Field Service Engineer, SoCal (Los Angeles, San Diego, CA)

Cytek Biosciences, Inc.; Fremont (CA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 69,000; Full time

Job summary

Cytek Biosciences, Inc. is seeking a Field Service Engineer to install, maintain, and repair Cytek flow cytometry instruments at customer sites across the Southern California region.

The role emphasizes strong troubleshooting, effective communication, and independent work habits to ensure high service quality and customer satisfaction. Ideal candidates will have a background in life sciences or engineering, with 0–5 years of relevant field service experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences, Engineering, or related technical discipline preferred or equivalent training.
• 0-5 years of field service or instrument experience.
• Experience with flow cytometry instruments is preferred but not required.
• Strong troubleshooting, organizational, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Install, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair Cytek flow cytometry instruments at customer sites.
• Diagnose issues and minimize instrument downtime to restore performance.
• Prepare accurate service documentation and reports.
• Manage service schedules, spare parts, and travel plans.
• Collaborate with Technical Support and Service Management to resolve issues.

Skills

Flow cytometry

Troubleshooting

Customer service

Documentation

Time management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences/Engineering

Tools

Calibration equipment

Diagnostic instruments

Job description

Cytek Biosciences is a leading cell analysis company dedicated to advancing scientific discovery and improving human health through innovative flow cytometry and cell analysis solutions. The company's advanced technologies, including its full-spectrum flow cytometry platforms, help researchers and clinical laboratories gain deeper insights into cellular characteristics and complex biological systems. Cytek is committed to innovation, quality, and customer success by providing reliable instrumentation, technical expertise, and responsive service to support customers worldwide.

As a Field Service Engineer at Cytek Biosciences, you will play a key role in ensuring the optimal performance, reliability, and uptime of Cytek's instrumentation at customer sites. You responsible for the installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of Cytek flow cytometry instruments and upgrade products. This role requires strong technical problem-solving skills, effective customer communication, and the ability to independently manage service activities while maintaining high standards of service quality and customer satisfaction.

Key responsibilities include diagnosing and resolving instrument issues, performing preventive maintenance, managing service schedules, prioritizing urgent customer needs, and ensuring timely completion of assigned service activities. Field Service Engineers are also responsible for maintaining accurate service documentation, managing spare parts inventory, and communicating service updates and technical findings to customers and internal teams.

The position requires collaboration with Technical Support, Service Management, and other departments to resolve complex issues, elevate recurring problems, and contribute to continuous improvements in product reliability and service delivery.

Successful performance in this role is demonstrated through technical proficiency, customer satisfaction, effective time management, accurate documentation, operational accountability, and teamwork.

*** Prefer candidates located in Southern California - Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego and surrounding locations.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform essential duties and responsibilities satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Key Responsibilities

Instrument Installation, Maintenance, and Repair

• Perform installations, preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, repairs, and upgrades of Cytek flow cytometry instruments in accordance with established service procedures.
• Diagnose and resolve technical issues efficiently to minimize instrument downtime and restore optimal performance.
• Verify instrument functionality and performance following service activities.

Customer Service and Communication

• Maintain professional, courteous, and responsive communication with customers throughout the service process.
• Provide technical assistance, communicate service findings, and establish realistic expectations regarding repair timelines and next steps.
• Identify recurring customer concerns and communicate relevant feedback to internal teams to support product and service improvements.

Service Scheduling and Prioritization

• Independently manage assigned service activities, travel schedules, and customer appointments.
• Prioritize urgent service needs while balancing preventive maintenance, installations, and other service commitments.
• Communicate scheduling conflicts, delays, and unresolved issues to appropriate stakeholders in a timely manner.

Service Documentation and Administrative Responsibilities

• Complete Field Service Reports, Instrument Qualification Reports, Parts Return Tags, expense reports, and other required documentation accurately and within established timelines.
• Ensure service records clearly document reported issues, troubleshooting performed, corrective actions taken, and final instrument status.
• Follow established service procedures, documentation standards, and company policies.

Spare Parts and Inventory Management

• Maintain accurate records of assigned service spare parts inventory.
• Ensure proper tracking, handling, and timely return of defective or unused parts.
• Periodically reconcile inventory to maintain accuracy and readiness for service activities.

Collaboration and Continuous Improvement

• Collaborate with Technical Support, Service Management, and other internal departments to resolve complex technical issues.
• Escalate unresolved or recurring technical problems through appropriate channels.
• Share technical knowledge, field observations, and customer feedback to support continuous improvement.

Additional Responsibilities

• Perform other duties as assigned to support business and service operations.

REQUIREMENTS & QUALIFICATIONS:

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences, Engineering, or a related technical discipline preferred; equivalent technical training or military experience may be considered.
• 0-5 years of relevant experience in field service, laboratory instrumentation, flow cytometry, or a related technical field.
• Previous experience operating, maintaining, or repairing flow cytometry instruments is preferred but not required.
• Strong troubleshooting abilities, organizational skills, and professional communication are essential.

Technical Skills and Competencies

• Basic understanding of biology and scientific principles relevant to flow cytometry.
• Strong mechanical, electrical, and technical troubleshooting aptitude.
• Ability to learn and apply instrument service procedures and diagnostic techniques.
• Strong organizational, time-management, and problem-solving skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating with cross-functional teams.
• Attention to detail and commitment to accurate technical documentation.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

• This is a full-time position, generally operating Monday through Friday. Evening or weekend work may be required based on business and customer service needs.
• Frequent travel may be required using commercial airlines, trains, and rental or leased vehicles.
• Ability to lift and handle equipment or components weighing up to 25 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to perform service activities that may involve standing for extended periods, including up to four hours at a time, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to work in laboratory and customer environments while following applicable safety procedures.

SALARY RANGE:

Base salary range for this role will depend on the experience level -

For Field Service Engineer I: $37 - $46/hr

For Field Service Engineer II: $42 - $53/hr

Cytek is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, genetic information, disability status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.