Robotics and Automation Support Engineer

Zoetis - Kalamazoo, MI

Full-time - Entry Level

Kalamazoo, MI

Chemical Manufacturing

About the position

The Robotics and Automation Support Engineer will be responsible for ensuring the optimal performance and reliability of liquid handling, sample management, and other automation instruments within the Laboratory Instrument Support Team. This role requires a deep understanding of robotics and automation platforms used in the biopharmaceutical industry, focusing on maintenance, troubleshooting, and collaboration with scientific teams to enhance instrument performance.

Responsibilities

• Provide advanced support and troubleshooting on complex robotic liquid handling platforms and automation-based instrumentation.
• Conduct routine maintenance, calibration, and reliability assessments of automation instruments.
• Diagnose and troubleshoot issues with robotic platforms, implementing effective solutions to minimize downtime.
• Collaborate with research and analytical teams to tailor maintenance activities to specific requirements.
• Perform preventive maintenance tasks to extend the lifespan of automation instruments.
• Stay current with advancements in robotics and automation technology, recommending upgrades or modifications.
• Document maintenance activities, including procedures, issues, and resolutions.
• Adhere to GxP compliance requirements and provide technical input for SOP development.
• Train laboratory staff on proper usage and basic troubleshooting of automation instruments.
• Coordinate with external vendors for technical support and repairs.
• Participate in Factory and Site Acceptance Testing of instrumentation as required.
• Maintain an inventory of spare parts and consumables for automation instruments.
• Adhere to safety protocols and regulatory requirements.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in chemistry, analytical chemistry, physics, engineering, electronics, or a related technical field, or 4 years of relevant education and training experience.
• Vendor-provided training in robotics/automation system maintenance for at least one major vendor brand, preferably with certification credentials.
• Minimum of 2 years' experience maintaining robotic liquid handling platforms and automation instruments, with strong troubleshooting skills.
• Knowledge of Good Laboratory Practices (GLPs) related to equipment maintenance documentation.
• Familiarity with software used in robotic platforms and automation instruments.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Mechanically-inclined with basic knowledge in electronics and automation programming.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Strong communication skills to interact with internal teams and external vendors.
• Ability to travel up to 5% of the time.
• Ability to lift heavy equipment up to 50 lbs.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience with Hamilton storage systems, Beckman Biomek, and Tecan Evo platforms.
• Vendor training/certification in maintaining flow cytometry systems.
• Experience programming liquid handling platforms and coding in standard programming languages.
• Prototype fabrication of custom parts using shop equipment.
• Familiarity with 3D scanning and advanced 3D rendering technologies.

Benefits

• Equal opportunity employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.
• Reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities.