Field Service Engineer, Bay Area – Liquid Handling & Laboratory Automation

Surplus Solutions; San Francisco (CA); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

401(k) with company match

Company-paid travel expenses

Job summary

Surplus Solutions is hiring a Field Service Engineer in San Francisco to support laboratory automation systems across the US. Ideal candidates will have hands-on experience with liquid handling platforms and troubleshooting electromechanical systems.

The role involves installations, maintenance, and customer training, with extensive regional and nationwide travel requirements. Unique benefits include competitive salary, comprehensive medical coverage, and opportunities for career growth in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience supporting laboratory automation or analytical laboratory instrumentation.
• Comfortable working independently in fast-paced environments.
• Ability to travel extensively and maintain a flexible schedule.

Responsibilities

• Install and configure laboratory automation systems at customer sites.
• Perform preventative and corrective maintenance on instrumentation.
• Troubleshoot mechanical and electrical issues in automated systems.

Skills

Troubleshooting electromechanical systems

Strong mechanical aptitude

Technical problem-solving skills

Strong communication skills

Documentation skills

Education

Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field

Tools

Salesforce or similar CRM systems

Job description

Travel Requirement: ~70–80% regional and nationwide travel

Position Summary

Surplus Solutions LLC is seeking motivated and customer-focused Field Service Engineers (FSEs) to support liquid handling and laboratory automation systems across customer sites throughout the United States.

This role is ideal for candidates with hands-on experience servicing, troubleshooting, installing, or operating automated liquid handling platforms such as Hamilton, Tecan, Beckman Coulter, Agilent, or similar laboratory automation systems.

The Field Service Engineer will serve as a front-line technical representative responsible for instrument installations, preventative maintenance, repairs, upgrades, customer training, and overall customer satisfaction. Candidates should be comfortable working independently in fast-paced laboratory environments while supporting complex electromechanical and software-driven systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Install, configure, commission, and qualify laboratory automation and liquid handling systems at customer sites.
• Perform preventative maintenance, corrective maintenance, repairs, and system upgrades on supported instrumentation.
• Troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, fluidic, pneumatic, robotic, and software-related issues.
• Support automated liquid handling platforms including robotic pipetting systems, plate handlers, integrated devices, and laboratory workflow automation.
• Calibrate and verify instrument performance according to manufacturer or internal specifications.
• Provide customer training on instrument operation, maintenance procedures, and best practices.
• Document all service activities including service reports, diagnostics, parts usage, and corrective actions.
• Maintain strong customer relationships through professional communication and responsive technical support.
• Coordinate with internal engineering, logistics, and technical support teams to resolve escalated issues.
• Support equipment refurbishments, installations, validations, and field upgrades as required.
• Follow all laboratory safety, quality, and customer compliance procedures.
• Travel extensively to customer sites throughout assigned regions and occasionally nationwide.

Required Qualifications

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Biotechnology, Biology, Chemistry, Automation, Robotics, or related technical field — or equivalent hands-on experience.
• 2+ years of experience supporting laboratory automation, liquid handling systems, or analytical laboratory instrumentation.
• Experience troubleshooting electromechanical systems and laboratory automation equipment.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and technical problem-solving skills.
• Comfortable working independently in customer-facing environments.
• Strong communication and documentation skills.
• Ability to travel extensively and maintain a flexible travel schedule.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel by air domestically.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Hamilton, Tecan, Beckman Coulter, Agilent Bravo, Opentrons, or other automated liquid handling platforms.
• Experience servicing robotic systems, automated workcells, or integrated laboratory automation systems.
• Familiarity with:
• Pipetting systems
• Robotic arms and gantries
• Barcode readers
• Plate movers
• Incubators
• Stackers
• Integrated automation devices
• Experience with OEM field service processes and documentation.
• Familiarity with regulated laboratory environments including GMP, GLP, clinical, pharmaceutical, or biotech settings.
• Experience using service management platforms such as Salesforce or similar CRM systems.
• Previous OEM or third-party field service training/certifications preferred.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary based on experience.
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Company-paid travel expenses including airfare, hotels, rental cars, mileage, and per diem.
• Company laptop, tools, and service equipment.
• Opportunities for career growth within a rapidly expanding technical service organization.
• Exposure to a wide variety of advanced laboratory automation technologies and customer environments.