Instrument Operator Technician (6 Month Contract)

VitalBio; Oakville; On-site; CAD 55,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Vital Bio is seeking an engineer to operate and monitor complex electromechanical prototypes in a fast-moving startup. You will ensure data integrity, automate testing, and collaborate with chemists, biologists, and software engineers to improve instrument performance.

You will perform V&V on prototype instruments, maintain sensors and tunable hardware, and document observations meticulously. Cambridge, Ontario-based role with onsite work; compensation ranges CAD 55,000–62,000 per year.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or college degree in Biomedical, Mechanical, Mechatronics, or Systems Engineering.
• Hands-on experience with sensors, actuators, or fluidic systems.
• Competency in programming for data processing and basic hardware control.
• Exceptional attention to detail; notices subtle changes before failures.
• Ability to write clear technical reports and bug descriptions.

Responsibilities

• Study Execution: Run internal studies and V&V protocols on prototype instruments with precision.
• Data Integrity: Guard data quality; monitor real-time performance and document observations to prevent data issues.
• Multidisciplinary Collaboration: Work with chemists, biologists, and software engineers to feedback on instrument performance.
• Scripting & Automation: Use programming to automate data extraction, manage test sequences, and interface with hardware subsystems.
• Technical Troubleshooting: Identify hardware malfunctions, software bugs, or fluidic inconsistencies; collaborate to resolve issues.
• Maintenance: Calibrate and maintain delicate mechanical and optical components to keep prototypes test-ready.

Skills

Sensors & actuators

Fluidic systems

Lab equipment handling

Programming for data processing

Data integrity mindset

Team collaboration

Documentation & reporting

Education

Bachelors or college degree in Biomedical, Mechanical, Mechatronics, or Systems Engineering

Tools

Scripting

Electromechanical assembly

Hardware control basics

Job description

About you:

You will be responsible for the operation and monitoring of complex electromechanical prototypes. This is not a passive role; it requires an engineer’s mindset to spot anomalies, a coder’s logic to automate tasks, and a scientist’s rigour regarding data integrity. You will ensure our devices perform reliably under the most demanding study protocols while working seamlessly within a high-growth startup environment.

What you'll do:

• Study Execution: Run internal studies and verification and validation (V&V) protocols on prototype instruments with extreme vigilance and precision.

• Data Integrity: Act as the primary guardian of data quality; monitor real-time system performance and meticulously document observations to prevent "noisy" or corrupted data.

• Multidisciplinary Collaboration: Work closely with a diverse team of chemists, biologists, and software engineers to provide feedback on instrument performance and assist in cross-functional troubleshooting.

• Scripting & Automation: Familiar with programming to automate data extraction, manage test sequences, and interface with hardware subsystems.

• Technical Troubleshooting: Identify and document hardware malfunctions, software bugs, or fluidic inconsistencies. Collaborate with Mechatronics and Systems teams to resolve issues.

• Maintenance: Perform routine calibration and maintenance on delicate mechanical and optical components to ensure the prototype fleet is always "test-ready."

What you'll need:

• Education: Bachelors or college degree in Biomedical, Mechanical, Mechatronics, or Systems Engineering is preferred

• Technical Proficiency: Hands-on experience with sensors, actuators, or fluidic systems. Familiarity with lab equipment and electromechanical assembly.

• Scripting Skills: Competency in programming for data processing and basic hardware control.

• Vigilant Mindset: Exceptional attention to detail; you notice subtle changes in system behavior (sounds, vibrations, timing) before they become failures.

• Teamwork: Strong interpersonal skills with a proven ability to collaborate across different engineering and scientific disciplines.

• Communication: Ability to write clear, concise technical reports and bug descriptions.

Why Join Us?

At Vital Bio, you will:

• Play a critical role in keeping our prototype instruments operating with precision so studies and V&V work can move forward without interruption.

• You’ll work alongside chemists, biologists, software engineers, and systems teams, giving you broad exposure to the full product development process while strengthening your technical and troubleshooting skills.

• If you enjoy hands-on technical work, care deeply about data integrity, and like solving problems in a fast-moving startup environment, this is a role where your work will have a direct impact on product readiness and team success.

The compensation range for this role is $55,000 - $62,000 CAD. Compensation will be determined based on the individual’s demonstrated experience, education, training, relevant certifications or licensure, and other applicable business and organizational factors.

This role is a current, onsite vacancy.

About Vital Bio

Vital is revolutionizing point-of-care diagnostics with our VitalOne platform, delivering real-time care wherever patients are. Our mission is to democratize health technology, making healthcare more accessible and proactive.

Our global team of experts spans chemistry, software, engineering, and microfluidics. We thrive on change, operate on trust, and value diverse perspectives. Our growth-minded culture empowers front-line decision-making and fosters impactful work.

We seek tenacious, bold individuals ready to transform healthcare. At Vital, your talent will make a difference as we work to ensure everyone has access to care when and where they need it.

Vital Biosciences Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity in the workplace. We are therefore happy to accommodate any individual needs in keeping with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. If you require accommodation in order to participate in our hiring process, please contact us to make your needs known in advance

As part of our recruitment process, we may use automated or AI-supported tools to assist with application review and screening. These tools are used to support, not replace, human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are always made by our hiring team.