LAS Operations Training Specialist

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.

Position Overview

The LAS Operations Training Specialist – Automation develops and delivers technical training for Lab Automation Services (LAS) team members on custom-built clinical laboratory automation. Training focuses on break/fix, preventative maintenance, and error recovery, and must keep pace with the growing technical scope of LAS roles, which includes areas such as PLC, robotics, and motor control work. They apply that knowledge to develop training content, deliver training across all shifts, and assess, sign off, and document learner competency.

Essential Duties

include but are not limited to the following:

Serve as the subject matter expert (SME) on assigned custom-built automation platforms, and maintain current knowledge as equipment, software, and processes evolve.

Design, develop, and maintain technical training courses, materials, and procedures for break/fix, preventative maintenance, and error recovery, including topics such as electrical, motor controls, drives, PLC, robotics, pneumatics, pumps, mechanisms, and valves.

Schedule, communicate, and lead training for LAS team members across all shifts (1st, 2nd, 3rd, weekend days, and weekend nights) so that the team is trained before new automation goes live.

Adapt training style to learner needs using classroom instruction, hands-on and on-the-job training, in-lab coaching, virtual training, and other modalities as needed.

Develop competencies, test cases, and direct observation checklists (DOCLs); assign them to learners; evaluate performance; and sign off on completion, including EHS competencies such as lockout/tagout and NFPA 70E.

Maintain accurate training records in the appropriate learning management systems in accordance with applicable policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.

Perform hands-on break/fix on assigned automation after go-live to build proficiency, update training content with lessons learned, and coach service engineers until they are competent in completing repairs independently.

Coordinate with the equipment service team to engage in service events, keeping training aligned with day-to-day practice.

Provide retraining as needed and respond to technical questions from learners, seeking guidance when answers are unknown.

Support and comply with the company’s Quality Management System policies and applicable regulatory requirements.

Core Competencies

Work collaboratively in a team environment and build solid working relationships with peers at all levels of the organization.

Lead and motivate others, even when not in a position of authority.

Communicate effectively, both in writing and verbally.

Adapt effectively to changing workloads, project deadlines, and circumstances.

Quickly understand and apply new technical information, and continually learn, improve, and apply new technical and training skills.

Manage time well and remain focused when working independently.

Demonstrate strong organizational skills and a high level of attention to detail.

Accurately follow written and verbal instructions.

Uphold company mission and values through accountability, innovation, integrity, quality, and teamwork.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

Maintain regular and reliable attendance; work overtime as needed.

Provide schedule flexibility, including off-shift and weekend work, to train across all shifts and support go-live timelines. Primarily first shift but will flex for business need.

Lift up to 40 pounds for approximately 15% of a typical day.

Work on a mobile device, tablet, or in front of a computer screen and/or perform typing for approximately 50% of a typical day.

Comply with any applicable personal protective equipment requirements.

Ability and means to travel between Madison locations.

Ability to travel up to 15% of working time away from work location, which may include overnight or weekend travel.

Comply with any applicable personal protective equipment requirements.

Ability and means to travel between Madison locations.

Ability to travel up to 15% of working time away from work location, which may include overnight or weekend travel.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering (e.g., mechanical, electrical, industrial) or a related technical field; or an Associate’s Degree and 2 years of relevant technical experience as outlined in the essential duties in lieu of a Bachelor’s Degree.

2+ years of hands-on experience working with automated equipment.

1+ years of experience as a technical trainer, corporate trainer, or in related training experience.

Strong understanding of instructor-led, virtual instructor-led, technical, and hands-on/on-the-job training.

Strong computer skills including proficiency with Microsoft Office products, virtual meeting tools, email, word processing, and data/records management.

Demonstrated ability to perform the Essential Duties of the position with or without accommodation.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in country where work will be performed on a full or part-time basis. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of employment visas at this time.

 

Preferred Qualifications

Experience troubleshooting PLC-controlled equipment.

Robotics training and/or experience (e.g., FANUC and/or Epson).

Experience with electrical motor controls, machine design, and system I/O.

Experience working in a regulated environment, specifically under FDA, ISO, CAP and/or CLIA.

Knowledge of ISO/IEC 17025 and 21 CFR Part 820 requirements with regard to inspection, measuring, and test equipment.

Familiarity with GMP and manufacturing engineering principles.

We are an equal employment 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, and any other status protected by applicable local, state, or federal law. Applicable portions of the Company’s affirmative action program are available to any applicant or employee for inspection upon request.

The base pay for this position is $61,300.00 – $122,700.00. In specific locations, the pay range may vary from the range posted.