automation equipment and mentor Level 1 technicians.
• Teamwork & Communication: Collaborate with cross-functional teams and service engineers to troubleshoot and maintain systems.

Job description

Abbott is a global healthcare leader that helps people live more fully at all stages of life. Our portfolio of life-changing technologies spans the spectrum of healthcare, with leading businesses and products in diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals and branded generic medicines. Our 122,000 colleagues serve people in more than 160 countries.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Position Overview

The Automation Service Engineer I role is responsible for the installation, calibration, maintenance, and repair of both simple and complex laboratory automation equipment. The Automation Service Engineer I plays a crucial role in fostering positive interactions, providing technical support, and ensuring that customer needs are met in a timely and professional manner. The Engineer I will spend significant time (up to 65%) performing routine and complex tasks related to the calibration, maintenance, and repair of automation equipment. This encompasses automation across a range of laboratory settings, including clinical, research and development (R&D), manufacturing, and quality control laboratories. The automation used in these environments may include liquid handling robots, as well as custom and off-the-shelf automation such as 6-axis robots, work cells, and other specialized devices. Responsibilities also include operating within several regulated environments (e.g., clinical labs under CAP/CLIA and NYSDOH, production and manufacturing labs under cGMP, FDA, and ISO).

The Engineer I partners with the Engineer IIs on the team to elevate concerns, present areas of team growth/development and report back on the day-to-day operations of the service team. This role requires strong communication skills to lead by example, ensuring customer satisfaction and smooth laboratory operations. Collaboration with team members is essential to address technical issues, maintain integrity, and deliver high-quality work. Effective communication facilitates problem resolution, clarifies technical details, and fosters positive client relationships. The Engineer I will also work closely with other Engineers and laboratory teams to provide feedback on automation performance, resolve system issues, and drive continuous improvements in automation reliability and operational efficiency.

Schedule Shift - Tuesday - Friday 8:00 pm - 6:30 am.

Essential Duties

• Installation & Qualifications: Install and commission advanced automation systems, ensuring qualifications are completed per service policies and procedures.
• Troubleshooting & Repair: Leads structured root cause investigations for automation failures and implements corrective actions.
• Preventative Maintenance & Calibration: Perform routine preventive maintenance and calibrations in accordance with service policies.
• Documentation & Compliance: Complete accurate service records, ensure documentation meets Good Documentation Practices (GDP), and comply with safety and regulatory requirements (e.g., OSHA, FDA, ISO, CLIA) and support the company's Quality Management System (QMS). Review Level I service records when appropriate.
• Knowledge & Training: Continuously develop expertise in servicing complex automation equipment. Provides hands‑on mentorship to Level 1 technicians on troubleshooting and best practices. Understand assembly drawings in support of duties.
• Teamwork & Communication: Collaborate with cross‑functional teams and service engineers to ensure effective troubleshooting and maintenance. Supports R&D, Manufacturing, and Lab Operations during automation changes and minor upgrades. Communicate clearly with colleagues, management, and external vendors.
• Flexibility & Adaptability: Work independently or as part of a team, including cross-functional, adapting to new information or unexpected situations.
• Quality: Operate under pressure, managing multiple tasks and deadlines while maintaining quality and attention to detail.
• Troubleshoot and support moderate automation issues, collaborating with senior engineers for more complex problems.
• Assist in identifying recurring service issues and suggest basic corrective actions.
• Perform system startups, calibrations, and qualification tasks (IQ/OQ/PQ) following established protocols.
• Conduct engineering design, platform eligibility testing, systems integration, or performance testing.
• Provide technical support and informal guidance to technicians to support daily operations.
• Contribute to small service projects, such as system upgrades and preventive maintenance improvements, under the direction of senior staff.
• Maintain service documentation, including reports, procedures, and troubleshooting guides, ensuring updates reflect current practices.
• Partner with operations and quality teams to prioritize service tasks that help maintain system availability.
• Uphold company mission and values through accountability, innovation, integrity, quality, and teamwork.
• Support and comply with the company's Quality Management