Field Service Engineer II

Oxford Instruments; California; Hybrid; USD 105,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Oxford Instruments seeks a field service engineer to install, commission and maintain complex microscopy systems across North and South America. The role requires hands-on problem solving, strong technical knowledge, and proactive communication.

Extensive travel to customer sites is expected, with training provided at installations. Candidates should hold a relevant Bachelor’s degree and 3–5 years of field service experience in microscopy or analytical instrumentation, including familiarity with

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, Life Science or related technical field.
• 3–5 years of field service experience in microscopy or analytical instrumentation.

Responsibilities

• Lead the installation and commissioning of assigned systems and options, ensuring full compliance with factory specifications.
• Perform “User Familiarization” training at installations.
• Execute scheduled and emergency maintenance with precision and diagnose root causes beyond surface-level symptoms.
• Provide remote support to minimize downtime and maximize uptime.
• Build trust and long-term relationships through responsive communication and hands-on training.
• Calibrate critical components and implement performance-enhancing upgrades.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical/Mechanical Engineering; Physics; Materials Science; Life Science or related technical field

Tools

Digital multimeters

Oscilloscopes

Job description

Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the US. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of employment visa currently.

Location

REMOTE – North America-based – Bay Area, CA. Candidates must reside within reasonable travel time (typically 60 minutes) of a major airport to support frequent weekday travel to customer sites.

The Role

Represent Oxford Instruments by delivering world‑class technical support, installation, and maintenance of complex microscopy systems throughout North and South America. This role demands a hands‑on problem solver with strong technical acumen, clear communication skills, and a proactive mindset. You’ll collaborate across teams, elevate issues when needed, and maintain detailed documentation to support continuous improvement. With extensive travel across customer sites, you’ll play a critical role in driving customer satisfaction and advancing cutting‑edge materials characterization technologies.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the installation and commissioning of assigned systems and options, ensuring full compliance with factory specifications. Perform “User Familiarization” training at installations.

Preventive & Corrective Maintenance

• Execute scheduled and emergency maintenance with precision. Diagnose root causes beyond surface‑level symptoms and validate repairs against stringent performance benchmarks for spectral resolution, indexing accuracy, and detector calibration.

Customer Engagement & Technical Training

• Build trust and long‑term relationships through responsive communication and hands‑on training. Empower customers to operate and maintain their systems confidently across key analytical workflows.

Advanced Troubleshooting

• Resolve complex hardware and software issues using specialized tools. Provide remote support when needed to minimize downtime and maximize uptime.
• Calibrate critical components and implement performance‑enhancing upgrades to ensure optimal system reliability and throughput.

Required Qualifications & Experience

Education & Industry Background

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, Life Science or a related technical field.
• 3–5 years of field service experience in the microscopy or analytical instrumentation industry.

Diagnostics & Technical Tools

• Proficient with diagnostic instruments: Digital multimeters, Oscilloscopes.
• Strong interest in computer hardware architecture, system components, and familiar with the configuration, optimization, and troubleshooting of the Windows operating system.
• Ability to read and interpret mechanical, electrical, and system integration schematics.
• Hold a valid driver’s license and safe driving record, passport, and ability to travel independently.
• Must be physically agile and comfortable working in confined or awkward spaces.
• Capable of independently lifting and handling equipment weighing up to 50 lbs.
• Able to commit to extensive weekday travel to support customer installations and service needs, Monday through Friday.

Preferred Skills & Attributes

Hands‑on Experience

• Hands‑on experience with advanced microscopy imaging techniques, including Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Fluorescence, and Confocal microscopy.
• Proficient in calibration, optimization, and maintenance of scientific imaging systems to ensure accurate performance and high‑quality data acquisition.
• Skilled in configuring and troubleshooting imaging acquisition software for optimal workflow and image fidelity.

Work Ethic & Collaboration

• Strong manual dexterity and ability to maintain a clean, organized workspace.
• Proactive problem‑solving and openness to continuous learning.
• Effective communicator with strong listening skills.
• Adaptable to evolving technologies and customer needs.
• Comfortable working independently or as part of a team.

Compensation

In accordance with Massachusetts law, the expected salary for this full‑time, benefited position is between $105,000 - $125,000. The actual compensation will be determined considering factors such as relevant skills and experience and other factors permitted by law.

What Sets You Apart

• Passion for solving complex technical challenges with precision and care.
• Proactive in anticipating customer needs and delivering timely, high‑quality solutions.
• Builds trust through clear communication and confident issue resolution.

Eager to learn, grow, and collaborate to uphold the highest standards of service.