Process Development & Automation Engineer II

Abbott Laboratories; Madison (WI); On-site; USD 61,000 - 123,000; Full time

Job summary

Abbott Laboratories in Madison, WI seeks an Laboratory Equipment Process Development and Automation Engineer II to coordinate and implement automation for lab instruments and systems, collaborating with partners to improve workflows in a fast-paced clinical environment.

The role supports Lab Service, Laboratory Systems Development, and Process Development teams through design, testing, validation, installation, and ongoing optimization of automated platforms, while ensuring quality and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field with 3+ years of experience or an Associate degree with 5+ years of experience.
• Experience in building automation systems and automated systems development/commissioning.
• Strong communication and teamwork capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and implement automation for lab equipment and systems.
• Lead small projects and mentor technicians.
• Ensure safety, quality, and regulatory compliance in lab automation.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams on requirements, testing, and validation.
• Maintain documentation and support continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills

Project management

Time management

Teamwork

Problem solving

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

Associate degree in Engineering/Technology/Electronics

Job description

The Laboratory Equipment Process Development and Automation Engineer II coordinates, manages, implements, and provides technical engineering support for a variety of process automation hardware, software applications, and laboratory instruments. This role collaborates with internal and external partners to enhance existing workflows and develop new automated solutions within a complex and rapidly evolving clinical laboratory environment.

The Laboratory Equipment and Automation Engineer II supports Lab Service, Laboratory Systems Development, Process Development and Automation, and Laboratory Operations teams throughout the selection, design, integration, commissioning, and documentation of laboratory automation and equipment systems. Responsibilities may include gathering requirements, evaluating, developing, and validating new technologies and automated platforms, as well as supporting system design and implementation.

This role also builds and maintains strong cross-functional relationships throughout the organization to support successful project execution, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Essential Duties

include but are not limited to the following:

• Contributes to and executes key research and development projects, applying detailed knowledge of technical competencies to develop company products and to recommend product enhancements.

• Ability to conduct advanced testing activities and data analysis.

• Accurately estimates own work effort.

• Conducts complex engineering design, platform eligibility testing, systems integration, or performance testing.

• Exercises judgement within broadly defined practices and procedures in developing methods, techniques, and evaluation criterion for obtaining results.

• Makes decisions using broad guidelines.

• Solves problems of moderate scope and complexity.

• Able to present, organize and convey complex problems or issues across functional areas within same product line/platform/business organization.

• Prepares design documents and presents at design reviews.

• Works within informally structured teams; may provide technical guidance functional on other teams; ability to lead smaller scope project or initiative.

• Coaches others on performance and scientific / engineering practices and procedures.

• Developing project leadership skills in managing priorities, delegating, and influencing others.

• Demonstrates understanding of how company products and business processes differ from competitors.

• Work with project managers and cross-functional teams on user requirements, factory acceptance tests, validation planning, site acceptance tests, pre-installation planning, initial installation, setup, maintenance, and improvement for new or upgraded instrumentation and automation systems.

• Independently address routine issues utilizing documented procedures and researching historical cases.

• Provide support and response to complex system problems, counseling the internal and external vendors and Laboratory Service Engineers on corrective and preventative actions.

• Provide mentoring and technical guidance to service engineers and laboratory technicians.

• Maintain oversight for quality of both mechanical repairs and related documentation.

• Lead Recommend recommendation and implementation changes to ensure ongoing high-quality performance of laboratory equipment.

• Lead technical investigation and troubleshooting of laboratory systems.

• Lead continuous improvement projects that drive cost reduction and lab efficiency.

• Ensure both new and existing instrumentation automation and non-automation meet safety requirements and compliance standards.

• Maintain all service records and follow laboratory procedures to meet regulatory requirements such as FDA, CLIA, and/or CAP.

• Maintain and continuously develop personal knowledge and expertise related to the programming, integration, and service of complex clinical laboratory equipment.

• Ability to manage time effectively between competing priorities.

• Excellent verbal and written English communication skills.

• Ability to manage and adhere to maintenance schedule.

• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.

• Have demonstrated ability to follow procedures and maintain detailed records.

• Have demonstrated ability to manage time and competing priorities.

• Must be highly motivated and able to work both independently and as a member of a team.

• Adaptable, open to change and able to work in ambiguous situations and respond to new information and unexpected circumstances.

• Proven capability to take scientific bench protocols from the bench to automation system.

• Effectively communicate issues/problems and results that impact timelines, accuracy, and reliability of data.

• A wide degree of creativity and latitude is expected including the ability to multi-task and work productively in a demanding environment with changing priorities.

• Uphold company mission and values through accountability, innovation, integrity, quality, and teamwork.

• Support and comply with the company’s Quality Management System policies and procedures.

• Regular and reliable attendance.

• Occasional evening and weekend work may be required.

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds for < 5% of a typical working day.

• Ability to work seated for approximately 80% of a typical working day.

• Ability to work standing for approximately 20% of a typical working day.

• Ability to work in front of a computer screen and/or perform typing for approximately 80% of a typical working day.

• Ability to comply with all applicable personal protective equipment requirements.

• Ability to travel approximately 105% of working time for occasional training, out of state vendor site visits, and travel between Abbott Cancer Diagnostics sites.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field and 3+ years relevant industry experience.; or Associates degree in Engineering, Technology, Electronics, or similar field with 5+ years of relevant industry experience.

• 3+ years relevant industry experience.

• 3+ years of experience in building automation systems.

• 2+ years of experience developing and commissioning automated systems.

• Possesses advanced knowledge of engineering theories, practices and procedures and applies this knowledge and skills to complete assignments.

• Experience working with middleware devices, PC knowledge, and networking and interface protocols.

• Experience integrating databases with automated systems.

• Authorization to work in the United States without sponsorship.

• Demonstrated ability to perform the Essential Duties of the position with or without accommodation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Masters of science degree.

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field and 6+ years relevant industry experience; or Associates degree in Engineering, Technology, Electronics, or similar field with 8+ years of relevant industry experience. 56+ years of relevant industry experience in building automation systems.

• Technical proficiency and experience in automation and system development and integration in a laboratory environment.

• Working knowledge of 2D and 3D CAD software.

• Proficiency in PLC (Allen Bradley) and or robot (Fanuc, Epson) programing.

• Experience working in a CAP/CLIA and/or other regulated production environment.

• Working knowledge of database, laboratory information management systems, and other file management applications.

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.