To Apply:
Qualified candidates, Please Apply here.
We Offer:
- Competitive pay
- Paid time off, vacation and holidays
- Medical, vision and dental insurance
- A friendly, cooperative atmosphere
- Opportunity to participate in the early stages of a growing company
- Offers 401K
Scientific Instrumentation Service Manager – Global Operations
Applied Spectra, Inc. (ASI) is a global supplier of laser ablation analytical instruments for elemental analysis, backed by a world-class scientific and engineering team. Our products provide innovative technology for rapid measurements that streamline elemental chemical analysis for various industrial applications.
We are seeking an experienced Scientific Instrumentation Service Manager to lead and oversee the global service operations for our cutting-edge scientific instruments. This role is responsible for ensuring the efficient maintenance, calibration, repair, and installation of advanced equipment while managing a team of technicians and optimizing customer support. The ideal candidate will combine strong technical expertise with leadership skills to drive operational excellence, enhance service efficiency, and improve customer satisfaction.
Key Responsibilities
Service Operations & Strategy
- Develop and implement comprehensive service plans, including preventive maintenance schedules, calibration protocols, and repair workflows to maximize instrument uptime.
- Oversee global service operations, coordinating with international teams and traveling as needed to support service activities (estimated 25% travel).
- Ensure service requests are addressed promptly, scheduling technicians efficiently and keeping clients informed on service progress.
- Track and analyze service performance metrics to identify trends, optimize workflows, and drive continuous improvement initiatives
Technical Expertise & Support
- Maintain a deep understanding of scientific instrumentation, diagnostics, and troubleshooting techniques, particularly in laser spectroscopy (training provided).
- Provide advanced technical guidance to service technicians on complex repairs, calibrations, and system integrations.
- Stay informed on industry advancements, emerging technologies, and regulatory changes to enhance service capabilities.
Leadership & Team Development
- Lead, mentor, and develop a team of skilled service technicians, ensuring high performance and professional growth.
- Foster a culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement within the service team.
- Oversee recruitment, onboarding, and ongoing training for new service personnel.
Financial & Contract Management
- Develop and manage the service department’s budget, including cost control for repairs, parts, and operations.
- Monitor service revenue, margins, and cost efficiencies, identifying opportunities for improved profitability.
- Negotiate and manage service contracts with clients to ensure optimal terms and customer satisfaction.
Compliance & Quality Assurance
- Ensure full compliance with industry regulations, safety standards, and company policies related to instrument servicing.
- Maintain accurate service documentation, calibration logs, and repair reports for audit and compliance purposes.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to uphold quality control and reliability standards in servicing operations.
Required Skills & Qualifications
- Technical Background: Bachelor’s degree in a relevant science field (biology, chemistry, physics, or related) or equivalent experience with scientific instrumentation. Experience with laser spectroscopy is a plus.
- Service Management Experience: Proven track record of managing service technicians in a technical environment.
- Strong Technical Skills: Expertise in troubleshooting and repairing complex scientific instruments, including electronics, mechanics, and software integration.
- Customer Service Focus: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for client interaction and issue resolution.
- Leadership & Organizational Abilities: Ability to lead a team, drive performance, and implement strategic improvements in service operations.
Work Environment
- Collaborative, flexible work environment supporting clients in industries such as battery manufacturing, geochemistry, and forensics.
- Primarily office-based, with frequent travel to customer sites for service oversight, troubleshooting, and relationship management.
- Occasional extended hours or weekend work may be required to meet critical service deadlines.
Why Join Us?
- Lead a global service team supporting groundbreaking scientific research and innovation.
- Work with advanced instrumentation in a dynamic, customer-focused environment.
- Opportunity for professional growth, leadership development, and cross-functional collaboration.
West Sacramento, CA
Applied Spectra is seeking an experienced embedded software engineer to lead the development and support of our software suite for analytical instrumentation control and spectral data analysis. As the lead software engineer, you will design and code programs that control and manage devices, ensure that the software meets the specific needs of the hardware, use specialized tools to test the software on electronic systems, provide long-term application support, and perform version updates while advancing the existing features capabilities.
- Proficiency in C and C++programming languages
- Understanding of communication protocols and interface buses
- Knowledge of general-purpose input/output (GPIOs) Knowledge of microcontrollers, real-time operating systems, and device drivers Ability to define and implement required tests for unit-level and system-level integration tests
- Understanding of data manipulations on large datasets and memory optimization techniques
- Experience building Windows application installation packages.
- Strong understanding of software development methodologies (e.g., Agile, Scrum).
- Experience with version control systems (e.g., Git).
- Experience in managing software development, especially in an Agile or Scrum environment
- Experience in budgeting, resource allocation, risk management for software projects
- Ability to work in a collaborative setting with mechanical, control, application, and test engineers
- Experience with machine learning algorithms and AI techniques.
- Familiarity with AI frameworks and libraries (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch, scikit-learn).
- Ability to develop and implement AI models for spectrochemical data processing.
- Experience with cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure, Google Cloud) for deploying AI models.
- Knowledge of data preprocessing, feature extraction, and data augmentation techniques.
- Familiarity with Chemometrics
- Understanding of the principles of spectroscopic instrumentation, analysis methodology, and test schemes
- Machine Learning Experience in image processing and / or classification models
- Experience with industrial lasers
Educational background:
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in computer science, Software Engineering, or a related field. Applicants without a degree with over 5 years of relevant experience will also be considered.
Experience:
- 3+ years development experience using C# / Microsoft .NET / .Net Framework
Work Environment:
A dynamic office environment with personnel from research, engineering, manufacturing, sales, and marketing
West Sacramento, CA
Applied Spectra, Inc. (ASI) is seeking a Field Service Engineer to support our analytical laser spectroscopy business. The candidate will be trained with all aspects of our instruments, including manufacturing, testing, and repair. Once trained, the main duties will be to perform onsite customer services including installation, maintenance, and training. By coordinating with our in-house scientific, engineering, and manufacturing teams, the candidate will work with new and existing customers to address all instrument requirements. The position also requires setting up service contracts; and developing methods, guidelines, and policies to facilitate efficient services.
Responsibilities:
– Test and validate electro-optical-mechanical equipment
– Author manufacturing documentation (Work Instructions, Test Protocols, Component Specifications, etc.) to meet manufacturing and Quality System requirements
– Install, configure, final testing, training, and service of instruments at customer sites
– Provide remote technical support via phone and/or electronic -based (email/web-based)
– Travel domestically and internationally (up to 50% annually)
– Occasionally work overtime or weekends
Education:
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field required.
Experience:
– 3-5 years of experience in an Engineering or Manufacturing environment preferred
– Previous experience as a field engineer or similar role
– Experience preparing device history records (DHR) is a plus
– Prior laser systems experience is a plus
– An analytical mind and strong problem-solving ability
Additional Eligibility Qualifications:
– Strong understanding and hands-on experience with mechanical systems and parts assembly. Excellent troubleshooting skills
– Ability to read and interpret mechanical and electrical engineering documentation including assembly drawings, electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, etc.
– Strong technical background with testing equipment including signal generators, oscilloscopes, data acquisition systems, and other.
– Effective, professional, and clear communication skills, both oral and written.
Work Environment:
This job operates in a casual office environment with a manufacturing and warehouse space. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines. Additionally, this role may be required to use lifts and power tools.
About APPLIED SPECTRA
Applied Spectra, Inc. is an international supplier of analytical instrumentation based on Laser Ablation for elemental and isotopic analysis. We have world-class scientific, engineering and manufacturing teams, with sales and distribution throughout the world. We offer a competitive compensation package that includes full benefits, 401K and holidays.
Applied Spectra, Inc. provides equal employment opportunity. Discrimination of any type will not be tolerated. Applied Spectra, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by state, federal, or local law.