Job Description
Position Overview:
The Automation Service Technician IV role is responsible for the installation, calibration, maintenance, and repair of both simple and complex laboratory equipment. This encompasses instrumentation across a range of laboratory settings, including clinical, research and development (R&D), manufacturing, and quality control laboratories.
This role will work closely with laboratory teams to ensure proper instrument function, troubleshoot system concerns while maintaining compliance with quality, regulatory, and operational procedures. Responsibilities also include operating within several regulated environments (e.g., clinical labs under CAP/CLIA and NYSDOH, production and manufacturing labs under cGMP, FDA, and ISO). The roles range from routine service tasks to more specialized responsibilities, such as commissioning new systems, conducting system investigations, and participating in cross-functional projects. This role focuses on building strong customer relationships through the delivery of exceptional service and timely issue resolution.
Essential Duties include, but are not limited to, the following:
Installation & Qualifications: Install and commission laboratory instruments, ensuring qualifications are completed per service policies and procedures.
Troubleshooting & Repair: Diagnose and repair instrument failures, assist with Root Cause and Corrective Action (RCCA) investigations, and escalate service concerns as needed.
Preventative Maintenance & Calibration: Perform routine preventive maintenance and calibrations in accordance with service policies.
Documentation & Compliance: Complete accurate service records, ensure documentation meets Good Documentation Practices (GDP), and comply with safety and regulatory requirements (e.g., OSHA, FDA, ISO, CLIA) and support the company’s Quality Management System (QMS).
Knowledge & Training: Continuously develop expertise in servicing complex laboratory equipment. Train others on proper use of equipment.
Teamwork & Communication: Collaborate with cross-functional teams and service engineers to ensure effective troubleshooting and maintenance. Communicate clearly with colleagues, management, and external vendors.
Flexibility & Adaptability: Work independently or as part of a team, adapting to new information or unexpected situations.
Quality: Operate under pressure, managing multiple tasks and/or deadlines while maintaining quality and attention to detail.
For Automation Service Engineer:
Troubleshoot, maintain, and repair automation systems, acting as first responders to equipment failures and system issues to ensure minimal downtime.
Analyze recurring issues, reporting trends and collaborating with teams to implement improvements and corrective actions.
Support system startups, calibrations, and testing activities, including installation and operational qualification (IQ/OQ), while working closely with integration and development teams.
Engage in hands-on learning and mentorship, continuously developing technical expertise in automation.
Contribute to project work, including system upgrades, workflow optimizations, and cross-functional initiatives, while managing document revisions, updates, and refinements to ensure accuracy and alignment with best practices. Maintain clear and effective communication with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless collaboration and knowledge sharing.
Uphold company mission and values through accountability, innovation, integrity, quality, and teamwork.
Support and comply with the company’s Quality Management System policies and procedures.
Maintain regular and reliable attendance.
Ability to act with an inclusion mindset and model these behaviors for the organization.
Ability to work designated schedule.
Ability to work nights and/or weekends (, as needed).
Ability to work overtime, as needed.
Ability to work on-call, as assigned.
Ability to work on a mobile device, tablet, or in front of a computer screen and/or perform typing for approximately 70% of a typical working day.
Ability to work on a computer and phone simultaneously.
Ability to use a telephone through a headset.
Ability to work seated for approximately 25-40% of a typical working day. Ability to work standing for approximately 60-75% of a typical working day.
Ability to lift up to 40 pounds.
Ability to comply with any applicable personal protective equipment requirements.
May be exposed to hazardous materials, tissue specimens, and instruments with moving parts, lasers, heating and freezing elements, and high-speed centrifugation.
Ability and means to travel 10-20% between local Exact Sciences locations.
Ability to travel 10-20 % of working time away from work location. May include overnight/weekend travel.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Technology, Electronics or other degree relevant to essential duties; or Associate degree in Engineering, Technology, Electronics, or related field and 2 years of relevant experience as outlined in the essential duties; or High School diploma/General Education diploma (GED) and 4 years of relevant experience as outlined in the essential duties in lieu of bachelor’s degree.
1+ years of relevant experience.
Experience interpreting mechanical parts and assembly drawings.
Experience with electrical circuits and diagrams, including the use of electrical measurement tools such as multi-meters and analyzers.
Demonstrated ability to approach engineering problems methodically.
Proficient in using computer software, including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), and mobile devices/tablets.
Proven attention to detail with a track record of documenting service activities accurately and in a timely manner.
Experience working independently and as part of a team.
Strong communication skills, with experience in both verbal and written communication.
Demonstrated mechanical and troubleshooting aptitude, with hands-on experience performing on-site calibrations and preventative maintenance of laboratory equipment.
Experience working in ambiguous situations, adapting to new information, and responding effectively to unexpected circumstances.
Demonstrated ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without accommodation.
Authorization to work in the United States without sponsorship.
Preferred Qualifications
Basic understanding of mechanical engineering principles.
Basic understanding of manufacturing methods and processes.
Experience working in a regulated environment (e.g., ISO 13485/15189, GMP, FDA, CLIA). (add in years of experience based on level of role)
Experience with Quality Systems and documentation requirements, including Good Documentation Practices (GDP).
Experience with Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS), Digital Pathology Imaging, and/or Histology equipment.
Experience in the maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of complex laboratory equipment, such as liquid handling robots and automation systems.
Experience with software applications, including loading or updating software and managing databases.
Hands-on experience with equipment qualification and validation.