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.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

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.

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