Field Service Engineer II

Oxford Instruments Plc; Sacramento (CA); Remote; USD 69,000 - 83,000; Full time

Job summary

Oxford Instruments is seeking a hands-on Field Service Technician to install, calibrate, and maintain advanced microscopy systems across North and South America. The role demands travel to customer sites, problem solving, and clear written and verbal communication.

You will work with cross-functional teams, document fixes, and contribute to continuous improvements while ensuring high system performance and customer satisfaction.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Materials Science or related field.
• 3–5 years field service experience in microscopy or analytical instrumentation.
• Proficient with diagnostic instruments and Windows OS; able to read schematics.

Responsibilities

• Lead installation and commissioning of microscopy systems; train at installations.
• Perform preventive and corrective maintenance and diagnose root causes.
• Provide remote and on-site technical support to minimize downtime.
• Calibrate components and apply system upgrades for optimal performance.
• Maintain thorough documentation and support continuous improvement.

Skills

AFM/SEM

Troubleshooting

Customer communication

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelors in EE/Physics

Tools

Digital multimeters

Oscilloscopes

Job description

Why Oxford Instruments?

Our purpose is to accelerate the breakthroughs that create a brighter future for our world. Our technology and scientific expertise enable our customers to discover and bring to market exciting new advances that drive human progress. We aim to be the scientific instrumentation partner in every significant lab and production facility across the world. Our people and culture are vital to our success. We strive to offer the opportunities that will attract, engage, motivate and develop the very best talent. This involves creating an inclusive environment and culture where difference is valued and people are recognised for what they deliver and bring to the team.We want to empower our employees so that they innovate, support our growth and improve our productivity. We support them to make the right decisions and reach their full potential as they develop their careers at OI. Our ways of working are lived every day and are as follows:We start with the customerWe succeed by being focusedWe make and keep our promisesWe work together as one teamWe help and trust each other to succeed

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.

LOCA

TIONREMOTE – 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

• System Installation & CommissioningLead the installation and commissioning of assigned systems and options, ensuring full compliance with factory specifications. Perform “User Familiarization” Training at installations.
• Preventive & Corrective MaintenanceExecute 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 TrainingBuild 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 TroubleshootingResolve complex hardware and software issues using specialized tools. Provide remote support when needed to minimize downtime and maximize uptime.
• Calibration & System UpgradesCalibrate critical components and implement performance‑enhancing upgrades to ensure optimal system reliability and throughput.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• Education & Industry BackgroundBachelor’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 ToolsProficient 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

• Platform & Component ExperienceHands‑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 & CollaborationStrong 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

The expected salary for this full‑time, benefited position is between $50.48/hr - 60.096/hr.

The actual compensation will be determined considering factors such as relevant skills and experience and other factors permitted by law

WHAT SETS YOU APART

COMMITMENT TO SERVICE EXCELLENCEPassion 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#LI-NS1