Tech III - PdM Tech (Mechanical Vibration)

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.

Working at Abbott

At Abbott, you can do work that matters, grow, and learn, care for yourself and family, be your true self and live a full life. You’ll also have access to:

• Career development with an international company where you can grow the career you dream of.
• Employees can qualify for free medical coverage in our Health Investment Plan (HIP) PPO medical plan in the next calendar year.
• An excellent retirement savings plan with high employer contribution
• Tuition reimbursement, the Freedom 2 Save student debt program and FreeU education benefit - an affordable and convenient path to getting a bachelor’s degree.
• A company recognized as a great place to work in dozens of countries around the world and named one of the most admired companies in the world by Fortune.
• A company that is recognized as one of the best big companies to work for as well as a best place to work for diversity, working mothers, female executives, and scientists.

The Opportunity

This position works out of our Abbott Park, IL location within the GES Global Engineering Services division.

The Mechanical Vibration Analyst applies advanced predictive maintenance (PdM) and condition monitoring technologies to assess the health of rotating and mechanical equipment. This role is responsible for collecting, analyzing, and interpreting vibration and related reliability data to diagnose failure modes, identify root causes, and recommend corrective actions that prevent unplanned downtime, extend equipment life, and improve asset reliability.

What You'll Work On:

• Comply with all applicable corporate, divisional, and site safety, environmental, and quality policies and procedures.
• Perform mechanical vibration analysis on a wide range of rotating and mechanical assets, including pumps, motors, blowers, fans, compressors, agitators, gearboxes, HVAC equipment, reactors, and associated mechanical systems.
• Collect and interpret condition monitoring data using vibration analysis as the primary technology, supplemented by ultrasound, infrared thermography, motion analysis, and oil analysis when applicable.
• Analyze vibration data to identify mechanical faults such as imbalance, misalignment, looseness, resonance, bearing defects, gear mesh issues, and structural problems.
• Determine root cause of equipment degradation or failure trends and recommend corrective actions based on data-driven analysis.
• Work closely with the Reliability and Maintenance teams to evaluate preventive maintenance strategies, optimize PM frequencies, and transition appropriate tasks to condition-based maintenance using historical trending data.
• Specify, install, and validate vibration monitoring hardware, including accelerometers and cabling, for both route-based and continuous monitoring applications.
• Support oil sampling and tribology programs by identifying sampling locations, reviewing analysis reports, and correlating lubrication issues with vibration findings.
• Perform supplemental inspections as required, including ultrasonic inspections, borescope inspections, and non-intrusive measurements to support vibration-based diagnoses.
• Generate clear, concise technical reports documenting findings, severity, root cause, and recommended actions, and communicate results to maintenance, engineering, and operations stakeholders.
• Provide technical guidance and hands-on support to maintenance personnel, including coaching on precision maintenance practices such as laser alignment, bearing installation, seal installation, and drive setup.
• Assist in training mechanics and technicians to improve vibration awareness, PdM fundamentals, and precision maintenance skills.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives, reliability reviews, and cross-functional meetings, actively identifying opportunities to improve equipment performance, productivity, and cost control.
• Complete required documentation, including work orders, inspection reports, and reliability records, in a timely and accurate manner.

Required Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent required; technical or associate degree preferred.
• Vibration Analysis Certification – Category II required (Category III preferred).
• Ability to obtain Vibration Analysis Certification – Category III in the first 12 months.
• Minimum of 5 years of hands-on experience in industrial maintenance with demonstrated progression in rotating equipment reliability or predictive maintenance.
• Prior experience as a senior mechanic, millwright, HVAC technician, electrician, or similar trade strongly.
• Proficiency with vibration analysis and asset reliability software (Emerson AMS Machinery Manager or equivalent).
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex data and translate findings into clear recommendations.
• Solid computer skills, including report writing, data trending, and documentation.
• Ability to work in industrial environments and access equipment in operating facilities.
• Valid state-issued driver’s license required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Level I Infrared Thermography certification preferred.
• Ultrasound certification (airborne/structure-borne) preferred.

Learn more about our health and wellness benefits, which provide the security to help you and your family live full lives: www.abbottbenefits.com

Follow your career aspirations to Abbott for diverse opportunities with a company that can help you build your future and live your best life. Abbott is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to employee diversity.

Connect with us at www.abbott.com, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Abbott and on Twitter @AbbottNews and @AbbottGlobal

The base pay for this position is $28.25 – $56.55 per hour. In specific locations, the pay range may vary from the range posted.