Senior Manufacturing Technician

About Abbott Diabetes Care - Kilkenny

Abbott’s Kilkenny facility is among Europe's leading advanced manufacturing centers, producing FreeStyle glucose monitoring technology utilized by millions of diabetes patients globally. The company is expanding its team to include skilled Manufacturing Technicians who bring extensive expertise, autonomy, and drive improvements in a highly automated, rapid-production setting.

Position Overview

The Senior Manufacturing Technician role involves complete accountability for equipment performance, resolving technical issues, and promoting continuous operational improvements within a sophisticated automated production environment. This position demands a hands-on, impactful approach, deep technical knowledge, independent work habits, and capabilities to influence teams and processes.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead in-depth troubleshooting and diagnosis for mechanical, electrical, and pneumatic systems.
• Execute and enhance preventative maintenance plans to maximize uptime and equipment reliability.
• Perform root cause analyses using data, trends, and structured problem-solving methods.
• Monitor and optimize Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), product yield, cycle times, and general equipment performance metrics.
• Utilize Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) and equipment data to detect and prevent recurring malfunctions.
• Lead initiatives for continuous improvements in equipment and process performance.
• Support installation, validation, and upgrades of manufacturing equipment.
• Serve as the primary technical contact, mentoring fellow technicians and operators.
• Provide training and certification to manufacturing associates to enhance team skills.
• Coordinate external contractors and oversee technical interventions on site.
• Ensure compliance with safety protocols, quality guidelines, and regulatory standards.

Candidate Qualifications

• Level 6 or higher degree in engineering or a related technical discipline.
• At least 4 years of relevant experience within a regulated manufacturing environment.
• Extensive practical experience with automated manufacturing machinery.
• Strong proficiency across mechanical, electrical, and pneumatic systems.
• Proven capability to manage complex, high-speed production equipment hands-on.

Problem Solving and Troubleshooting Expertise

• Advanced and systematic problem-solving skills.
• Experience conducting root cause investigations and applying durable corrective actions.
• Competence in interpreting data and performance trends to guide improvements.

Manufacturing Know-How

• Experience operating within regulated manufacturing environments.
• Deep understanding of OEE, yield optimization, and continuous improvement methods.
• Knowledge and adherence to GMP and other compliance standards.

Operational Autonomy

• Ability to work independently assuming full responsibility for equipment performance.
• Leadership in driving and delivering continuous improvement projects.
• Comfort making decisions promptly in fast-paced manufacturing conditions.

Communication and Team Influence

• Clear and effective communication across engineering, quality, and operations teams.
• Skills to train, influence, and raise the capabilities of team members.
• Contribution that extends to overall site and team enhancement beyond assigned duties.

Success Indicators

• Reliable and efficient equipment operation.
• Proactive elimination of issues at their source rather than temporary fixes.
• Identification and implementation of continuous improvements.
• Enhanced team skill sets attributed to your leadership and guidance.

Benefits Package

• Competitive base salary plus shift allowances as applicable.
• Family health insurance plan.
• Comprehensive pension scheme.
• Life insurance coverage.
• Opportunities for ongoing training and professional development.
• Experience working at a globally recognized, cutting-edge manufacturing facility.
• Potential for long-term career growth within a leading healthcare corporation.

Additional Important Details

Employment offer is contingent upon successfully passing a pre-employment medical assessment, including drug and alcohol screening, performed by the company's designated medical professional.