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.

The Principal (Welding) Engineer is an engineering professional who, working with little or no supervision, applies advanced scientific and engineering knowledge, mathematics and ingenuity to complete complex assignments related to the Mechanical Engineering discipline. A Principal Engineer has full knowledge of other related disciplines beyond their own. Specific responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Support of medium and larger Engineering projects across North America (including Lake County), that require Welding Engineering design and verification, including site inspections and factory acceptance testing at various vendor fabrication facilities. This may include design, modification, repair and fabrication of utility systems (compressed air, clean steam, pharmaceutical water systems – WFI, DIW, Ingredient, etc.), process equipment & piping systems (washers, autoclaves, SIP/CIP systems, etc.), tanks, and vessels.

Core of responsibilities:

• Oversight/supervision of weld inspection contractors and/ or consultants
• Management and execution of small and medium sized capital projects in the areas of Facilities, Utilities and Equipment.
• Plans and executes assigned capital projects (<$1MM typical) predominantly for Abbott’s Lake County facilities.
• Oversight/supervision of engineering contractors and consultants (including general contractors/ vendors)

Project Management:

Identifies, plans, and conducts projects of various sizes/complexities within engineering specialty requiring custom, risk-managed execution plans, investigations, and/or equipment. Manages multiple, often concurrent, projects and meets deadlines. Maintains project controls and reporting for cost, scope and schedule; develops execution strategy including procurement. Understands the business needs and has a thorough knowledge of the client when developing a project scope. Works with the client and cross- functional stakeholders to establish scope, priorities, and schedules on multiple projects. Independently performs economic analysis and feasibility studies related to complex and often multiple competing project alternatives. Responsible for achieving the project's financial targets in support of business objectives.

Problem Solving / Innovation:

Conceptualizes complete solutions. Creates or coordinates the design solutions for novel or complex problems; integrates regulatory and operational needs; assesses cost benefit. Structures studies and integrate cross-disciplinary and cross- functional issues to arrive at optimal course of action.

Technical / Design:

Identified as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) in the discipline. Understands the properties, physical characteristics, quality requirements and application of welds to ensure a safe, reliable, and structurally sound product/component that meets it’s intended use/application. Benchmarks internally and externally. Independently executes, and/or directs others in the design of utility systems, process equipment, piping systems, vessels, and tanks by applying novel and proven engineering concepts and techniques within the disciplines. Supports breakthrough ideas and new initiatives; focuses on key outcomes, not simply processes or activities. Oversees designs and detailed analysis. Communicates across functions and disciplines.

Organizational Interface:

Mentor's others by sharing technical and business expertise and providing feedback and guidance. Where appropriate, provides tasks/project assignment opportunities for employee development and evaluates performance. Represents the organization as the prime technical contact on contracts and projects. Integrate efforts across functions and organizations. Interacts with both senior management and external personnel on significant technical matters often requiring coordination between organizations. Conveys information effectively through formal and informal means, e.g., develops proposals, project summaries, and design documentation; submits articles for internal or external publication.

Compliance:

Responsible for compliance with applicable Corporate and Divisional policies, procedures, and standards for Quality, Environmental, Health, Safety and Energy (EHS&E) Global Policies, Abbott Engineering Standards (AES), and other governance areas as applicable. Ensures quality and effectiveness of key results of major projects and mitigates risks through sound design, early risk assessments, and implementation of fallback strategies.

Additional Responsibilities:

May Include: Directs the efforts of others such as engineers, technicians and outside resources. Resolves challenges and crisis situations requiring fast, astute decisions with rapid implementation by utilizing technical training and business experience. Provides training. Performs tasks such as writing requests for Capital Expenditures (RCEs), safety/quality checklists, scope documents, etc. Develops and maintains standards, procedures, guidelines, job aids, test plans, and templates for efficient, effective and sustainable processes. Participates in internal, cross-divisional teams to develop and align procedures and standards. Represents engineering on corporate and division initiatives.

Qualifications:

Experience (8+ years - 5 or more of the following):

• Designing, developing, and maintaining welded systems and equipment that meet specified service conditions and requirements per intended use/application.
• Appling effective and efficient welding principles that will result in sound welded structures, or products.
• Using the latest techniques, such as laser and electron beam technology, in a wide range of construction projects
• Evaluating and adjusting processes in order to make improvements while maintaining quality.
• Researching and evaluating vendors for performance capabilities
• Reviewing weld fabrication plans/specifications, vendor bid packages and analyzing engineering data and reports.
• Performing weld inspections and conducting factory acceptance testing of in-process and final components/ products
• Training welders and inspectors on new techniques, processes or changes in design including inspection.
• Supporting welders, inspectors, and/or contractors on projects across various locations
• Managing small to medium sized projects in one or more of the following areas: Facilities, Utilities, Process, Pharmaceutical Water and Steam Systems
• As a Subject Matter Expert (SME) in the area of Metal Fabrication, Welding, Tank & Pressure Vessel Design, Integrity Testing, and weld Inspection of sanitary design systems (FDA, CGMP)
• Lead failure analysis, investigations, and corrective/preventive actions (e.g., repairs/remediations

Educational Requirements:

Industry-accredited Degree or Higher National Diploma (HND)

BS in Metallurgy or Materials Science, or BS in Engineering w/Major/Minor/Specialty in Metallurgy or Materials Science

• Certified Weld Inspector by the American Welding Society (AWS)

MSc in Welding Engineering is desired but not required.

• Certified Weld Inspector by the American Welding Society (AWS)

Higher National Diploma/Certification (HND/C) in a relevant qualification and completed graduate trainee scheme with a construction firm or engineering company.

• Certified Welding Engineer and Certified Weld Inspector by the American Welding Society (AWS)

Essential Skills/Knowledge:

• Strong background in Metallurgy and Materials Science
• Understands the relationships between ongoing business operations and the impact of regulatory changes.
• Performing Quality Inspections/FATs
• CGMP and Sanitary Design
  

WHAT WE OFFER

At Abbott, you can have a good job that can grow into a great career. We offer:

• Training and career development, with onboarding programs for new employees and tuition assistance
• Financial security through competitive compensation, incentives and retirement plans
• Health care and well-being programs including medical, dental, vision, wellness and occupational health programs.
• Paid time off.
• 401(k) retirement savings with a generous company match
• The stability of a company with a record of strong financial performance and history of being actively involved in local communities.

Learn more about our benefits that add real value to your life to help you live fully: www.abbottbenefits.com

Follow your career aspirations to Abbott for diverse opportunities with a company that provides the growth and strength to build your future. Abbott is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to employee diversity.

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