Robotics and Automation Support Engineer

Role Description

We are seeking a skilled Robotics and Automation Support Engineer to join the Laboratory Instrument Support Team to ensure the optimal performance and reliability of our liquid handling, sample management and other automation instruments. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of various forms of robotics and automation instrument platforms that are used in the biopharmaceutical industry, including maintenance and troubleshooting activities. This role will work with minimum supervision on multiple equipment support tasks including but not limited to coordinating vendor technical service visits/calls, non-scheduled break-fix support, troubleshooting equipment, evaluation of equipment needs in partnership with science groups to determine appropriate use and selection of instrumentation, assisting with equipment installation and commissioning.

Responsibilities:

Works independently and within a cross functional highly collaborative team environment to provide advanced support and troubleshooting on a wide range of complex robotic liquid handing platforms, sample management and other automation-based instrumentation, including flow cytometers. Conduct routine maintenance, calibration, and reliability assessments of automation instruments to ensure accurate and reliable results. Diagnose and troubleshoot issues with robotic liquid handing platforms, sample management and other automation-based instruments, implementing effective solutions to minimize downtime. Collaborate with the research and analytical teams to understand specific requirements and tailor maintenance activities accordingly. Perform preventive maintenance tasks to extend the lifespan of automation instruments and prevent unexpected failures. Stay current with advancements in robotics and automation technology and recommend upgrades or modifications to enhance performance. Document maintenance activities, including procedures, issues encountered, and resolutions implemented, to maintain a comprehensive record. Adhere to all GxP compliance requirements and provides technical input for department SOP development. Train laboratory staff on proper usage, handling, and basic troubleshooting of liquid handling robotics and sample management instruments. Coordinate with external vendors for technical support, repairs, and the procurement of spare parts as needed. Participate in FAT (Factory Acceptance Testing) and SAT (Site Acceptance Testing) of instrumentation, as required. Maintain an inventory of spare parts and consumables for robotic liquid handing platforms and sample management instruments. Adhere to safety protocols, regulatory requirements, and standard operating procedures related to the care and maintenance of laboratory equipment. Assist scientific personnel with the evaluation and implementation of new/adjacent laboratory technologies.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in chemistry, analytical chemistry, physics, engineering, electronics, or a related technical field, or a total of 4 years of combined relevant education credits and on-the-job training experience supporting complex liquid handling robotics and sample management instruments.

• Vendor-provided training in robotics/automation system maintenance for at least one major vendor brand of equipment, preferably with documented certification credentials, or transferrable experience in robotics/automation instrumentation.

• A strong understanding of robotic liquid handing platforms, sample management or automation-based instrumentation and a minimum of 2 years' experience maintaining these automation instruments is required, including strong troubleshooting and issue resolution experience.

• Knowledge of Good Laboratory Practices (GLPs), especially with respect to laboratory equipment maintenance documentation requirements.

• Familiarity with software used in robotic liquid handing platforms, sample management instrumentation, or other automation-based instruments including operations and data analysis.

• Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.

• Mechanically-inclined, basic knowledge in electronics and automation programming

• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.

• Strong desire and commitment to provide excellent support to scientific and lab operations personnel and other internal team members.

• Excellent communication skills to interact with internal teams and external vendors.

• Ability to understand and consistently follow safety protocols and standard operating procedures.

• Ability to travel up to 5% of the time.

• Ability to lift heavy equipment up to 50 lbs.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience with one or more of the following vendor brands of automation instrumentation: Hamilton storage systems, Beckman Biomek, and Tecan Evo platforms.

• Experience and vendor training/certification in maintaining flow cytometry systems.

• Experience programing liquid handing platforms with some experience coding in standard/current programing languages.

• Prototype fabrication of custom parts and experience with improvements to existing parts utilizing shop equipment such as metal lathes and milling machines.

• Familiarity with 3D scanning and advanced 3D rendering systems technologies.

Any unsolicited resumes sent to Zoetis from a third party, such as an Agency recruiter, including unsolicited resumes sent to a Zoetis mailing address, fax machine or email address, directly to Zoetis employees, or to Zoetis resume database will be considered Zoetis property. Zoetis will NOT pay a fee for any placement resulting from the receipt of an unsolicited resume.

Zoetis will consider any candidate for whom an Agency has submitted an unsolicited resume to have been referred by the Agency free of any charges or fees. This includes any Agency that is an approved/engaged vendor but does not have the appropriate approvals to be engaged on a search.