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Biotech Automation Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

AbbVie

Director, Automation

North Chicago, IL · On-site

$160K/yr

The Director, Automation position has global responsibility for providing reliable, safe, and ... Understanding of pharmaceutical/biotechnology operational best practices and regulatory ...

AbbVie

Director, Automation

North Chicago, IL

The Director, Automation position has global responsibility for providing reliable, safe, and ... Understanding of pharmaceutical/biotechnology operational best practices and regulatory ...

AbbVie

Director, Automation

North Chicago, IL

The Director, Automation position has global responsibility for providing reliable, safe, and ... Understanding of pharmaceutical/biotechnology operational best practices and regulatory ...

Syngenta

Senior Automation Engineer

Malta, IL · On-site

$97K - $128K/yr

We unite precision breeding, advanced biotechnology trait choice, and digital platforms for ... To support this mission, Syngenta's Automation & Engineering Team is seeking a Senior Automation ...

Syngenta Group

Senior Automation Engineer

Malta, IL · On-site

$97K - $128K/yr

We unite precision breeding, advanced biotechnology trait choice, and digital platforms for ... To support this mission, Syngenta's Automation & Engineering Team is seeking a Senior Automation ...

Great Lakes Group

Be Seen First

Mechanical Automation Designer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$43 - $55/hr

Experience in the medical device , pharmaceutical, biotechnology, laboratory automation, or life-sciences industry is preferred. * Familiarity with regulated manufacturing practices, validation ...

IMA Automation USA Inc

Service Controls Engineer

Elgin, IL · On-site

$83K - $107K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent combination of education and experience with automation equipment. * Technical understanding of pharmaceutical / biotechnology unit ...

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Biotech Automation information

What is biotech automation?

Biotech automation refers to the use of advanced technologies, such as robotics, software, and specialized instruments, to automate various processes in biotechnology laboratories and production facilities. This can include tasks like sample preparation, liquid handling, data analysis, and even large-scale manufacturing. Automating these processes increases efficiency, reduces human error, and allows researchers and companies to scale up their experiments and production. Biotech automation is essential for high-throughput screening, drug development, and modern biomanufacturing.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in biotech automation?

To excel in Biotech Automation, a solid background in biology, engineering, or related sciences combined with experience in laboratory automation is essential. Familiarity with automation platforms (such as liquid handlers), scripting languages (like Python), and common laboratory information management systems (LIMS) is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication set top performers apart in this field. These competencies are crucial for streamlining experimental workflows, minimizing errors, and facilitating collaboration in high-throughput biotech environments.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in biotech automation, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Biotech Automation often encounter challenges such as integrating new automation technologies with existing laboratory systems, ensuring data accuracy, and troubleshooting complex instruments. These issues can be addressed by staying updated with the latest industry advancements, participating in regular training, and fostering strong communication within cross-functional teams. Collaboration with IT specialists and laboratory staff is essential for smooth workflow integration and minimizing downtime. Regular maintenance and validation of automated equipment also help prevent technical issues and ensure reliable results.

What is the difference between Biotech Automation vs Laboratory Technician?

AspectBiotech AutomationLaboratory Technician
Required CredentialsDegree in Biotechnology, Bioengineering, or related field; certifications in automation systemsAssociate's or Bachelor's in Laboratory Science or related field
Work EnvironmentManufacturing facilities, biotech labs, automation system setupsResearch labs, clinical labs, diagnostic facilities
Employer & Industry UsageBiotech companies, pharmaceutical manufacturing, R&D centersHospitals, research institutions, diagnostic labs
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding automation roles in biotechLaboratory work and technical skills

Biotech Automation professionals focus on designing, maintaining, and improving automated systems used in biotech manufacturing and research. Laboratory Technicians perform hands-on testing, sample analysis, and lab procedures. While both roles support biotech and lab environments, Biotech Automation emphasizes system integration and automation technology, whereas Laboratory Technicians focus on manual testing and sample processing.

What are popular job titles related to Biotech Automation jobs in Illinois?

For Biotech Automation jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Biotech Automation jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Biotech Automation jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Biotech Automation jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Biotech Automation job openings:

Biotech Automation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Biotech Automation job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 2% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 98% In-person, and 2% Remote job distribution.

Director, Automation

AbbVie

North Chicago, IL • On-site

$160K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 20 days ago

AbbVie rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 102 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

14th of 86 rated pharmaceutical

Job description

Company Description
About AbbVie
AbbVie's mission is to discover and deliver innovative medicines and solutions that solve serious health issues today and address the medical challenges of tomorrow. We strive to have a remarkable impact on people's lives across several key therapeutic areas including immunology, oncology and neuroscience - and products and services in our Allergan Aesthetics portfolio. For more information about AbbVie, please visit us at www.abbvie.com. Follow @abbvie on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.
Job Description
The Director, Automation position has global responsibility for providing reliable, safe, and efficient operations and maintenance of AbbVie's automated process control systems. The Director - Automation is responsible for designing and implementing strategic technical programs and initiatives and global processes to assure consistent service delivery and compliance for the Manufacturing and Engineering Services organization for the Company. The Director is the point of contact within manufacturing for automation topics including data integrity; system risks, mitigations, and standardization; and the leader guiding long term technology decisions and investments in automated process control for the company.
  • Build and lead a virtual Community of Practice team made up of Site Automation leaders and a direct staff of global automation engineers; be the thought leader with experience managing a comprehensive, industry-leading automation program.
  • Establish the position of Global Leader - Automation as the internal leader for all technical process control operations globally; provide the technical skills and expertise to guide the company's automation standards to the next level of reliability, pro-active performance, and compliant practices.
  • Lead a team of engineering experts in supporting Site Automation Managers and Operations Managers; ensure technical support is provided as required to maintain the standards and performance expectations at all AbbVie Operations manufacturing sites.
  • Oversee the development and implementation of technical training programs for Automation.
  • Support Global Sourcing in the area of global and regional contracts for Automation Process Control Systems including DCS, PLC, SCADA, OSI-PI, and other alliance and master service agreements.
  • Provide audit support to site Automation teams and ensure consistent practices and globally consistent remediation, if applicable, are applied.
  • Research and implement innovative cost reduction, reliability improvement, and user interface standardization initiatives in driving human error reduction.
  • Achieve all KPIs (budget, schedule adherence in achieving project milestones meeting user requirements, etc.)
  • Manage all aspects of AbbVie's Talent Management process; coach and deliver ongoing performance feedback, set goals that drive outcomes and model AbbVie behaviors and assess performance accordingly. Build a high performing team & culture that demonstrates the AbbVie Way of Working.
  • Work with virtual / remote teams on a regular basis; able to adapt work schedules to accommodate early and late day conference calls.
  • Travel estimated at 20% of time, including some global travel.

Qualifications
  • B.S. in Engineering required
  • Minimum of 15 years of Technical experience; demonstrated expertise and practice in Automation Engineering including successfully running a large global initiative or large capital project.
  • Minimum of 5 years leading technical teams - regionally or globally preferred.
  • Experience in leading virtual teams and roll-out of regional or global initiatives.
  • Understanding of pharmaceutical/biotechnology operational best practices and regulatory expectations Subject matter expertise in distributed control systems, SCADA systems, PLC, instrumentation/controls.
  • Thorough understanding of data integrity and network security highly desirable.
  • Strong communication skills.

Additional Information
Applicable only to applicants applying to a position in any location with pay disclosure requirements under state or local law:
  • The compensation range described below is the range of possible base pay compensation that the Company believes in good faith it will pay for this role at the time of this posting based on the job grade for this position. Individual compensation paid within this range will depend on many factors including geographic location, and we may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range. This range may be modified in the future.
  • We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick), medical/dental/vision insurance and 401(k) to eligible employees.
  • This job is eligible to participate in our long-term incentive programs.

Note: No amount of pay is considered to be wages or compensation until such amount is earned, vested, and determinable. The amount and availability of any bonus, commission, incentive, benefits, or any other form of compensation and benefits that are allocable to a particular employee remains in the Company's sole and absolute discretion unless and until paid and may be modified at the Company's sole and absolute discretion, consistent with applicable law.
AbbVie is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to operating with integrity, driving innovation, transforming lives and serving our community. Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled.
US & Puerto Rico only - to learn more, visit https://www.abbvie.com/join-us/equal-employment-opportunity-employer.html
US & Puerto Rico applicants seeking a reasonable accommodation, click here to learn more:
https://www.abbvie.com/join-us/reasonable-accommodations.html
AbbVie is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to operating with integrity, driving innovation, transforming lives and serving our community. Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled.
US & Puerto Rico only - to learn more, visit https://www.abbvie.com/join-us/equal-employment-opportunity-employer.html
US & Puerto Rico applicants seeking a reasonable accommodation, click here to learn more:
https://www.abbvie.com/join-us/reasonable-accommodations.html

What AbbVie employees say

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About AbbVie

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

AbbVie's mission is to discover and deliver innovative medicines that solve serious health issues today and address the medical challenges of tomorrow. We strive to have a remarkable impact on people's lives across several key therapeutic areas: immunology, oncology, neuroscience, eye care, virology, women's health, and gastroenterology, in addition to products and services across its Allergan Aesthetics portfolio. For more information about AbbVie, please visit us at www.abbvie.com. Follow @abbvie on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn.

Industry

Scientific research and development services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

North Chicago, IL, US

Year founded

2013

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