Technical Service Specialist

Abbott; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 850,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

Abbott Diagnostics Johannesburg-based role responsible for installation, support, and lifecycle management of Abbott Diagnostics instruments across Africa. Travel up to 75% to service customers and ensure high performance and compliance with quality standards.

The candidate will deliver technical training, drive improvements, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to support Abbott's growth and customer satisfaction objectives.

Qualifications

• Degree in Biomedical Engineering or related field preferred.
• 5+ years experience in field based service engineering for diagnostic instruments.
• Experience with immunology/serology, chemistry analyzers, hematology systems and lab automation.

Responsibilities

• Install and support Abbott Diagnostics instruments across the region.
• Provide 2nd/3rd line technical support and manage escalations.
• Improve service metrics like first-time fix rate and MTTR.

Skills

Field service engineering

Immunology systems

Serology systems

Chemistry analyzers

Laboratory automation

Hematology systems

Troubleshooting

Communication

Analytical skills

Travel readiness

Driver's license

Education

Biomedical Engineering

Tools

Service software

Analytical tools

Job description

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.

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 will have access to:

• Career development with an international company where you can grow the career you dream of.
• 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.

In Abbott's Diagnostics Division

We are committed to delivering innovative diagnostic solutions that help laboratories and healthcare professionals make faster, more informed decisions. Our team supports cutting-edge technologies across Africa, ensuring customers receive exceptional technical service and operational excellence.

The Opportunity

Senior Field Service Engineer, Diagnostics

Based in Johannesburg , South Africa , this role will be responsible for the installation, technical support, performance improvement, and lifecycle management of Abbott Diagnostics instruments across the region. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in driving service excellence, optimizing key performance indicators, supporting customers, and contributing to Abbott's growth and customer satisfaction objectives.

What You'll Work On

• Install and support Abbott Diagnostics instruments
• Perform pre-installation assessments, site readiness reviews, and technical layout planning.
• Provide 2nd and 3rd level technical support and manage escalations.
• Drive improvements in key service metrics including first-time fix rate, mean time to repair, spare parts usage, and cost reduction initiatives.
• Implement Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs), preventative maintenance programs, and performance improvement initiatives.
• Utilize instrument performance data to proactively identify risks and improve service delivery.
• Deliver technical training, coaching, and workshops for customers and distributor service engineers.
• Collaborate closely with field service, applications, commercial, and technical support teams.
• Act as a key technical contact for local service teams and customers across Africa.
• Ensure compliance with Abbott quality systems, safety standards, documentation requirements, and service SOPs.
• Participate in global improvement programs and cross-functional initiatives.
• Support a 24/7 customer-focused service environment and travel extensively across Africa and EMEA as required.

Qualifications

Education

Degree in Biomedical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Medical Technology, or a related field preferred.

Experience & Skills

Atleast 5 years experience supporting diagnostic laboratory instruments as a Field based Service Engineer is essential , and ideally have experience with

• Immunology and Serology systems
• Chemistry analyzers
• Laboratory automation solutions
• Hematology systems

Proven success in a customer-facing field service or technical support role.

Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.

Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.

Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a team.

Experience delivering technical training and coaching.

Strong proficiency with analytical tools and service software.

Fluent in English, with the ability to write technical reports and documentation.

Additional language skills are advantageous.

Willingness and ability to travel extensively across Africa

Valid driver's license and passport required.

Join Abbott and help shape the future of diagnostics while delivering meaningful impact to patients, laboratories, and healthcare systems across Africa.

The base pay for this position is

N/A In specific locations, the pay range may vary from the range posted.

JOB FAMILY: Field Services

DIVISION: CRLB Core Lab

LOCATION: South Africa > Johannesburg : Abbott Place

ADDITIONAL LOCATIONS:

WORK SHIFT: Standard

TRAVEL: Yes, 75 % of the Time

MEDICAL SURVEILLANCE: No

SIGNIFICANT WORK ACTIVITIES: Not Applicable