Sr. Process Development & Automation Engineer

SLAS (Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening); Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 78,000 - 156,000; Full time

Job summary

Abbott in Phoenix, AZ is seeking a Senior Engineer, Process Development & Automation to lead and support automation projects across laboratory instruments and software. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to design, test, implement, and validate automated workflows, ensure quality and regulatory compliance, and mentor junior engineers while driving continuous improvement and efficiency.

The role requires strong problem solving, communication skills in English, and the ability to

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related field; or an Associate’s degree in Engineering, Technology, Electronics, or a similar field plus 2 years of experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field is preferred; additional years of experience may substitute.

Responsibilities

• Lead engineering design and project leadership activities for process automation.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams on instrumentation, integration, validation, and installation.
• Ensure safety, regulatory compliance (FDA/CLIA/CAP) and maintain detailed records.
• Mentor and guide service engineers and junior staff.
• Drive continuous improvement projects to enhance lab efficiency and reduce costs.

Skills

Advanced engineering knowledge

English communication

Problem solving

Independence & teamwork

Adaptability

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field

Associate’s degree in Engineering/Technology/Electronics

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.

Location: Phoenix, AZ (US) | Employment type: Full-time | Travel: ~10%

Position Overview

The Senior Engineer, Process Development & Automation leads, manages, implements, and provides technical engineering support for a variety of process automation hardware, software applications, and laboratory instruments. This position collaborates cross-functionally with internal and external partners to enhance existing workflows and develop new automated workflows in a complex, rapidly evolving clinical laboratory.

Responsibilities may include guiding the Lab Service, Process Development & Automation, and Laboratory Operations teams through automation selection, system design, integration, commissioning, and project documentation. The role’s influence extends to technical, quality, and business teams, as well as other engineers within laboratory operations. The Senior Engineer is expected to make new processes, systems, validation methods, and projects successful.

Key Responsibilities

Engineering Design & Project Leadership

• Develop process architectures and functional specifications based on user and workflow requirements.
• Lead planning activities and conduct complex engineering design, platform eligibility testing, systems integration, and performance testing.
• Manage moderately complex projects and initiatives, typically within one platform or business organization, applying project leadership skills in planning, delegating, influencing, and managing priorities.
• Provide input for project design and development, and accurately estimate task effort, including work performed by others.
• Take scientific bench protocols from the bench to the automation system.
• Contribute creative, practical ideas and insights on new technologies, testing methodologies, applications, techniques, and procedures.
• Make decisions involving complex issues, working autonomously and checking in with the supervisor or project lead as decisions are made.

Instrumentation & Automation Lifecycle

• 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.
• Lead recommendations and implementation of changes that ensure ongoing high-quality performance of laboratory equipment.
• Lead technical investigation and troubleshooting of laboratory systems.
• Independently address routine issues using documented procedures and historical case research.
• Support and respond to complex system problems, counseling internal and external vendors and Laboratory Service Engineers on corrective and preventive actions.
• Maintain oversight of the quality of mechanical repairs and related documentation.
• Lead continuous improvement projects that drive cost reduction and lab efficiency.

Quality, Safety & Compliance

• Ensure new and existing instrumentation (automation and non-automation) meets safety requirements and compliance standards.
• Maintain records and follow laboratory procedures to meet regulatory requirements such as FDA, CLIA, and/or CAP.
• Support and comply with the company’s Quality Management System policies and procedures.
• Adhere to the maintenance schedule and maintain detailed records.

Collaboration, Mentorship & Communication

• Mentor and provide technical guidance to service engineers, laboratory technicians, junior engineers, and other members of the Process Development & Automation team, acting as a role model on technical issues.
• Actively and constructively contribute to others’ designs through design reviews within the organization.
• Facilitate reuse by communicating available technologies and opportunities across the organization.
• Present factual information and convey very complex information clearly, in both written and oral form.
• Influence others, gain acceptance, and build consensus.
• Communicate issues, problems, and results that affect timelines, accuracy, and reliability of data.
• Bring company and industry knowledge and creative technical/scientific skills to product creation; be recognized as a content or sub-discipline specialist across the company.
• Understand internal and external customer needs and how they affect business unit products and services.
• Continuously develop personal knowledge and expertise related to the service of complex clinical laboratory equipment.
• Uphold the company mission and values through pioneering, achieving, caring, and enduring.
• Regularly demonstrate leadership behaviors: Pioneering, achieving, caring, and enduring.

Skills & Competencies

• Advanced knowledge of engineering theories, practices, and procedures, applied to complete assignments.
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw data-driven conclusions.
• Excellent verbal and written English communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to follow procedures, maintain detailed records, and manage time effectively across competing priorities.
• Highly motivated, able to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Adaptable and open to change; able to work in ambiguous situations and respond to new information and unexpected circumstances.
• Creativity and latitude, including the ability to multi-task and work productively in a demanding environment with changing priorities.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related field; or an Associate’s degree in Engineering, Technology, Electronics, or a similar field plus 2 years of experience.
• 6+ years of experience in engineering or a relevant industry.
• Advanced knowledge of engineering theories, practices, and procedures.
• 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

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related field and 10+ years of relevant experience; or an Associate’s degree in Engineering, Technology, Electronics, or a similar field with 12+ years of relevant industry experience.
• Technical proficiency and experience in automation, system development, and integration in a laboratory environment.
• Experience in process optimization involving complex workflows with both system equipment and software components, ensuring user and business requirements are met.
• Experience working in a CAP/CLIA and/or other regulated production environment.
• Advanced knowledge of databases, laboratory information management systems, and other file management applications.

Physical Requirements & Work Conditions

• Work seated and in front of a computer screen and/or typing approximately 80% of a typical working day.
• Work standing approximately 20% of a typical working day.
• Lift up to 50 pounds for less than 5% of a typical working day.
• Comply with all applicable personal protective equipment requirements.
• Travel approximately 10% of working time for occasional training, out-of-state vendor site visits, and travel between Abbott Cancer Diagnostics sites.
• Regular and reliable attendance; occasional evening and weekend work may be required.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Our success relies on the experiences and perspectives of a diverse team. We foster a culture where all employees can develop personally and professionally with a sense of respect and belonging. If you require an accommodation, please contact us. We are an equal opportunity employer; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, creed, disability, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or any other status protected by applicable local, state, or federal law.

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.