Associate Automation Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

 Full-Time
Chicago, IL | Up to 70% Travel

Are you passionate about laboratory automation, technical problem-solving, and helping customers maintain reliable liquid handling systems? We are seeking an Associate Field Automation Engineer to provide field-based technical support for Liquid Handling automation platforms.

In this role, you will serve as a customer-facing technical resource supporting Tecan automation systems through preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, repairs, installation support, and customer service activities. You will partner closely with Field Automation Engineers, customers, Sales teams, and internal technical groups to ensure instrument reliability and customer satisfaction.

You will provide hands-on technical expertise throughout the customer lifecycle, including system maintenance, diagnostics, troubleshooting, documentation, training support, and workflow assistance.

If you enjoy solving complex technical challenges, working directly with customers, and supporting innovative laboratory automation technologies, we encourage you to apply.

• Perform preventive maintenance and repairs on Liquid Handling automation platforms to ensure reliable instrument performance and customer productivity.
• Provide field-based technical support for automated laboratory instrumentation, including diagnostics, troubleshooting, corrective actions, and system recovery.
• Support instrument installations, system verification, qualification activities, and customer acceptance processes.
• Partner with Field Automation Engineers and customers to identify technical challenges and deliver effective solutions.
• Troubleshoot hardware, software, and operational issues involving liquid handling automation systems.
• Provide on-site technical assistance while maintaining strong customer relationships and delivering exceptional service.
• Maintain accurate service documentation, including service reports, technical findings, repair records, and customer communications.
• Share technical knowledge, troubleshooting experiences, and solutions with Field Automation Engineers and service organization members.
• Maintain appropriate parts inventory by monitoring stock levels, anticipating requirements, and coordinating supply needs.
• Provide backup service support outside assigned territory as needed to support customer service objectives.
• Maintain technical expertise through manufacturer training, technical publications, workshops, and continuous learning.
• Travel extensively to support customer installations, preventive maintenance visits, repairs, troubleshooting, and service activities.
• Ensure compliance with company quality systems, safety policies, OSHA requirements, and regulatory standards.
• Complete assigned projects while maintaining high standards for documentation, communication, and customer satisfaction.

• Strong customer-focused communication and relationship-building skills.
• Excellent written, verbal, and technical communication abilities.
• Strong analytical thinking and troubleshooting capabilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced technical environment.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong follow-up skills and ability to complete assigned tasks efficiently.
• Collaborative mindset with the ability to work effectively across technical and commercial teams.
• High level of initiative, accountability, professionalism, and dependability.
• Ability to work independently while maintaining exceptional customer service.
• Ability to troubleshoot complex technical issues involving automated laboratory instrumentation.
• Commitment to continuous learning and staying current with laboratory automation technologies.
• Willingness and ability to travel up to 70%, including regional travel and short-notice assignments.
• Valid driver's license required.

• Bachelor’s degree in Life Science, Biomedical Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical discipline preferred.
• Experience supporting laboratory automation, liquid handling systems, or scientific instrumentation in academic or industry environments.
• Hands-on experience with automated laboratory instrumentation.
• Experience performing preventive maintenance, repairs, diagnostics, and field service activities.
• Experience supporting customers in technical or scientific environments.
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Windows applications and computer-based systems.
• Ability to interpret technical documentation, service procedures, and instrument specifications.
• Electromechanical experience and knowledge of laboratory instrumentation preferred.

• Experience supporting Field Service Engineers or Field Automation teams.
• Experience with Tecan Liquid Handling automation platforms.
• Experience delivering customer training and technical presentations.
• Knowledge of laboratory automation workflows and liquid handling applications.
• Experience troubleshooting instrument software and hardware integration issues.
• Familiarity with workflow optimization and laboratory automation technologies.
• Experience collaborating with Engineering, Applications, Quality, Operations, and Sales teams.

• Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits package.
• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Paid time off and company holidays.
• Professional development and technical training opportunities.
• Career growth within a global leader in laboratory automation.
• Collaborative and innovative team environment.
• Opportunity to support cutting-edge technologies advancing life science research worldwide.

Salary range: $85K– $100K
(Salary to be determined by the education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities of the applicant, internal equity, and alignment with industry data.)