Systems Engineer

IDEXX Laboratories, Inc; Westbrook (ME); On-site; USD 72,000 - 88,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Base salary starting at $80,000

Annual cash bonus

Health / Dental / Vision benefits Day‑

5% matching 401k

Stock program and additional perks

Job summary

IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. is seeking a Systems Engineer to join the IDC team in Westbrook, ME. You will define instrument sequence functions, develop fixtures and software, and validate assay performance within a collaborative R&D setting.

You will work with scientists, software and hardware engineers, and manufacturing partners to integrate assays into diagnostic platforms, analyze field data, and drive design decisions across multiple disciplines.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline and 3–5 years of professional experience.
• Ability to translate assay and reagent requirements into instrument definitions and algorithms.
• Ability to plan, prioritize, and communicate status, risks, and commitments.
• Experience analyzing test data and mitigating failure modes.
• Experience designing fixtures to support characterization and testing.
• Proven ability to work effectively in cross-functional product teams.
• Strong verbal and written communication to explain complex concepts.
• Thrives in fast-paced environments and adapts to changing priorities.
• Proficient with Microsoft 365 applications.
• Working knowledge of CAD tools such as SolidWorks.
• Strongly preferred: immunoassay, clinical chemistry principles, Python, debugging tools, JMP, AI-assisted tools, LabVIEW, real-time software or embedded systems.

Responsibilities

• You will define, evaluate, and specify instrument sequence functions and algorithms for assay performance.
• You will develop and utilize fixtures, tools, and software to control, characterize, and evaluate diagnostic systems.
• You will identify potential failure modes and design robust sequences and algorithms.
• You will qualify assay sequences and algorithms against product requirements.
• You will follow engineering design, development, documentation, verification, and validation practices.
• You will support continuous improvement to strengthen engineering capabilities.
• You will analyze field performance data, troubleshoot, investigate root causes, and implement corrective actions.
• You will specify, test, and implement software modifications to improve system functionality.
• You will collaborate with scientists, software/hardware engineers, manufacturing, and stakeholders to integrate assays.
• You will manage and interpret characterization data to inform design decisions and milestones.

Skills

Systems Engineering

Electrical Engineering

Mechanical Engineering

Python

SolidWorks

LabVIEW

Embedded Systems

CAD

JMP

Microsoft 365

Cross-functional teams

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field

Tools

SolidWorks

LabVIEW

JMP

CAD

Job description

As a Systems Engineer, you will join our Integration Design & Characterization (IDC) team within the R&D Assay Integration Group in Westbrook, Maine, helping to develop the next generation of IDEXX diagnostic assays and instrumentation. Willingness to work onsite five days per week in Westbrook, ME is required, with occasional flexibility as needed. The R&D Assay Integration Group is responsible for integrating assays and instrumentation to deliver reliable, high-performing diagnostic solutions that enable veterinary professionals to make informed clinical decisions.

Why does this role matter? This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the development of IDEXX's next generation of point-of-care diagnostic technologies that advance animal healthcare around the world. As part of a highly collaborative team, you will play a critical role in ensuring diagnostic systems consistently meet performance requirements while supporting innovation across software, hardware, assay, and systems engineering disciplines. This position offers a unique blend of systems thinking, hands‑on engineering, data-driven problem solving, and cross‑functional collaboration, allowing you to make a direct impact on products that improve outcomes for veterinarians, patients, and customers.

In this role:

• You will define, evaluate, and specify instrument sequence functions and algorithms, assessing their impact on assay performance through protocol development, experimentation, and data analysis.

• You will develop and utilize custom fixtures, tools, and software solutions to control, characterize, and evaluate diagnostic systems.

• You will identify potential failure modes and design robust assay sequences and algorithms that account for operational variability and system tolerances.

• You will qualify assay sequences and algorithms against product requirements and performance expectations.

• You will follow established engineering design, development, documentation, verification, and validation practices throughout the product lifecycle.

• You will support continuous improvement initiatives that strengthen engineering capabilities and technical excellence across the organization.

• You will analyze field performance data, troubleshoot system issues, investigate root causes, and develop effective corrective actions.

• You will specify, test, and implement software modifications to improve system functionality and performance.

• You will collaborate closely with scientists, software engineers, hardware engineers, manufacturing partners, and business stakeholders to successfully integrate assays into new and existing diagnostic platforms.

• You will manage and interpret characterization data to inform design decisions and support product development milestones.

What you need to succeed:

• You have a Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline, along with 3 to 5 years of professional experience. (Required)

• You can translate assay and reagent requirements into instrument sequence definitions and algorithm specifications. (Required)

• You can independently plan, prioritize, and manage your work while communicating status, risks, and commitments. (Required)

• You have experience analyzing test data, identifying probable failure modes, and developing and implementing appropriate mitigation strategies. (Required)

• You can design, build, and utilize fixtures that support system characterization and testing activities. (Required)

• You have experience working effectively within cross-functional product development teams. (Required)

• You possess strong verbal and written communication skills and can explain complex technical concepts to a variety of audiences. (Required)

• You thrive in fast‑paced environments and can adapt to changing business priorities, stakeholder needs, and technical requirements. (Required)

• You are proficient with Microsoft 365 applications. (Required)

• You have working knowledge of computer-aided design (CAD) tools such as SolidWorks. (Required)

• You have an understanding of immunoassay or clinical chemistry principles and how reagent chemistry interacts with instrument mechanics, optics, and fluidics. (Strongly Preferred)

• You have experience programming in Python. (Strongly Preferred)

• You are familiar with source‑level software debugging techniques and related development tools. (Strongly Preferred)

• You have experience using analytical tools such as JMP. (Strongly Preferred)

• You have exposure to AI‑assisted tools. (Preferred)

• You have experience with LabVIEW, real‑time software environments, or embedded systems development. (Preferred)

• You have a foundational understanding of life sciences and biological systems. (Preferred)

What you can expect from us

• Base salary range starting at $80,000 based on experience

• Opportunity for annual cash bonus

• Health / Dental / Vision Benefits Day‑One

• 5% matching 401k

• Additional benefits including but not limited to financial support, pet insurance, mental health resources, volunteer paid days off, employee stock program, foundation donation matching, and much more

Why IDEXX

We're proud of the work we do, because our work matters. An innovation leader in every industry we serve, our team members help pet owners worldwide keep their companion animals healthy and happy, ensure safe drinking water for billions, and help farmers protect livestock and poultry from disease.

Within IDEXX Veterinary Software, we are transforming how veterinary teams manage workflows, connect with clients, and deliver care. Our solutions help practices operate more efficiently while strengthening engagement with pet owners and improving patient outcomes.

We have customers in over 175 countries and a global workforce of more than 10,000 team members. Our culture embraces challenges, encourages learning and discovery, and supports employees with competitive compensation, benefits, and meaningful work that drives improvement.

If meaningful work and a sense of purpose are at the top of your list, you'll find it here.

Let's pursue what matters together.

IDEXX values a diverse workforce and workplace and strongly encourages women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, foreign‑born residents, and veterans to apply.

IDEXX is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will not be discriminated against because of race, color, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, citizenship status, disability, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, medical condition, or any protected category prohibited by local, state, or federal laws.

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