Facilities Engineer
Abbott
About Abbott
Abbott is a global healthcare leader committed to helping people live healthier, fuller lives. Our innovative portfolio spans diagnostics, medical devices, nutrition and branded generic medicines. With more than 113,000 colleagues worldwide and over 6,000 employees across 10 sites in Ireland, Abbott has been a key contributor to Irish industry since 1946.
Abbott Ireland Diagnostic Division – Sligo
Abbott Diagnostics is a global leader in in vitro diagnostics, supporting more than 100 countries with advanced testing solutions. Our systems help hospitals, labs, and clinics deliver reliable, fast, and cost‑effective diagnostic results. The Sligo site plays an important role in bringing cutting-edge diagnostic technologies to market, continuing Abbott’s long legacy of scientific innovation and improving patient care.
Department Objective
Our Engineering team provides critical technical support to maximise equipment availability and ensure the smooth operation of plant and manufacturing systems. We focus on:
- Optimising equipment performance and reliability
- Maintaining compliance across Quality, Engineering, Safety and Finance
- Managing engineering budgets
- Driving continuous improvement and developing our people
Primary Role Objectives
- Perform day‑to‑day preventive and demand maintenance on plant and manufacturing equipment.
- Maintain accurate documentation in line with engineering procedures.
- Support and execute equipment validation activities.
- Liaise with internal/external engineers and contract maintenance providers; issue permits and approvals for onsite task execution.
- Coordinate and support equipment‑related projects and upgrades.
Reporting Line
This role reports to the relevant Team Leader or Engineering Manager.
Major Duties & Responsibilities
Quality & Compliance
- Comply with all Quality System requirements and assigned training.
- Ensure buildings, facilities, utilities and equipment meet required standards.
Engineering Execution
- Support the development of department goals, schedules and activity plans.
- Execute validation for new or upgraded equipment.
- Identify and implement equipment and process improvements.
- Supervise work of external contractors onsite.
- Support project and departmental budgets, including CIP/BEx projects.
Technical Expertise
- Apply sound engineering principles, theories and techniques.
- Support preparation of technical rationales for design, validation and quality records.
- Use systems such as CMSNext, POEE, DHM, BMS and CTMS.
- Research and benchmark new technologies and support implementation of innovative solutions.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Cultivate strong internal and external working relationships.
- Engage with contractors, vendors, labs and facility experts.
- Contribute engineering insights to troubleshooting and problem-solving.
Reporting & Metrics
- Compile and deliver departmental metrics and management reports.
EHS Requirements
- Ensure all safety standards and safe work practices are followed.
- Promote continuous improvement in EHS culture and performance.
- Recommend or implement safety enhancements.
- Participate in accident/incident investigations and follow-up actions.
- Foster safety awareness and encourage a proactive approach to risk reduction.
Interpersonal Skills
- Ability to work effectively with all management levels.
- Clear, balanced communication tailored to the audience.
- Strong negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
- Ability to deliver clear presentations to management and project teams.
Problem-Solving
- Use structured problem‑solving tools to address downtime and equipment issues.
- Troubleshoot effectively and contribute to improving equipment reliability.
Management / Leadership Responsibilities
- No direct supervisory responsibility.
- Mentor entry‑level engineers and collaborate with all levels of management.
- Engage with contractors, service engineers, commissioning teams and external inspectors.
Education & Experience
- Trade certification or third-level qualification in a relevant Engineering / Technical / Scientific discipline.
- Minimum 2 years' experience in engineering or technical/scientific roles within healthcare or food processing industries.
- Ability to follow project timelines and deliver on targets.
- Self‑starter with strong organisation and teamwork skills.
- Strong documentation, reporting and communication skills.
Definitions & Abbreviations
Term Meaning
ADD Abbott Diagnostics Division
CIP Cost Improvement Plan
EHS Environmental Health & Safety
ISO International Standards Authority
MMS Maintenance Management System