Senior Automation Engineer

Abbott Laboratories is seeking a Senior Automation Engineer to drive advanced automation solutions for our Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals R&D teams. In this role, you will design, implement, and optimize automated laboratory and pilot-scale systems, integrating robotics, instruments, and data platforms to accelerate experimentation and development. You will lead full lifecycle automation projects, ensure GMP/GxP and data integrity compliance, and troubleshoot complex controls issues. Working in an inclusive, mission-driven culture, you will collaborate across functions, mentor junior engineers, and help shape innovative, global health technologies while benefiting from strong career growth and competitive rewards.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and optimize automation solutions for R&D laboratories and pilot processes.
• Integrate robotics, instruments, and data systems to streamline biotech experimentation and analysis.
• Lead automation projects from requirements through deployment, validation, and documentation.
• Ensure compliance with GMP/Gx
• P, data integrity, and cybersecurity standards for automated systems.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex automation, controls, and data integration issues.
• Collaborate with scientists, engineers, and IT to translate R&D needs into robust automated workflows.
• Develop and maintain PLC, SCADA, and scripting code for lab and pilot-scale equipment.
• Author and execute validation protocols (IQ/OQ/PQ) and change controls for automated systems.
• Mentor junior engineers and share best practices in automation and system design.
• Continuously assess emerging technologies to improve R&D productivity and reliability.

Required Skills

• Automation engineering
• Robotics integration
• Bioprocess automation
• PLC programming
• SCADA systems
• Python or similar scripting
• Data acquisition systems
• Validation and IQ/OQ/PQGMP/Gx
• P compliance
• Risk and root-cause analysis