About Abbott
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 114,000 colleagues serve people in more than 160 countries.
Abbott in Ireland
Abbott has been operating in Ireland since 1946 and serves the Irish market with a diverse range of healthcare products including diagnostics, diabetes care, medical devices and nutritional products. In Ireland, Abbott currently employs about 6,000 people across ten sites located in Dublin, Donegal, Clonmel, Cootehill, Galway, Kilkenny, Longford and Sligo.
Abbott Diabetes Care Kilkenny
Abbott Diabetes Care has opened a new site, in Kilkenny, that is at the forefront of Diabetes care with the latest technology, to manufacture FreeStyle blood glucose test strips and FreeStyle Sensors for use in diabetes management. Among Abbott Diabetes Care leading brands are the FreeStyle Precision, FreeStyle Lite and FreeStyle Libre systems.
This is how you can make a difference at Abbott:
As a Materials Engineer Lead you will work with the Materials Engineering Manager and wider Technical Services team, to support the introduction of new or changed materials/components to the site. You will trouble shoot and resolve material related challenges for the site, by completing investigations, determining root cause, reporting out findings and proposing solutions. You will identify component-related opportunities to optimise yield and OEE for daily operations and supports sustaining of materials / components for the site.
Key Responsibilities:
* Identify root causes of component-related manufacturing issues using structured problem-solving techniques.
* Develop Design of Experiments (DOEs), conduct testing, analyze data, and report findings for continuous improvement initiatives.
* Perform empirical and experimental analyses to inform decision-making based on data insights.
* Collaborate with site operations to resolve material-related challenges and meet site goals.
* Support validation activities related to material changes and R&D material trials, providing constructive feedback.
* Monitor the performance of parts and implement actions to enhance performance.
* Evaluate proposed changes and alternative components/designs for efficacy and efficiency.
* Assist in resolving Quality Incidents and Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPA).
* Capture materials-related learnings from initial production lines to inform future processes.
* Apply LEAN methodologies to drive operational excellence throughout the organization.
* Contribute to the delivery of site-specific Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and maintain visual dashboards for reporting.
* Engage in cross-functional activities to promote continual improvement, safety, and compliance.
* Analyze complex processes and problems, identifying areas for improvement and risk mitigation.
* Use data analysis to identify trends and opportunities for improvements while ensuring compliance with industry standards and global regulations.
* Propose and support new methods or materials to enhance quality and efficiency.
* Provide technical support to fellow engineers and mentor junior associates within the team.
* Assist relevant site teams with Bills of Materials (BOMs) and Agile-related work.
* Cultivate a strong understanding of Abbott Quality Policy and Procedures.
Education and Experience:
* Minimum NFQ Level 8 Qualification in Engineering, Science, or a related discipline.
* At least 7 years of experience in within a manufacturing environment; GxP experience preferred.
* Proficiency in working with materials/components, including electrical, molded, or mechanical systems.
* Demonstrated experience in resolving technical challenges on high-volume automation lines.
* Familiarity with root cause analysis tools such as 6M, Ishikawa, DMAIC, and Six Sigma methodologies.
What we Offer
Attractive compensation package that includes competitive pay, as well as benefits such as
* Family health insurance,
* Excellent pension scheme
* Life assurance
* Career Development
* Fantastic new facility
* Growing business plus access to many more benefits.
Abbott is an equal opportunities employer.