Automation Team Lead

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.

     

JOB DESCRIPTION:

ABOUT ABBOTT

Abbott is a global healthcare leader, creating breakthrough science to improve people’s health. We’re always looking towards the future, anticipating changes in medical science and technology.

 

WORKING AT ABBOTT

At Abbott, you can do work that matters, grow, and learn, care for yourself and your family, be your true self, and live a full life. You’ll also have access to:

• Production areas that are clean, well-lit and temperature-controlled
• Training and career development, with onboarding programs for new employees and tuition assistance
• Financial security through competitive compensation, incentives and retirement plans
• Health care and well-being programs including medical, dental, vision, wellness and occupational health programs, Medical Benefits start day 1
• Vacation – 120 hours of accrued vacation (1st yr is prorated) + vacation buy program + 5 personal days + 10 paid holidays
• Retiree Healthcare program
• Robust 401(k) retirement savings with a generous company match
• Tuition reimbursement, the Freedom 2 Save student debt program and FreeU education benefit - an affordable and convenient path to getting a bachelor’s degree.
• A company recognized as a great place to work in dozens of countries around the world and named one of the most admired companies in the world by Fortune.
• A stable company with a record of strong financial performance and history of being actively involved in local communities
• A company that is recognized as one of the best big companies to work for as well as the best place to work for diversity, working mothers, female executives, and scientists.

 

OVERVIEW

We are seeking an experienced Automation Team Lead to lead a team of hourly Controls Technicians supporting our manufacturing, laboratory, and warehouse operations. This role is responsible for ensuring the safe, reliable, and efficient execution of preventive maintenance, troubleshooting automation and electrical systems, and partnering with Engineering to implement system improvements and capital projects across the site.

 

The Automation Team provides 24/7 support for critical operations through the maintenance, troubleshooting, optimization, and continuous improvement of PLC-based control systems, VFDs, process control loops, industrial networks, and automated production equipment.

 

The Team Lead will play a critical role in developing technical talent, improving equipment reliability, enhancing automation performance, and supporting manufacturing through advanced controls troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and automation lifecycle management, including obsolescence identification and replacement planning.

 

 

WHAT YOU’LL DO

• Lead, coach, and develop a team of Controls Technicians, fostering a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Prioritize, coordinate, and manage daily and long-term work activities to support operational objectives and equipment reliability.
• Onboard, train, and mentor new team members while supporting career development and succession planning.
• Establish and maintain site automation standards around, ensuring control systems are properly documented, labeled, and supported with up-to-date drawings, manuals, and troubleshooting resources.
• Ensure current backups are maintained for PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, and other programmable devices, along with the software and tools required to support and recover systems.
• Provide technical leadership and support for PLC, HMI, VFD, servo, motion control, industrial network, and process control systems throughout the facility.
• Lead troubleshooting and root cause analysis efforts for complex automation, controls, electrical, and process-related issues.
• Identify automation and controls obsolescence risks and develop replacement strategies, partnering with Engineering teams to establish long-term capital plans.
• Partner with Engineering, Operations, Maintenance, and project teams to successfully integrate new equipment, system upgrades, and capital projects into plant operations.
• Maintain strong working relationships with internal customers and cross-functional partners.

 

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related technical discipline.
• Demonstrated experience leading maintenance, controls, automation, or technical teams in an industrial manufacturing environment.
• Proven experience troubleshooting and repairing mechanical and electrical systems associated with high-speed manufacturing, filling, or packaging equipment.
• Strong technical knowledge of PLCs, VFDs, HMIs, industrial networks, motor control systems, and plant equipment, including pumps, hydraulics, pneumatics, and utility systems.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and P&ID diagrams.
• Experience troubleshooting control systems, analyzing automation failures, and supporting PLC- and HMI-based equipment.
• Working knowledge of Maximo or a similar computerized maintenance management system (CMMS).
• Strong communication, organizational, and leadership skills.

 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• 4+ years of hands-on experience supporting industrial controls and automation systems in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience leading or mentoring technicians in troubleshooting, maintenance, and continuous improvement activities.
• Knowledge of process controls, PID loops, and loop tuning.
• Working knowledge of Rockwell Automation platforms, including RSLogix 5000 and Studio 5000.
• Familiarity with industrial communication networks and protocols, including DeviceNet, EtherNet/IP, HART, IO-Link, and Foundation Fieldbus.
• Experience supporting VFDs, servo systems, motion control applications, and motor control centers.
• Prior experience in a liquid manufacturing, processing, or packaging facility.

 

 

Apply Now

 

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. Pre-Employment Inquiries and Citizenship | U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (eeoc.gov)

 

Learn more about our health and wellness benefits, which provide the security to help you and your family live full lives:  www.abbottbenefits.com

*Employees can qualify for free medical coverage in our Health Investment Plan (HIP) PPO medical plan in the next calendar year.

 

Follow your career aspirations to Abbott for diverse opportunities with a company that can help you build your future and live your best life. Abbott is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Military/Veteran friendly Employer, committed to employee diversity.

Connect with us at www.abbott.com, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Abbott, and on Twitter @AbbottNews.

 

     

The base pay for this position is

$78,000.00 – $156,000.00

In specific locations, the pay range may vary from the range posted.

     

JOB FAMILY:

Facilities & Maintenance

     

DIVISION:

ANSC Nutrition Supply Chain

        

LOCATION:

United States > Columbus : Columbus Plant

     

ADDITIONAL LOCATIONS:

     

WORK SHIFT:

Standard

     

TRAVEL:

No

     

MEDICAL SURVEILLANCE:

No

     

SIGNIFICANT WORK ACTIVITIES:

Continuous standing for prolonged periods (more than 2 consecutive hours in an 8 hour day)

     

Abbott is an Equal Opportunity Employer of Minorities/Women/Individuals with Disabilities/Protected Veterans.

     

EEO is the Law link - English: http://webstorage.abbott.com/common/External/EEO_English.pdf

     

EEO is the Law link - Espanol: http://webstorage.abbott.com/common/External/EEO_Spanish.pdf