automation engineer Waltham, MA
Job description
For over 20 years, Abcam has been providing tools the scientific community needs to enable faster breakthroughs in critical areas like cancer, neurological disorders, infectious diseases, and metabolic disorders.
We believe that to continue making progress, we need to work together in new ways. We need your own unique perspective as well as this of our people to make an always greater impact on the world. This community needs people like you: dedicated, agile and above all audacious so we can truly bring progress forward.
Our 100,000 sq. ft. Waltham Facility is home to around 250 employees, including numerous laboratory teams and our North America logistics hub. It will have expanded by over 30% by the end of 2023 and as part of this expansion, we’ve introduced more automation – from smaller scale processing opportunities at the lab bench, all the way through to the installation of two Azenta BioStore™ Automated Sample Storage Systems, which will form a considerable focus over the initial months in role.
With all this change, our Workplace team is looking for an Automation Equipment Engineer to join their team. This is a first of its kind role at abcam and will be the main point of contact for automation equipment coming in for the business, preventative maintenance and will act as “first responder” for equipment breakdowns to ensure minimal impact on activity.
The role is Monday-Friday however, does require you to be on call Mon-Sat for emergency situations where simple troubleshooting has failed.
Abcam will provide a training program (via Azenta) to the role holder in the safe operation, troubleshooting, programming and maintenance of the newly installed Storage Systems.
The role involves:
- Troubleshooting, and/or repair complex electro/mechanical equipment where primary users have been unable to resolve at the first stage
- Responds to situations where standard procedures have not isolated or fixed problems in equipment, systems, and/or software.
- Where unable to fix, escalate to the relevant vendor and act as the point of contact on site assisting vendor engineers either providing remote assistance or on-site service.
- Collaborates with suppliers to ensure timely delivery and storage of spare parts
- Maintain accurate records of maintenance activities, including repair logs, inspection reports, and equipment performance data.
- Complete preventative maintenance of automated storage equipment in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and schedule.
- Support our laboratory and logistics teams with solutions and feasibility studies / prototypes for automating our operations further.
- Assist the laboratory support teams with troubleshooting issues with other laboratory equipment where applicable
- Work closely with your colleagues in Abcam Digital team in the design and development of automation software development projects, develop and maintain automation software standards, and gather business requirements, perform feasibility studies, and prototype solutions.
- Understand safety procedures and train team members on safe work practices.
- Reduce repeated failures and create solutions to drive continuous improvement and minimise machinery downtime
You would ideally have a bachelor's degree in engineering, science, or another related field with demonstrated experience in electrical, mechanical, or control systems. You have experience with PLC, DCS, and SCADA systems.
You are comfortable standing and walking frequently. The role does require the ability to life a minimum of 50 pounds and will also involve carrying, reaching, bending, pushing, pulling, climbing, kneeling and twisting. You also must be comfortable climbing ladders.
Additional Information
We know that when it comes to benefits, no one size fits all. Flexibility and choice matter which is why, in addition to market competitive salaries, we offer you a flexible benefits package which is tailored to your unique needs and support your financial, physical and emotional wellbeing. This includes our award-winning share scheme, 18 weeks fully paid maternity leave, 6 weeks fully paid paternity leave as well as highly flexible working and much more. Besides, your development will be integral to your experience here. You will grow alongside other talented minds, in ways you may often find unexpected.
When people come together, incredible things happen. Here you’ll work in a safe environment where you can be who you truly are. We’ll champion and celebrate your uniqueness throughout your journey with us. This is how we excel at partnering with the scientific community no matter the challenge, ultimately helping solve the world’s most critical diseases. Find out more about Diversity & Inclusion at Abcam.
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