Applications Engineer I

Ocean Optics; San Mateo (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Ocean Optics is seeking an Applications Engineer to work directly with customers, understand their spectroscopic needs, and recommend optimal product configurations. You will act as a trusted advisor, translate objectives into tangible results, and develop OEM specifications while collaborating across teams.

The role involves delivering technical demos, training, and knowledge transfer, with travel to customer sites as needed.

Qualifications

• Four or more years in applications engineering with a technical degree.
• Expertise in spectroscopy or related technical domains.
• Willingness to travel to customer sites and deliver on-site support.

Responsibilities

• Interact with customers via sales teams to assess needs and propose configurations.
• Advise customers on solution options and translate objectives into results.
• Develop product specifications for OEM customers.
• Engage with customers to identify needs and propose improved solutions.
• Support qualification testing of new products at customer sites.
• Record issues and document resolutions accurately.
• Provide feedback to R&D to influence design and requirements.
• Deliver technical demos, training, and knowledge transfer.
• Travel to customer sites as required; perform remote or on-site services.

Skills

Customer-facing skills

Problem solving

Negotiation

Communication

Time management

Presentation skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree or higher in a technical field

Master’s or Ph.D. preferred

Job description

About the Opportunity

Join world‑class experts in solving customers' most challenging questions as an Applications Engineer at Ocean Optics, a leader in spectroscopic systems.

Responsibilities

• Work directly with the sales force to interact with customers, understand their application needs, and recommend the best product configuration.
• Act as a trusted advisor, consulting customers about solution options after understanding their needs and expectations.
• Develop product specifications for OEM customers.
• Constantly engage with existing and potential customers: identify their needs, articulate problem statements, and propose solutions that help customers succeed.
• Support qualification testing of new products at customer sites.
• Accurately record customer issues and document resolutions.
• Identify opportunities for product and solution improvement, provide feedback to R&D, and influence design/product requirements.
• Maintain a thorough understanding of customers, competitors, and market products and solutions offered.
• Perform remote and on‑site services as required (may require travel to customer sites).
• Deliver technical demos, training, and knowledge transfer to customers and partners.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Four or more years of experience in applications engineering, with a degree in a technical field and in‑depth knowledge of spectroscopic principles.
• Expertise in one or more technical areas: chemistry, biochemistry, optics, or an engineering discipline.
• Self‑starter able to think and act independently to translate objectives into tangible results, with a record of delivering designs on schedule.
• Strong negotiation, persuasion, and problem‑solving skills.
• Exceptional organizational and time‑management skills.
• Approachable, initiative‑driven, and enjoys connecting with people.
• Ability to promote solutions that bring value to customers.
• Energetic, willing to learn and explore technology with a can‑do attitude.
• People‑centric focus with the ability to collaborate across teams.
• Strong initiative, work ethic, and enthusiasm.
• Understanding of general business and financial principles.
• Excellent presentation and technical documentation skills.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and collaborative skills.
• Bachelor’s degree or higher in a technical field (Master’s or Ph.D. preferred).

Compensation and Benefits

The base salary range for this position is $120,000–$140,000 annually. The role is also eligible for a variable compensation plan, with On‑Target Earnings (OTE) of $160,000 annually when company performance goals are achieved. Actual compensation will be determined based on skills, experience, qualifications, and work location, in accordance with applicable law. The position is eligible for benefits.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Ocean Optics is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to age, race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, nationality, sex, or veteran status.