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Overnight Instrument Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

This role expands technical responsibilities to include multi-instrument troubleshooting, data ... Ability to work designated schedule, including up to 30% travel (which may include overnight ...

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Overnight Instrument Engineer information

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$12.5K

$104.9K

$164K

How much do overnight instrument engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for overnight instrument engineer in the United States is $104,896.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,500.00 and $131,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an overnight instrument engineer do?

An Overnight Instrument Engineer is responsible for monitoring, maintaining, and troubleshooting instrumentation and control systems during overnight shifts in industrial settings such as refineries, manufacturing plants, or laboratories. Their duties include ensuring all instruments are functioning correctly, performing routine calibrations, and responding to technical issues that arise outside of regular business hours. They play a crucial role in maintaining operational efficiency and safety during nighttime operations, often working independently or as part of a small team.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an overnight instrument engineer?

To thrive as an Overnight Instrument Engineer, you need a solid background in instrumentation engineering, troubleshooting, and process control, typically backed by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with distributed control systems (DCS), programmable logic controllers (PLCs), and calibration tools is commonly required, along with certifications like ISA Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST). Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently during off-hours are crucial soft skills in this role. These competencies are vital for ensuring reliable plant operations, minimizing downtime, and safely addressing instrumentation issues during overnight shifts.

What are some common challenges faced by overnight instrument engineers, and how can they be managed effectively?

Overnight Instrument Engineers often face unique challenges such as troubleshooting complex equipment failures with limited on-site support and working independently during non-standard hours. Effective communication with day-shift teams, maintaining detailed logs, and using remote support tools are essential strategies for managing these situations. Additionally, staying proactive with preventative maintenance and regular system checks can help minimize unexpected issues. Building strong relationships with other overnight staff and being adaptable to changing priorities are also key to success in this role.

What is the difference between Overnight Instrument Engineer vs Day Shift Instrument Engineer?

AspectOvernight Instrument EngineerDay Shift Instrument Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires same certifications (e.g., Instrumentation Certification, Technical Degree)Same as overnight role
Work EnvironmentWorks during night hours, often in industrial plants or manufacturing facilitiesWorks during daytime hours in similar environments
Employer & IndustryCommon in manufacturing, oil & gas, chemical plantsSame industries, different shift timing
Work ScheduleNight shift, often with shift rotationsDay shift, regular hours

Both Overnight and Day Shift Instrument Engineers require similar skills and certifications, but differ mainly in work hours. The overnight role involves working during night hours, which may impact work-life balance, while the day shift offers more traditional hours. Employers in manufacturing, oil & gas, and chemical industries frequently employ both shift types to ensure continuous operations.

What cities are hiring for Overnight Instrument Engineer jobs?

Cities with the most Overnight Instrument Engineer job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Instrument Engineer jobs?

The most popular types of Instrument Engineer jobs are:

What states have the most Overnight Instrument Engineer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Overnight Instrument Engineer jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Overnight Instrument Engineer jobs?

For Overnight Instrument Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Engineer II, Instrumentation integration

On-site

Other

Posted 14 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Troubleshoot and resolve moderately complex issues across multiple types of analytical instrumentation, including multi-instrument workflows.

  • Lead root cause analysis efforts for common issues and document preventive measures.

  • Collaborate with IT, developers, and vendors to address connectivity, software, and hardware issues, and support service readiness for new systems.


Job description

Abbott is a global healthcare leader that helps people live more fully at all stages of life. Our portfolio of life-changing technologies spans the spectrum of healthcare, with leading businesses and products in diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals and branded generic medicines. Our 115,000 colleagues serve people in more than 160 countries.

Descritivo de Cargo Position Overview

The Engineer II works independently to resolve moderately complex instrument escalations and participates in the ongoing refinement of equipment support processes. This role expands technical responsibilities to include multi-instrument troubleshooting, data analysis for performance trending, and process documentation updates. It acts as a direct escalation partner for Lab Service Engineers and increasingly collaborates with developers, vendors, and IT for diagnostic and support coordination. The Engineer II supports service readiness for new systems and contributes to recurring issue reduction efforts by identifying patterns and implementing structured fixes. This position also plays an emerging role in mentoring peers and supporting knowledge-sharing within the team.

Essential Duties Include, but are not limited to, the following:
  • Troubleshoot and resolve moderately complex issues across multiple types of analytical instrumentation, including multi-instrument workflows (e.g., Hamilton STARlet, NGS sequencers, Promega Maxwell, Thermo QS5).
  • Identify trends in instrumentation failures and propose minor adjustments to service workflows or documentation to prevent recurrence.
  • Collaborate with IT and instrumentation developers to elevate basic connectivity or software issues that contribute to recurring performance problems.
  • Lead root cause analysis efforts for common issues on supported platforms and document recommended preventive measures.
  • Lead resolution of service escalations within established time requirements, applying both mechanical expertise and analytical problem‑solving skills.
  • Analyze log files and performance metrics to identify failure patterns, root causes, and areas for reliability improvement.
  • Apply CAP/CLIA compliance knowledge when investigating and resolving equipment issues.
  • Interface with IT to support basic instrument networking and connectivity issues.
  • Collaborate cross-functionally to address customer questions related to equipment use, maintenance, and service enhancement opportunities.
  • Conduct experiments to reproduce customer issues; create and interpret queries and data to support investigations and improvements.
  • Serve as liaison between internal teams and OEM vendors for complex issue escalation and technical problem‑solving.
  • Identify top service bottlenecks and proactively lead improvement initiatives with high business value.
  • Lead or contribute to small‑scale initiatives for process improvement, documentation updates, and new tool implementation.
  • Provide informal mentorship to Engineer I team members and contribute to the development of troubleshooting resources and knowledge sharing.
  • Assist in the technical transfer, setup, and validation of new hardware and instrumentation across laboratories.
  • Actively participate in development initiatives and represent instrumentation needs in core team meetings.
  • Build strong relationships with customers and internal teams through effective communication, responsiveness, and service excellence.
  • Demonstrate high mechanical and analytical aptitude and the ability to plan, prioritize, and manage tasks independently.
  • Maintain personal technical knowledge and stay up to date on new tools, systems, and regulatory expectations.
  • Collaborate in a positive, inclusive team environment and act with curiosity, integrity, and accountability.
  • Support and comply with the company’s Quality Management System and applicable safety and regulatory requirements (e.g., OSHA, CLIA).
Work Environment & Physical Requirements

Ability to work seated and standing for approximately 50% of the working day each. Ability to work designated schedule, including up to 30% travel (which may include overnight/weekend travel). Ability to lift up to 25 pounds (~5% of the time). Ability to work on a mobile device, tablet, or computer for up to 90% of the working day. Ability to use gross and fine motor skills to troubleshoot and maintain instrumentation. Ability to comply with personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements. Ability and means to travel between local Madison locations. Occasional evening or weekend work may be required.

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or related field; or Associates degree in Engineering, Technology, Electronics, or similar field with 2+ years of relevant industry experience; or High School Diploma/General Education Degree and 4+ years of relevant experience in Engineering or related field as outlined in the essential duties in lieu of Bachelor’s Degree. 3+ years of experience in an engineering or technical support role. 3+ years of experience performing root cause analysis on analytical instrumentation and systems. Demonstrated understanding of clinical lab regulations. Possesses advanced knowledge of engineering theories, practices and procedures and applies this knowledge and skills to complete assignments. Proficient in Microsoft Office including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. 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

Preferred Qualifications 6+ years’ of experience in engineering, technical support, or related fields. 3+ years' hands‑on experience installing, troubleshooting, and repairing Hamilton STAR liquid handling systems, serving as a subject matter expert. Experience with standard molecular biology techniques, such as nucleic acid isolation, RNA/DNA quantification, PCR, and RT-PCR. 3D modeling and printing/ prototyping experience. Experience with Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS). Experience servicing analytical laboratory instrumentation. Understanding of networking and software connectivity of analytical instrumentation. Working knowledge of CAP and CLIA regulations. Automated liquid handler maintenance and scripting. Process and workflow mindset. 3+ years of experience with data analysis and query engines. 3+ years of experience in a FDA or CAP/CLIA regulated industry.

The base pay for this position is $61,300.00 – $122,700.00. In specific locations, the pay range may vary from the range posted.

Família de Cargo Engineering Divisão ONCO Cancer Diagnostics Localidade United States > La Jolla : Torrey Pines Science Park Localidades Adicionais Turno de Trabalho Standard Viagem Yes, 10 % of the Time Vigilância médica No Atividades de trabalho significativas Continuous sitting for prolonged periods (more than 2 consecutive hours in an 8 hour day), Continuous standing for prolonged periods (more than 2 consecutive hours in an 8 hour day), Continuous walking for prolonged periods (more than 2 hours at a time in an 8 hour day), Lift, carry, push or pull weights of more than 20 pounds/9 kilos on a regular/daily basis, Work at heights, e.g. ladders, scaffolds, catwalks, etc., Work requiring repeated bending, stooping, squatting or kneeling.

Abbott is an Equal Opportunity Employer of Minorities/Women/Individuals with Disabilities/Protected Veterans. EEO is the Law link - English: http://webstorage.abbott.com/common/External/EEO_English.pdf EEO is the Law link - Espanol: http://webstorage.abbott.com/common/External/EEO_Spanish.pdf A Abbott significa o poder da saúde. Por mais de 125 anos, a Abbott tem ajudado as pessoas a alcançar seu potencial — porque uma saúde melhor permite que indivíduos e comunidades vivam melhor. Com uma rede global e diversificada, que serve clientes em mais de 160 países, criamos novas soluções — em todo o espectro da saúde, em todo o mundo, para todas as fases da vida. Seja através da próxima geração de equipamentos de diagnóstico, dispositivos médicos para estilos de vida em transformação, nutrição baseada em ciência, ou novas reformulações, estamos desenvolvendo tecnologias mais inovadoras e revolucionárias na área da saúde para que indivíduos vivam melhor e com mais saúde. Os colaboradores da Abbott vêm trabalhar todos os dias com energia, entusiasmo e comprometimento com o intuito de promover a saúde e o bem-estar de milhões de pessoas. Eles superam os limites para ajudar a gerenciar e tratar alguns dos maiores desafios de saúde da vida. Convidamos você a explorar as oportunidades na Abbott, a ver se seus talentos e aspirações de carreira podem se encaixar com as nossas vagas. A Abbott é uma empresa que oferece oportunidades iguais e acolhe e incentiva a diversidade em nossa força de trabalho.

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