Application Scientist

IXRF Systems; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

IXRF Systems seeks a motivated Applications Engineer / Scientist to develop and apply microXRF methods for geological and industrial samples. You will travel to support installations and work directly with researchers to translate science goals into robust analytical solutions.

Ideal candidates have hands-on instrumentation experience, strong spectroscopy knowledge, and excellent communication. This on-site Austin role offers growth in analytical development and global customer engagement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in geology, geoscience, chemistry, physics, materials science, engineering, or related scientific discipline.
• Foundational knowledge of spectroscopy, elemental analysis, or related analytical instrumentation.
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills with methodical approach.
• Self-motivated, resourceful, and able to work independently in a close team.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills for customers.
• Hands-on mentality with instrumentation experience.
• Willingness to travel up to 40% domestically and internationally.
• Must be based in Austin, TX, or willing to relocate; on-site at Austin facility when not traveling.
• Professional proficiency in English.

Responsibilities

• Operate Atlas Apex microXRF systems to analyze geological, industrial, and research specimens.
• Develop, optimize, and troubleshoot analytical methods for XRF spectroscopy and quantitative analysis.
• Interpret spectral datasets and develop practical customer solutions.
• Evaluate new applications and demonstrate instrument capabilities for product innovation.
• Prepare analytical reports, notes, and technical presentations.
• Serve as a technical resource for customers and researchers worldwide.
• Conduct instrument and software demonstrations in person and remotely.
• Travel to support installations, development, training, and troubleshooting.
• Collaborate with scientists and engineers to translate research objectives into analytical solutions.
• Build strong customer relationships through expertise and clear communication.

Skills

Geology knowledge

Analytical troubleshooting

Communication skills

Independent work

English proficiency

Education

Bachelor’s degree or higher in geology, geoscience, chemistry, physics, materials science, engineering, or related

Tools

XRF instruments

microXRF

SEM-EDS

EPMA

Job description

Explore the World. Solve Complex Problems. Advance Scientific Discovery.

IXRF Systems designs and manufactures advanced micro-X-ray fluorescence (microXRF) analytical instruments used by leading universities, national laboratories, and industrial research organizations around the world.

Our flagship Atlas Apex platform enables scientists and engineers to investigate the elemental composition of materials across applications ranging from geology and mineral exploration to advanced materials, manufacturing, and industrial research.

We’re looking for a motivated, technically curious Applications Engineer / Scientist who thrives on solving problems, enjoys working directly with customers, and wants to make a tangible impact in the world of scientific instrumentation.

This isn’t a traditional desk job.

One week you might be developing an analytical method for a geological specimen in our Austin laboratory. The next, you could be working alongside researchers at a world-renowned university, troubleshooting a complex application, or traveling internationally to demonstrate what our technology can accomplish.

We’re a small, highly collaborative team where initiative, independence, and a willingness to roll up your sleeves matter. We’re looking for someone who takes ownership, learns quickly, and isn’t afraid to tackle challenges without a predefined solution.

• Start Date: January 2027
• Travel: Up to 40% domestic and international
• Compensation: Competitive salary based on experience (all IXRF travel expenses covered)

What You’ll Do

Scientific Applications & Analytical Development

• Operate our Atlas Apex microXRF systems to analyze a wide variety of geological, industrial, and research specimens.
• Develop, optimize, and troubleshoot analytical methods involving X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, elemental mapping, and quantitative analysis.
• Interpret complex spectral datasets, identify analytical challenges, and develop practical solutions for customers.
• Evaluate new applications, demonstrate instrument capabilities, and contribute to continued product innovation.
• Prepare professional analytical reports, application notes, technical presentations, and scientific materials.
• Serve as a technical resource for customers, researchers, and prospective clients around the world.
• Conduct instrument and software demonstrations, both in person and remotely.
• Travel domestically and internationally to support customer installations, application development, training, and technical troubleshooting.
• Work directly with scientists and engineers to understand their research objectives and translate them into effective analytical solutions.
• Build strong customer relationships through technical expertise, responsiveness, and clear communication.

Troubleshooting & Technical Problem-Solving

• Independently diagnose and resolve complex analytical, software, and instrument-related challenges.
• Collaborate with engineering, production, and service teams to identify opportunities for system and software improvements.
• Develop creative solutions for unique customer applications, often involving unfamiliar materials or analytical requirements.
• Support instrument verification, calibration, and performance optimization when needed.

What We’re Looking For

Above all, we’re looking for someone with initiative, intellectual curiosity, strong technical instincts, and a genuine desire to solve problems.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in geology, geoscience, chemistry, physics, materials science, engineering, or a related scientific discipline.
• Foundational knowledge of spectroscopy, elemental analysis, or related analytical instrumentation.
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills with the ability to approach unfamiliar problems methodically.
• Self-motivated, resourceful, and comfortable working independently while contributing to a close-knit team.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to explain complex technical concepts to customers.
• Hands‑on mentality and willingness to work directly with scientific instrumentation.
• Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally, up to approximately 40%.
• Must be based in Austin, Texas, or willing to relocate. This is an on‑site position at our Austin facility when not traveling.
• Professional proficiency in English.

Highly Desirable Experience

• Experience with X-ray fluorescence (XRF), microXRF, SEM-EDS, EPMA, or related spectroscopic techniques.
• Background in geology, mineralogy, geochemistry, or geological materials characterization is a major plus.
• Familiarity with mineral identification, phase analysis, or automated mineralogy.
• Experience with analytical method development, scientific instrumentation, or laboratory research.
• Experience presenting scientific results, supporting customers, or delivering technical training.
• Familiarity with instrument hardware, electronics, or mechanical troubleshooting.

Direct microXRF experience is not required. We value candidates with strong scientific fundamentals, hands‑on aptitude, and the drive to learn.

Why Join IXRF?

• See the world: Travel to leading research institutions, industrial facilities, and universities across North America, Europe, Asia, Australia, and beyond, including some extraordinary destinations.
• Work on fascinating science: Analyze everything from geological specimens and critical minerals to advanced industrial materials.
• Make a real impact: Join a budding team where your ideas, initiative, and contributions directly influence our products and customers.
• Build meaningful expertise: Develop specialized knowledge in X-ray spectroscopy, analytical instrumentation, elemental imaging, and advanced materials characterization.
• Work with cutting‑edge technology: Help advance the capabilities of our Atlas Apex microXRF platform.
• Grow professionally: Gain exposure to applications development, product engineering, technical sales, customer engagement, and global scientific markets.

Reporting Structure & Growth

This position reports directly to the Vice President of Product and works closely with IXRF’s engineering, applications, production, and commercial teams.

As part of a small, highly collaborative organization, you’ll have direct exposure to product strategy, emerging technologies, and customer-driven innovation. You’ll be encouraged to take ownership of technical challenges, contribute ideas, and play a meaningful role in advancing the capabilities and applications of our Atlas Apex platform.

The Kind of Person Who Will Thrive Here

You’re naturally curious. When something doesn’t work, your first instinct is to figure out why.

You enjoy the challenge of unfamiliar problems, take pride in finding solutions, and don’t need someone looking over your shoulder to make progress.

You’re equally comfortable working in a laboratory, collaborating with engineers, or sitting across from a customer trying to solve a difficult analytical challenge.

Most importantly, you want your work to matter, and you’re excited by the opportunity to build a career that combines science, technology, problem‑solving, and international travel.

If that sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you.