Materials Engineer

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.

Main Purpose of the Role

Works with the Materials Engineering Manager and wider Technical Services team, to support the introduction of new or changed materials/components to the site. Helps to trouble-shoot and resolve material related challenges for the site, by completing investigations, determining root cause, reporting out findings and proposing solutions.

Identifies component-related opportunities to optimise yield and OEE for daily operations and supports sustaining of materials/components for the site.

Works closely with various stakeholders including, but not limited to: Validation, PMO, Operations, Global Engineering and Quality.

Main Responsibilities

• Identify root cause of component-related manufacturing issues using structured problem-solving techniques.
• Develop DOEs (Design of Experiments), complete testing and analyse data for continuous improvement activities and report out findings.
• Run empirical and experimental analysis and use data to make decisions.
• Support site Ops to resolve material related challenges and deliver the output as per site goals.
• Support Validation activities related to material changes.
• Support R&D material trials and provide feedback.
• Monitor performance of parts and drive the performance related actions.
• Evaluate proposed changes and alternative components/designs.
• Assist in the resolution of Quality Incidents and CAPA.
• Bring materials related learnings from line 1 to future lines.
• Apply LEAN methodologies to drive operational excellence.
• Support the delivery of site specific KPI's and reporting, including maintaining visual dashboards.
• Participate in cross-functional activities as necessary, to ensure continual improvement, safety and compliance.
• Analyse complex processes and problems and identify areas of improvement and risk.
• Analyse data to identify trends and potential improvements, ensuring compliance with industry standards and global regulations.
• Suggest and support new methods or materials for continual improvement of quality and efficiency.
• Provide technical support to other engineers within the group and mentor and develop junior associates.
• Support relevant site teams for BOMs and Agile related work
• Learn, challenge, develop and maintain a working knowledge of Abbott Quality Policy and Procedures.

Qualifications & Experience

• Minimum Level 8 NFQ qualification or Equivalent in a relevant discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years previous work experience.
• Working in a manufacturing environment – GxP experience preferred.
• Working with materials/components (incl. electrical, moulded and/or mechanical)
• Resolving technical challenges on a High-volume automation line.
• Using 6M, Ishikawa, DMAIC or other root cause analysis tools
• Six-Sigma.

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.