Life Science Engineer III – Chromatography

Planet Pharma; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Planet Pharma is seeking an experienced LC/MS Service Lead to design and scale a new LC/MS capability. The role involves creating workflows, SOPs, and inventory strategies while serving as the primary escalation point for complex instrumentation.

You will train engineers, support regulatory compliance, and collaborate with business development to demonstrate capabilities to customers. This role requires strong cross-functional communication across technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience supporting and repairing life science instrumentation (chromatography & mass spec).
• 3+ years in GxP-regulated environments.
• Hands-on LC/MS instrumentation, mechanical troubleshooting, hardware diagnostics.

Responsibilities

• Build and scale a new LC/MS service capability with workflows and inventory strategies.
• Serve as the highest-level technical escalation point for LC/MS instrumentation.
• Train and mentor internal engineering teams; develop standardized training programs.
• Act as technical expert and client-facing representative for service capabilities.
• Lead escalation resolution and contribute to service quality improvements.
• Support workflow optimization, SOP development, and regulatory compliance activities.

Skills

LC/MS instrumentation

GxP validation

Diagnostics & repair

Preventive maintenance

Multi-vendor platforms

HPLC/UPLC

GC/GC-MS

SOP development

Documentation accuracy

Team mentoring

Education

Bachelor's in Engineering

Chemistry degree

Job description

Key Responsibilities

Program Development (Primary Focus)

• Build and scale a new LC/MS service capability, including:
  • Designing service workflows and operational models
  • Defining parts inventory and supply strategies
  • Creating SOPs, work instructions, and technical documentation
  • Establishing platform coverage strategy (e.g., SCIEX, Agilent, Waters, Thermo)

Technical Execution

• Serve as the highest-level technical escalation point for LC/MS instrumentation
• Perform advanced diagnostics, troubleshooting, repair, and preventive maintenance
• Lead service delivery across LC/MS, LC, and associated analytical platforms
• Support multi-vendor systems, including single quadrupole and triple quadrupole mass spectrometers

Training & Mentorship

• Train and mentor internal engineering teams as the service function expands
• Partner with technical training leadership to build standardized training programs
• Support ongoing capability development across the organization

Client Engagement

• Act as the technical expert and client-facing representative for service capabilities
• Support business development efforts, including technical presentations and solution discussions
• Build strong relationships with customer stakeholders and end users

Operational & Continuous Improvement

• Lead escalation resolution and contribute to service quality improvements
• Support workflow optimization, SOP development, and regulatory compliance activities
• Contribute to pricing strategy insights based on technical complexity and service scope

Required Qualifications

Experience

• 7+ years of experience supporting and repairing life science instrumentation
  • Strong focus on chromatography and mass spectrometry systems
• 3+ years of experience in GxP-regulated environments
• Hands-on experience with:
  • LC/MS instrumentation (OEM background strongly preferred)
  • Mechanical troubleshooting, repair, and hardware diagnostics
  • LC and/or GC systems

Technical Expertise

• Deep knowledge of:
  • HPLC/UPLC, IC, SFC
  • GC, GC/MS, LC/MS
  • Single and triple quadrupole mass spectrometers
• Experience across multi-vendor platforms
• Strong troubleshooting and diagnostics capabilities across complex analytical systems
• Experience with GxP validation, equipment qualification, and SOP development

Core Skills

• Ability to design and implement service processes independently
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to engage both technical and non-technical stakeholders
• Proven ability to lead escalations, mentor engineers, and optimize workflows
• High attention to detail and documentation accuracy

Preferred Qualifications

• Degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Biomedical, or related field) strongly preferred
• Chemistry degree acceptable with demonstrated mechanical aptitude
• Prior experience in OEM service organizations
• Experience mentoring or training junior engineers

Technology Experience

• HPLC / UPLC, IC, SFC
• GC, GC/MS, LC/MS
• Single and triple quadrupole MS systems
• General lab equipment (balances, centrifuges, incubators, freezers, LN? storage, water systems, etc.)