Senior Automation Engineer

Thornton Tomasetti; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Abbott in Sylmar, CA is seeking an automation controls engineer to support production and process development for FDA-regulated products. This role focuses on controls design, equipment integration, and qualification activities to ensure compliant, efficient manufacturing.

You will interface with internal customers, develop automated production equipment, perform validations, and coordinate FAT/SAT while collaborating across cross-functional teams. Travel may be required as projects dictate.

Qualifications

• Hands-on automation controls experience in manufacturing.
• Familiar with IQ/OQ/PQ and regulatory concepts.
• Strong problem-solving and cross-functional collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Provide controls support for manufacturing and testing equipment.
• Develop and maintain automated production equipment.
• Evaluate design options for manufacturability and cost.
• Coordinate FAT/SAT and vendor interactions.
• Create and maintain SOPs, validation protocols, and risk assessments.
• Support implementation of QMS/EMS requirements.

Skills

PLC programming

Robotics & automation

Sensors & machine vision

Industrial controls knowledge

Electromechanical systems

Education

Associate degree in engineering

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

Automation software

VFDs/servos

GxP/Regulatory basics

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 115,000 colleagues serve people in more than 160 countries.

JOB DESCRIPTION

MAIN PURPOSE OF ROLE Supports production and process development from concept through sustained manufacturing of FDA regulated products. Responsible for production support, maintenance support, performing process development and qualification, equipment specification, acquisition, installation, and integration.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

• Interface with internal customers to provide controls support for manufacturing and testing equipment
• Support the development and maintenance of automated equipment
• Evaluate process and design alternatives based on Design for Manufacturability principles.
• Establish knowledge base of new developments in manufacturing and design technologies.
• Interface with vendors on procuring materials, services, and equipment
• Assemble and evaluate automated equipment
• Establishes machine specifications.
• Support equipment validations
• Support all Company initiatives as identified by management and in support of Quality Management Systems (QMS), Environmental Management Systems (EMS), and other regulatory requirements.
• Complies with U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations, other regulatory requirements, Company policies, operating procedures, processes, and task assignments.
• Maintains positive and cooperative communications and collaboration with all levels of employees, customers, contractors, and vendors.
• Evaluates machine logic, electromechanical systems and process controls to troubleshoot equipment and identify process improvement opportunities.
• May conduct design analysis on components and/or assemblies to assist in the development process by ensuring designs are cost efficient, manufacturable, and reliable.
• Communicates with the other engineering personnel to coordinate the interrelated design and assure project completion.
• May act as internal consultant providing technical guidance on most complex projects.
• This is a non-supervisory position.
• Coordinate and participate in equipment Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT) and Site Acceptance Tests (SAT), etc.
• Conceptualize, design, and build complete solutions for novel or complex problems; explore multiple alternatives.
• Programming and integration of controls hardware and software into new and existing manufacturing equipment.
• Analyzes current equipment for process suitability and provides detailed plans for improvement
• Creates and revises manufacturing documents, specifications, standard operating procedures (SOPs), safety instructions, validation protocols, risk assessments, and procedures and other technical documents to ensure compliant, efficient and safe procedures.
• Lead cross functional project teams and coordinate activities
• Analyzes, creates and implements manufacturing and/or business process improvements that increase capacity, reduce lead-time, reduce work in process and improve the quality, cost and delivery performance of Abbott.
• Investigate and resolve existing equipment operating, reliability, and yield issues and implement corrections or modifications to ensure systems operate within qualified parameters.
• Create and execute Quality System records to ensure equipment performance history is properly documented.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Hands on working knowledge of automation control software and PLC programming and troubleshooting.
• Strong knowledge and experience in industrial robotics, Servos, Pneumatic systems, sensors, and Machine Vision systems.
• Familiarity with qualification and regulatory requirements in the medical device industry, including Design Review, User Requirement Specifications (URS), IQ/OQ/PQ, etc.

Associates Degree (± 13 years) with Related with 10-15 years relevant experience. Bachelors Degree Engineering EXPERIENCE Minimum 5 years 5-10 years as automation controls engineer. Must have experience with designing and fabricating automated production equipment for low and high volume processes. Good communication skills and the ability to interact with all levels of the organization. Experience with general automation and control concepts along with machine vision systems, robotics, and PLC software programming. Experience working in a broader enterprise/cross-division business unit model preferred. Ability to work in a highly matrixed and geographically diverse business environment. Ability to work within a team and as an individual contributor in a fast-paced, changing environment. Ability to leverage and/or engage others to accomplish projects. Strong verbal and written communications with ability to effectively communicate at multiple levels in the organization. Multitasks, prioritizes and meets deadlines in timely manner. Strong organizational and follow-up skills, as well as attention to detail. Ability to travel, including internationally.

JOB FAMILY: Product Development DIVISION: CRM Cardiac Rhythm Management LOCATION: United States > Sylmar : 15900 Valley View Court ADDITIONAL LOCATIONS: WORK SHIFT: Standard TRAVEL: No MEDICAL SURVEILLANCE: Yes SIGNIFICANT WORK ACTIVITIES: Continuous sitting for prolonged periods (more than 2 consecutive hours in an 8 hour day), Keyboard use (greater or equal to 50% of the workday)

The base pay for this position is $90,000.00 – $180,000.00 In specific locations, the pay range may vary from the range posted.

Abbott is an Equal Opportunity Employer of Minorities/Women/Individuals with Disabilities/Protected Veterans. EEO is the Law link - English: http://webstorage.abbott.com/common/External/EEO_English.pdf EEO is the Law link - Espanol: http://webstorage.abbott.com/common/External/EEO_Spanish.pdf

Abbott is about the power of health. For more than 135 years, Abbott has been helping people reach their potential — because better health allows people and communities to achieve more. With a diverse, global network serving customers in more than 160 countries, we create new solutions — across the spectrum of health, around the world, for all stages of life. Whether it’s next-generation diagnostics, life-changing devices, science-based nutrition, or novel reformulations, we are advancing some of the most innovative and revolutionary technologies in healthcare, helping people live their best lives through better health.

The people of Abbott come to work each day with relentless energy, enthusiasm and a promise to enhance the health and well-being of millions of people. They push the boundaries to help manage and treat some of life’s greatest health challenges.

We invite you to explore opportunities at Abbott, to see if your talents and career aspirations may fit with our openings. An equal opportunity employer, Abbott welcomes and encourages diversity in our workforce.

Follow Us: Facebook LinkedIn YouTube Twitter