We are seeking an exceptional research engineer to join our Specialized Research in Chaotic Systems (SPaRCS) team within Discovery Research. This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of microfluidic technologies at AbbVie by designing and fabricating advanced components and systems that directly accelerate scientific discovery.

In this role, you will work at the intersection of engineering, materials science, biology, and innovation. You will develop custom polymer, glass, and silicon microfluidic solutions for a broad range of life science applications, partnering closely with scientists and engineers across R&D to solve meaningful technical challenges and create capabilities that do not yet exist. Your work will have a direct impact on laboratory productivity and on AbbVie’s ability to advance new therapeutics.

This position is ideal for a highly motivated engineer who thrives in a hands-on research environment, enjoys building from first principles, and is energized by the opportunity to invent, iterate, and push beyond the state of the art.

Job Responsibilities

Lead, operate, and continuously improve an on-site clean room for microfluidic device fabrication.
Leverage Northwestern University facilities and specialized resources to complement internal capabilities and expand technical possibilities.
Conceive, plan, and execute ambitious research programs using rapid design-fabricate-test cycles.
Generate, evaluate, and prioritize ideas for new microfluidic technologies with strong potential for impact.
Proactively explore the literature and emerging technologies to identify opportunities to go beyond existing approaches rather than simply replicate them.
Collaborate with functional and technical experts to translate research concepts into practical tools and platforms that strengthen AbbVie’s discovery and development pipeline.
Contribute to a culture of innovation, scientific rigor, and continuous improvement.

Level and compensation will be commensurate with experience

Qualifications

Required:

Sr. Scientist I Qualifications: Bachelor’s Degree or and typically 10 years of experience OR Master’s Degree and typically 8 years of experience OR PhD (no experience necessary) in mechanical, electrical, or other engineering,
Sr. Scientist II Qualifications: Bachelor’s Degree or and typically 12 years of experience OR Master’s Degree and typically 10 years of experience OR PhD 4 years of experience in mechanical, electrical, or other engineering,
Hands-on research experience in developing building, utilizing, and maintaining complex electromechanical clean room equipment such as mask aligners, e-beam evaporators, and RF sputterers.
Demonstrated ability to work across disciplines including biology, materials science, tissue engineering, and microfluidics.
Strong experimental mindset with the ability to independently design experiments, interpret data, and define logical next steps.
Desirable:
Experience working in fields of tissue engineering and cell culture.
Experience in computer aided mechanical design and multiphysics modeling.
Why this role stands out:
Work on technically challenging problems with real scientific and business impact.
Join a team that values originality, ownership, and curiosity.
Help build capabilities that enable new discoveries across AbbVie R&D.
Be part of a collaborative environment where engineers and scientists work side by side to create practical solutions to complex problems.
Key Leadership Competencies:
Builds strong relationships with peers and cross-functional partners to enable higher performance.

Additional Information

Applicable only to applicants applying to a position in any location with pay disclosure requirements under state or local law:

The compensation range described below is the range of possible base pay compensation that the Company believes in good faith it will pay for this role at the time of this posting based on the job grade for this position. Individual compensation paid within this range will depend on many factors including geographic location, and we may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range. This range may be modified in the future.
We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick), medical/dental/vision insurance and 401(k) to eligible employees.
This job is eligible to participate in our short-term incentive programs.

Note: No amount of pay is considered to be wages or compensation until such amount is earned, vested, and determinable. The amount and availability of any bonus, commission, incentive, benefits, or any other form of compensation and benefits that are allocable to a particular employee remains in the Company's sole and absolute discretion unless and until paid and may be modified at the Company’s sole and absolute discretion, consistent with applicable law.

AbbVie is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to operating with integrity, driving innovation, transforming lives and serving our community.  Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled.

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