Summary:

Applied Spectra is seeking a hands-on, technically capable Field Service Specialist to support the installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of advanced analytical instrumentation used for elemental and isotopic analysis.

This position is suited to a junior- to mid-level technical professional who has strong mechanical aptitude, practical troubleshooting skills, and the ability to learn complex scientific instruments. The successful candidate will receive training in Applied Spectra's instruments, service procedures, and customer support practices, with the goal of developing increasing independence in performing field service activities.

The position is based in West Sacramento and involves primarily domestic travel to customer sites throughout the United States, with occasional international travel. U.S. citizenship is required to meet onsite access requirements at certain customer facilities, including national laboratories and other restricted-access facilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Install, configure, test, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair Applied Spectra instruments at customer sites.
• Perform instrument assembly, testing, validation, maintenance, and repair at the company's facility.
• Diagnose mechanical, electrical, electronic, and instrument-control problems using established procedures and appropriate test equipment.
• Provide remote technical support to customers and assist with resolving instrument performance and operational issues.
• Train customers in instrument operation, routine maintenance, and basic troubleshooting.
• Document service visits, troubleshooting results, repairs, parts usage, and follow-up actions accurately.
• Work with engineering, manufacturing, applications, and service personnel to resolve technical issues and improve instrument reliability and service procedures.
• Help develop and improve service documentation, work instructions, test procedures, and preventive maintenance practices.
• Support the development of service capabilities and processes as the company's global service organization expands.
• Travel primarily within the United States, with occasional international travel, to perform installations, maintenance, repairs, and customer training.

Required Qualifications

• U.S. citizenship to meet access requirements for certain customer facilities.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and hands-on troubleshooting ability.
• Ability to understand and follow technical instructions, equipment documentation, diagrams, and schematics.
• Demonstrated ability to learn complex electromechanical or scientific equipment.
• Practical problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and a methodical approach to diagnosing technical issues.
• Good written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work professionally with customers.
• Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally as required.
• Ability to perform the physical tasks associated with equipment installation and field service.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate degree, technical certificate, or bachelor's degree in engineering technology, electronics, mechanical or electrical engineering, instrumentation, or a related field.
• Hands-on experience assembling, testing, maintaining, troubleshooting, or repairing technical equipment.
• Familiarity with electronic test equipment and measurement tools, such as multimeters, oscilloscopes, and signal generators.
• Experience in field service, equipment manufacturing, laboratory instrumentation, or a related technical role.
• Exposure to lasers, optics, spectroscopy, scientific instruments, or other analytical equipment.

Relevant hands-on technical experience may substitute for formal educational credentials. Extensive prior field-service experience or an engineering degree is not required.

Training and Development

Applied Spectra will provide training in instrument operation, assembly, testing, troubleshooting, repair, installation, and customer support. The specialist will work with experienced service, engineering, manufacturing, and scientific personnel while developing the knowledge and practical skills needed to handle increasingly complex service assignments independently.

About Applied Spectra

Applied Spectra develops and supplies advanced laser-ablation analytical instrumentation used for elemental and isotopic analysis. Its customers include research institutions, government laboratories, and industrial organizations worldwide.

Applied Spectra offers competitive compensation and benefits, including health insurance, a 401(k) plan, and paid holidays.

Applied Spectra is an equal opportunity employer.