Automation Integration Engineer I
The Automation Integration Engineer I at Confidential Client is an entry-level technical support role focused on resolving escalated issues in laboratory automation platforms. The engineer performs troubleshooting, mechanical repairs, and root cause analysis while collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance system reliability and service workflows in a regulated environment. This role requires strong mechanical and analytical skills, adherence to regulatory standards, and active participation in continuous improvement and customer support activities.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Engineering.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
What You’ll Do
- Act as an entry-level escalation engineer supporting laboratory automation platforms and recurring issue resolution.
- Triage and investigate escalated technical support cases from Lab Service Engineers; reproduce failures and drive root-cause analysis.
- Execute documented troubleshooting procedures and perform mechanical repairs and basic system diagnostics to restore uptime.
- Analyze logs and service data, create/interpret data queries, and document findings and corrective actions.
- Serve as primary liaison for assigned equipment and coordinate vendor escalations as needed.
- Develop and improve processes for automation installation, qualification, preventative maintenance, and troubleshooting.
- Support technical transfer, testing, and validation of new hardware or products in lab environments.
- Identify opportunities to simplify and automate service workflows; share knowledge with the field to reduce future escalations.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Development, Quality, IT, and Service to support regulated laboratory operations.
Qualifications
Minimum qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field OR Associate degree + 2 years related experience OR HS/GED + 4 years related experience.
- ~3 years total experience in an engineering or technical support role.
- ≥1 year experience with industrial automation maintenance.
- Working knowledge of clinical lab regulations (e.g., CAP/CLIA) and QMS practices.
- Proficient with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook).
- Ability to travel up to ~30% (may include overnight/weekend travel).
- Must be authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.
Preferred qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering.
- Experience with custom automation controls and ladder logic (Rockwell Studio 5000 / Allen-Bradley PLCs).
- Vision system experience (Cognex, Keyence) and HMI familiarity (FactoryTalk View Studio).
- Experience with Fanuc/Epson robots (teach pendants, programming, tuning).
- Familiarity with SolidWorks/CAD diagrams, SCADA/MES, LIMS/databases, and custom automation network integration.
- Experience in automated manufacturing or laboratory automation in regulated environments.
Shift & Location
- Primary work location: Madison, WI (onsite). Travel between local Madison sites may be required.
- Required shift: Saturday – Tuesday, 3:00 PM – 2:00 AM. (Shift work and occasional evening/weekend support required.)
- Employment type: Full-time.
- Candidates must be currently authorized to work in the U.S.; the client is not offering visa sponsorship.
Compensation & Employment Details
- Base pay range: $50,700 – $101,300 per year (range may vary by location).
- Employment type: Full-time.
- Position family / industry: Engineering (laboratory automation / diagnostics environment).
- This role supports regulated lab environments; experience in CAP/CLIA or similar is valuable.
Work Environment & Physical Requirements
- Ability to sit and stand for roughly 50% of the day each; occasional walking and mobile-device/computer work up to ~90% of the day.
- Ability to lift up to 25 lbs occasionally.
- Use of fine and gross motor skills for equipment troubleshooting and maintenance.
- Must comply with PPE and safety requirements (OSHA, QMS procedures).
- May require overnight travel up to ~30% of work time.
Why Apply via Careertakes
- Apply through Careertakes to be considered with a third-party recruiting partner experienced in placing engineers in lab automation and diagnostics roles.
- Applicants may be matched to additional relevant opportunities on the Careertakes platform.
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.
Negotiate a higher salary! Check the salary ranges for this job type in your area.
View My Salary Range