Field Engineering Specialist - Mass Spectrometry - California

F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG; California (MO); Hybrid; USD 69,000 - 128,000; Full time

Job summary

Roche is seeking a Field Engineering Specialist – Mass Spectrometry in California to provide primary field engineering support, routine maintenance, and system installation for the cobas i601 platform across customer laboratories. You will work with National Field Engineering Specialists on escalations and major accounts.

The role requires hands-on maintenance of MS hardware, including vacuum systems, LC components, and ion sources, plus collaboration with customers and FAS teams to ensure

Qualifications

• 5 years of progressive experience repairing or servicing mechanical/system hardware and software, or networking/wireless networking
• Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Chemistry or related field plus 1-2 years of progressive experience repairing or servicing complex mechanical/system hardware and software, or networking/wireless networking
• Willingness to travel, including overnight travel, >50% of the time

Responsibilities

• Service, repair, calibrate and install cobas i601 MS systems in customer labs.
• Perform hardware maintenance of mass spec hardware including UHV pumps and LC components.
• Diagnose hardware and software failures using TICs, mass spectra and tuning logs.
• Collaborate with operators and FAS teams to support routine workflows and documentation.

Skills

Mass spectrometry

LC-MS/MS

HPLC/UHPLC

Instrumentation troubleshooting

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Eng./Mechanical Eng./Electrical Eng./Chemistry or related field

High school diploma + 2 years technical training

Tools

Vacuum leak detectors

RF/DC voltage tools

Job description

**Field Engineering Specialist – Mass Spectrometry - California****The Opportunity**Roche Support Network offers an exciting opportunity for individuals who are passionate about problem-solving and technical service excellence. As a Field Engineering Specialist – Mass Spectrometry, you will provide primary field engineering support, routine maintenance, and system installation for Roche’s fully automated mass spectrometry platform, the cobas i601, across customer laboratories within your assigned territory.Unlike traditional Core Lab liquid-phase diagnostic systems, automated clinical mass spectrometry introduces complex gas-phase ion physics, ultra-high vacuum (UHV) environments, and extreme-pressure fluidics. In this role, you will perform hands-on technical repair, system maintenance, and basic applications workflow support—partnering closely with National Field Engineering Specialists on complex escalations and multi-system accounts.As a Field Engineering Specialist - Mass Spectrometry, you will:* Deliver Regional Field Engineering Support: Showcase your technical expertise in servicing, repairing, calibrating, and installing cobas i601 mass spectrometry systems and associated automation in customer laboratories throughout your assigned territory.* Perform Hardware Maintenance: Maintain specialized mass spec hardware, including ultra-high vacuum (UHV) pumps, atmospheric pressure ionization (ESI/APCI) sources, electromagnetic ion optics, oscillating RF/DC quadrupoles, and high-pressure LC fluidic pumps operating at thousands of PSI.* Execute Targeted Preventive Maintenance: Perform deep molecular-pathway preventive maintenance, including rebuilding and oiling vacuum pumps, cleaning ion sources and sampling capillaries, replacing LC components, and optimizing MS performance.* Diagnose Hardware & Scientific Failures: Diagnose and resolve mechanical, electronic, software, and gas/fluidic failures. Utilize data output—such as Total Ion Chromatograms (TIC), mass spectra (m/z ratios), and tuning logs—to troubleshoot hardware performance issues.* Applications & Workflow Support: Collaborate with customer operators and FAS teams to support routine applications workflows. Provide guidance on basic operational practices, fluidic maintenance, vacuum integrity, and minimizing chemical interference/contamination.* Collaborate with National Engineers: Work closely with Advanced Engineering Specialists on high-complexity accounts, major account rollouts, and advanced technical escalations.* Maintain Customer Relationships & Operational Excellence: Serve as a primary technical contact for service-related issues, perform scheduled PMs, and maintain accurate service documentation using Roche's CRM system. Participate in on-call rotations, providing after-hours or weekend support as required.**Who You Are*** High school diploma and 2 years of technical school or equivalent military training or equivalent work experience* 5 years of progressive experience repairing or servicing mechanical/system hardware and software, or networking/wireless networking OR a Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Chemistry or related field plus 1-2 years of progressive experience repairing or servicing complex mechanical/system hardware and software, or networking/wireless networking* Successfully training or certification as defined by RD Services Leadership and policy* Ability to travel, including some overnight travel, is requireThis is a field-based role covering California, depending on customer needs.Travel: Overnight travel within the territory is expected > 50% of the time based on customer maintenance, service, and installation schedules.**Preferred Qualifications*** 4+ years of experience with a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (or 8+ years of progressive technical experience) servicing analytical chemistry instrumentation, clinical mass spectrometry platforms, or high-pressure fluidic systems.* Hands-on experience operating, servicing, or troubleshooting mass spectrometry platforms (LC-MS/MS), liquid chromatography (HPLC/UHPLC), or vacuum systems.* Technical Competency: Familiarity with vacuum leak detectors, mass calibration tuning fluids, RF/DC voltage tools, and nitrogen gas flow measurement.* Applications & Science Literacy: Basic understanding of gas-phase physics, m/z ratio detection, and sample matrix effects to aid in diagnostic troubleshooting.* Team Collaboration: Strong desire to work cross-functionally with FAS colleagues and leads to resolve operational issues quickly.* Customer Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a track record of building positive relationships with lab operators and managers.Relocation benefits are not available for this job postingThe expected salary range for this position based on the primary location of California is 68,900.00- 127,900.00 USD Annual. Actual pay will be determined based on experience, qualifications, geographic location, and other job-related factors permitted by law. A discretionary annual bonus may be available based on individual and Company performance. This position also qualifies for the benefits detailed at the link provided below.