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Senior Automation Engineer

San Juan Capistrano, California

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Every day as a Quest career professional, you’ll work in a dynamic, collaborative environment with the latest cutting-edge technology. As a laboratory operations team member, you will play a key role in ensuring that the highest standards of quality, safety, and integrity are upheld while meeting the needs of our patients. And, you’ll be supported by a company committed to helping you grow a rewarding career through cross training and comprehensive learning opportunities.

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With a world of opportunities in our supportive environment, you’ll take your career to the next level. From collaborating with senior leaders on meaningful work, to on-the-job training, we are committed to fostering your growth, so you can build a successful career. Here is just one example of a career path you can take.

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Job Details

Category Laboratory Location San Juan Capistrano, California Job function Operations Job family Laboratory Operations
Shift Day Employee type Regular Full-Time Work mode On-site

Senior Automation Engineer - San Juan Capistrano, CA | Monday - Friday

The Senior Automation Engineer is responsible for the proper operation, troubleshooting, repair, and preventive maintenance (PM) carried out on advanced equipment and automation systems in the laboratory. The role requires knowledge of automation and; and ability to support the associated equipment (e.g., Agilent Technology Bravo workstations, Formulatrix Tempest, BioNex Nanodrop, Tecan EvoWare and Fluent, and Hamilton Microlab Star). To support the automation system/robotics, the ability to work with dynamic scheduling software, equipment drivers, issue log, documentation is required.

The Lead Automation Engineer works independently, set priorities, and manages multiple projects simultaneously.  This Engineer solves equipment problems quickly and efficiently using all resources available and will be expected to keep lab management and bench supervisors informed of his/her appraisal of equipment needs and impact on daily production, including time limits for completion. Proper operation of assigned equipment is essential to the achievement of Quest Diagnostic’s production and operational goals.

Pay Range: $84,500 - $152,000 / year

Salary offers are based on a wide range of factors including relevant skills, training, experience, education, and, where applicable, certifications obtained. Market and organizational factors are also considered. Successful
candidates may be eligible to receive annual performance bonus compensation.

Benefits Information:
We are proud to offer best-in-class benefits and programs to support employees and their families in living healthy, happy lives. Our pay and benefit plans have been designed to promote employee health in all respects – physical, financial, and developmental. Depending on whether it is a part-time or full-time position, some of the benefits offered may include:

• Day 1 Medical/Dental/Vision for FT employees who work 30+ hours
• 15 PTO days first year
• Paid Holidays
• Annual Bonus Opportunity
• 401(k) with matching contributions
• Variable compensation plan (AIP) bonus
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Blueprint for Wellness
• Tuition Reimbursement for undergraduate and graduate programs for FT employees who work 30+ hours
• Opportunities for career advancement
• Training provided!


  • Responsible for the operation, preventive maintenance, and repair of advanced automated equipment which supports continuous, 24/7 operations. 
  • Strong ability with software testing and validation
  • Ability to assess priority of equipment repair or maintenance.
  • Maintains inventory of all service parts and materials as necessary in a cost-efficient manner.
  • Record Keeping - Maintains accurate and detailed records on all laboratory instrumentation associated with the system to include service/repair reports, calibrations, preventive maintenance, and current operational status of equipment.
  • Submits status reports to the Biomedical Supervisor and Laboratory Manager on a regular schedule; ensures the priorities of the integrated system are fully supported (i.e., budgeting, setting goals, maintaining parts inventory, evaluating progress toward achieving department objectives).
  • Safety - adheres to all company and accepted industry safety procedures (i.e. electrical, electronic, and biological) while performing job duties.
  • Act as a liaison to other service engineers or vendor reps. Work with the vendors to attend all advanced Biomedical training courses.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required Education and Experience: 

  • Highschool Diploma with a minimum ten (10) years of automation systems experience or
  • Associates/two year degree with at least six (6) years of experience servicing automation systems or
  • Bachelor's degree with at least 4 years experience servicing automation systems 
  • Master's degree preferred 
  • Demonstrated ability to service and support complex automation, track systems, and/or robotic arms 
  • Investigates defects or errors in the technology 
  • Develops tests and simulations to ensure the systems work as intended

Preferred Work Experience: 

  • Experience with liquid handling instrument including script / method development
  • Familiar with highly regulated environments (e.g., CAP, CLIA, ISO15189, etc.)

Knowledge: 

  • Extensive knowledge of troubleshooting, PM and / or calibration requirements.
  • Experience with service documentation systems (i.e., Computerized Maintenance Management Systems).
  • Demonstrated ability to build and implement preventive maintenance programs to minimize equipment downtime / maximize lab instrument availability.
  • Knowledge of robotics, process automation, electrical principles, computer-aided design.
  • Basic knowledge of (a) scheduler software programming and (b) programming languages (like Java, C# and Python).
  • Identify opportunities to increase efficiency with automation.

Skills: 

  • Interacts professionally and courteously with all levels of laboratory personnel when servicing and/or maintaining equipment.
  • Strong computer skills (i.e. word processing skills using Windows based software such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
  • Able to work in a fast paced, multi-tasking environment and maintain production and quality standards determined by the department.
  • Excellent problem solving and troubleshooting skills, independent thinker 
  • Ability to work independently and on a team
  • Proficient in reading both mechanical drawings and electrical schematics to isolate a problem and determine root cause
  • Excellent communication skills, written and verbal
  • Strong project management skills


License & Certifications:
Registered Professional Engineer (PE)

Physical and Mental Requirements: 

  • Manual dexterity adequate to handle small tools requiring intricate manipulations of small pieces in confined areas.
  • Must be able to react to auditory warnings and messages.
  • Must be able to differentiate between color coded wires and interpret visual readouts. Must pass color blindness screening.
  • Objects in the weight range of 1 to 10 pounds are lifted and carried frequently; objects in the weight range of 11 to 25 pounds are lifted and carried occasionally and objects in the weight range of 26 to 50 pounds are seldom lifted and carried. Objects exceeding 50 pounds are not to be lifted or carried without assistance.
  • Must be able to sit or stand for long periods of time, and requires long hours of eye and hand coordination.

Quest Diagnostics honors our service members and encourages veterans to apply.

While we appreciate and value our staffing partners, we do not accept unsolicited resumes from agencies. Quest will not be responsible for paying agency fees for any individual as to whom an agency has sent an unsolicited resume. 

2024-68710


Equal Opportunity Employer: Race/Color/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/Religion/National Origin/Disability/Vets

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Culture

We’ve built a welcoming, inclusive workplace where people are inspired to learn, develop, and progress in their careers. There’s stability, so you can explore many career paths in one field. There’s flexibility, helping you to build a fulfilling life and rewarding career. There’s training and development to align your work with your business success. No wonder there’s more to discover at Quest.

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Benefits

We’re committed to helping our people live a healthier lifestyle. One way we do this is by offering a comprehensive total rewards package, so you can take care of yourself and the ones you love. Find out how our benefits provide you with everything you need to thrive—now and in the future.

  • Medical, supplemental health, dental, and vision

    From medical, dental, and vision coverage plans designed to meet your needs, to supplemental health plans for an additional layer of financial protection, you can rest assured that your health is high on our agenda.

  • Annual incentive plans

    All eligible employees are invited to participate in our success in our annual incentive bonus plan payout.

  • 401(k)

    You’re eligible to join the Quest Diagnostics 401(k) Plan on your date of hire. The company will match up to 5% of your annual salary.

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Quest Diagnostics is an equal employment opportunity employer. Our policy is to recruit, hire and promote qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other status protected by state or local law. Quest Diagnostics observes minimum age requirements established by federal, state and/or local laws, and will ask an applicant for verification when deemed necessary.

Quest Diagnostics is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process, please complete the accommodation request form.