Instrumentation/Automation Service Engineer II

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.

About the role

The Instrumentation/Automation Service Engineer II is responsible for the installation, calibration, maintenance, and repair of both simple and complex laboratory equipment. This role plays a crucial role in fostering positive interactions, providing technical support, and ensuring customer needs are met in a timely and professional manner. The role involves significant time (up to 65%) performing routine and complex tasks related to calibration, maintenance, and repair. The individual will act as a point of contact for escalated equipment-related issues and partner with Service Leadership to escalate concerns, present areas of team growth, and report on day-to-day operations.

Responsibilities

• Install and commission advanced laboratory instruments, ensuring qualifications are completed per service policies and procedures.
• Lead structured root cause investigations for standalone equipment failures and implement corrective actions.
• Perform routine preventive maintenance and calibrations in accordance with service policies.
• Complete accurate service records, ensuring documentation meets Good Documentation Practices (GDP) and complies with safety and regulatory requirements (e.g., OSHA, FDA, ISO, CLIA). Support the company’s Quality Management System (QMS).
• Write and review Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for equipment service, maintenance, and calibration.
• Continuously develop expertise in servicing complex laboratory equipment and provide hands-on mentorship to Level 1 technicians on troubleshooting and best practices.
• Interpret assembly drawings in support of duties.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and service engineers to ensure effective troubleshooting and maintenance.
• Support R&D, Manufacturing, and Lab Operations during lab equipment changes and minor upgrades.
• Actively participate in automation and laboratory improvement projects, representing the service organization as a core team member.
• Provide guidance and coaching to junior staff, fostering growth and performance improvement within the team.
• Serve as a key resource and provide leadership to service engineers, ensuring proper workflow and quality of work.
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to metrology associates and service engineers.
• Coordinate day-to-day department workflow and ensure appropriate coverage for service activities.
• Track and monitor all service activities using systems developed according to service policies and procedures.
• Manage schedules and work priorities to ensure urgent customer requirements are addressed appropriately.
• Represent the Service Team during lab expansion projects, new instrument onboarding, and equipment qualification reviews.
• Work independently or as part of a team, adapting to new information or unexpected situations.
• Operate under pressure, managing multiple tasks and/or deadlines while maintaining quality and attention to detail.
• For Automation Service Engineer: Lead troubleshooting efforts for complex automation issues, coordinating with vendors or internal teams when necessary.
• Support root cause investigations and assist in developing long-term service solutions for critical problems.
• Plan and perform system upgrades, migrations, and larger service activities with support from project teams.
• Develop service tools, checklists, and preventive maintenance plans to improve system reliability.
• Create, review, and revise service documentation (SOPs, troubleshooting procedures, preventive maintenance plans) to maintain high-quality standards and usability.
• Collaborate with cross-functional groups to identify opportunities for service improvements and help drive small reliability initiatives.
• Support senior leadership by providing technical input on system health and service priorities.
• Uphold company mission and values through accountability, innovation, integrity, quality, and teamwork.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Technology, Electronics, or other relevant field; or Associate degree in Engineering, Technology, Electronics, or related field and 2 years of relevant experience; or High School diploma/GED and 4 years of relevant experience.
• 3+ years of relevant experience.
• 2+ years of experience supporting the administration and execution of a service program.
• Experience mentoring junior staff.
• Experience interpreting mechanical parts and assembly drawings.
• Experience with electrical circuits and diagrams, including the use of electrical measurement tools such as multi-meters and analyzers.
• Ability to operate under pressure, managing multiple tasks and/or deadlines while maintaining quality and attention to detail.
• Proficient in using computer software, including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), and mobile devices/tablets.
• Proven attention to detail with a track record of documenting service activities accurately and in a timely manner.
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Demonstrated mechanical and troubleshooting aptitude, with hands-on experience performing on-site calibrations and preventative maintenance of laboratory equipment.
• Experience working in ambiguous situations, adapting to new information, and responding effectively to unexpected circumstances.
• Demonstrated ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without accommodation.
• Authorization to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Preferred Qualifications

• 4+ years of experience with Quality Systems, documentation requirements, and regulatory compliance (e.g., OSHA, FDA, CLIA, ISO, CAP).
• 4+ years of experience operating laboratory equipment (e.g., centrifuges, liquid handling robots, shakers) and performing hands-on technical troubleshooting.
• Experience with Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) and Digital Pathology Imaging.
• Experience maintaining Histology and other complex laboratory equipment.
• Experience in loading and/or updating software applications related to laboratory equipment.
• Demonstrated mechanical aptitude relevant to maintenance and repair of complex laboratory equipment such as liquid handling robots.
• Demonstrated understanding of electrical circuits and diagrams, including the use of common electrical measurement tools such as multi-meters and oscilloscopes.
• Experience working in a Current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) environment.
• Experience with database management, preferably in developing continuous database management procedures/process improvements.
• Experience with validation processes and equipment qualification.
• Demonstrated ability to plan workload, allocate tasks, and scale operations to align with business priorities.
• Working knowledge of clinical laboratory service operations and activities.
• Working knowledge of control systems, robotics, and custom automation, with the ability to contribute to the design, integration, and optimization of automated systems.

Skills

• Ability to work designated schedule, including nights and/or weekends as needed.
• Ability to work overtime and on-call as assigned.
• Ability to work on a mobile device, tablet, or in front of a computer screen and/or perform typing for approximately 70% of a typical working day.
• Ability to work on a computer and phone simultaneously.
• Ability to use a telephone through a headset.
• Ability to work seated for approximately 25-40% of a typical working day.
• Ability to work standing for approximately 60-75% of a typical working day.
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds.
• Ability to comply with any applicable personal protective equipment requirements.
• May be exposed to hazardous materials, tissue specimens, and instruments with moving parts, lasers, heating and freezing elements, and high-speed centrifugation.
• Ability and means to travel 10-20% between local locations and 10-20% of working time away from work location, including overnight/weekend travel.

Pay

The base pay for this position is $26.50 – $53.00 per hour. In specific locations, the pay range may vary from the range posted.