Sr. Controls Engineer

Abbott; Liberty Township (OH); On-site; USD 78,000 - 156,000; Full time

Job summary

Abbott is seeking a Sr. Controls Engineer to support production and process development in the Cardiac Rhythm Management division at the Liberty, SC site.

You will work on automated equipment design, maintenance, and qualification from concept to manufacturing, ensuring compliance with FDA regulations and quality systems. Ideal candidates have 5+ years in automation controls, PLC and machine vision experience, and strong communication across teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or equivalent.
• Minimum 5 years of experience; 5–10 years in automation controls.
• Experience designing automated production equipment for varied volumes.
• Strong verbal and written communication across levels.
• Experience with machine vision systems and PLC software programming.
• Ability to work in a matrixed, fast-paced environment.
• Willingness to travel internationally.

Responsibilities

• Interface with internal customers to provide controls support for manufacturing and testing equipment.
• Develop and maintain automated equipment; troubleshoot and improve processes.
• Lead FAT/SAT tests and coordinate qualifications.
• Create and revise manufacturing documents, SOPs and validation protocols.
• Support QMS, EMS and regulatory requirements for medical devices.
• Collaborate with suppliers and cross‑functional teams on projects.

Skills

Automation controls

PLC programming

Machine vision

Strong communication

Team collaboration

Problem solving

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering

Associates Degree or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Microsoft Project

Outlook

PLC programming software

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

Working at Abbott

At Abbott, you can do work that matters, grow, and learn, care for yourself and family, be your true self and live a full life. You’ll also have access to:

• Career development with an international company where you can grow the career you dream of.
• Employees can qualify for free medical coverage in our Health Investment Plan (HIP) PPO medical plan in the next calendar year.
• An excellent retirement savings plan with high employer contribution.
• Tuition reimbursement, Freedom 2 Save student debt program and FreeU education benefit – an affordable and convenient path to getting a bachelor’s degree.
• A company recognized as a great place to work in dozens of countries around the world and named one of the most admired companies in the world by Fortune.
• A company that is recognized as one of the best big companies to work for as well as a best place to work for diversity, working mothers, female executives, and scientists.

The Opportunity

The Sr. Controls Engineer position works out of our Liberty, SC location in the Cardiac Rhythm Management Division.

As a global leader in Cardiac Rhythm Technologies, we focus on innovative technologies that can improve the way doctors treat people with heart arrhythmias or irregular heartbeats.

Sr. Controls Engineer supports production and process development from concept through sustained manufacturing of FDA regulated products. Responsibilities include production support, maintenance support, process development and qualification, equipment specification, acquisition, installation, and integration.

What You’ll Work On

• 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
• Troubleshoot new and existing automated equipment
• Assemble and evaluate automated equipment
• Establish machine specifications
• Support equipment validations
• Support all Company initiatives identified by management and support Quality Management Systems (QMS), Environmental Management Systems (EMS), and other regulatory requirements
• Comply with U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations, other regulatory requirements, Company policies, operating procedures, processes, and task assignments; maintain positive and cooperative communication and collaboration with all levels of employees, customers, contractors, and vendors
• Evaluate machine logic, electromechanical systems, and process controls to troubleshoot equipment
• Apply strong knowledge in industrial robotics, servos, pneumatic systems, sensors, and machine vision systems
• Engage outside consultants, technical staff from key suppliers, and engineering staff in other divisions
• Demonstrate strong mechanical and electrical aptitude
• Coordinate and participate in equipment Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT) and Site Acceptance Tests (SAT)
• Use automation control software and PLC programming and troubleshooting skills
• Familiarity with qualification and regulatory requirements in the medical device industry, including Design Review, User Requirement Specifications (URS), IQ/OQ/PQ
• Conceptualize, design, and build complete solutions for novel or complex problems; explore multiple alternatives
• Analyze current equipment for process suitability and provide detailed plans for improvement
• Create and revise manufacturing documents, specifications, SOPs, safety instructions, validation protocols, risk assessments, and procedures to ensure compliant, efficient and safe procedures
• Collaborate with other engineers and technicians in developing solutions and improvements in materials, equipment and process as necessary
• Actively participate in teams to ensure continual improvement, safety and compliance
• Lead cross‑functional project teams and coordinate activities
• Analyze, create and implement manufacturing and/or business process improvements that increase capacity, reduce lead‑time, reduce work in process and improve quality, cost and delivery performance
• Identify opportunities and drive incorporation of Lean tools such as 5S, time study, line balancing, standard work, material flow and value stream mapping, process mapping and Kaizen events into daily functions of continuous improvement
• Investigate and resolve existing equipment operating, reliability and yield issues; 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

Required Qualifications

• Associates Degree or equivalent combination of education and 10‑15 years relevant experience
• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or equivalent combination of education and work experience
• Minimum 5 years of experience; 5‑10 years as an automation controls engineer
• Experience designing and fabricating automated production equipment for low and high volume processes
• Good communication skills and ability to interact with all levels of the organization
• Experience with general automation and control concepts, machine vision systems 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
• Strong verbal and written communication skills; able to communicate at multiple levels in the organization
• Ability to multitask, prioritize and meet deadlines
• Strong organizational and follow‑up skills and attention to detail
• Ability to travel, including internationally

Preferred Qualifications

• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Microsoft Project and Outlook
• Detail oriented with strong analytical, organizational and problem‑solving skills
• Demonstration of strong interpersonal communication and presentation skills
• Experience with equipment specification and procurement with emphasis on process and packaging manufacturing solutions, small volume liquid filling, capping, torqueing, label printing, application and inspection systems
• Familiarity with qualification and regulatory requirements in the medical device industry, including Design Review, URS, FAT, SAT, IQ/OQ/PQ
• Strong commitment to safety and environmental issues; willingness to adhere to all safety and health rules, plant rules, procedures and guidelines
• Ability to communicate effectively and engage cross‑functional team on all aspects and responsibilities required of equipment installation and qualifications
• Must be able to work without direct supervision to accomplish goals and meet schedules
• Proven solid work ethic and ability to work well with others as well as independently
• Strong problem‑solving and troubleshooting skills

Job Family

Engineering

Division

CRM Cardiac Rhythm Management

Location

United States > Liberty : 253 Financial Blvd.

Work Shift

Standard

Travel

Yes, 5 % of the time

Medical Surveillance

No

Significant Work Activities

Continuous sitting for prolonged periods (more than 2 consecutive hours in an 8 hour day); work in a clean room environment.

EEO Statement

Abbott is an Equal Opportunity Employer of Minorities/Women/Individuals with Disabilities/Protected Veterans. EEO is the Law (English version). EEO is the Law (Español version).

Compensation

The base pay for this position is $78,000.00 – $156,000.00. In specific locations, the pay range may vary from the range posted.