R&D Mass Spectrometry Instrument Scientist
Agilent Technologies
Summary
Join a premier measurement company focused on improving the quality of life and the world around us by bringing great science to life. Agilent, a global leader in life sciences, diagnostics, and applied markets, is seeking a motivated, experienced Instrument Design Scientist with a focus on Mass Spectrometry to join an interdisciplinary team of scientists and engineers supporting new product development. This role offers a compelling opportunity for an experienced scientist to lead, influence, and advance Agilent's Mass Spectrometry portfolio. In this position, you will leverage your scientific and engineering expertise, technical leadership, collaboration and communication skills, and industry knowledge to help define and execute the vision for Agilent's technology development in High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry.
Job description
Key Responsibilities
- Initiate, design, and execute scientific research and development strategies to create devices, products, applications, and/or services related to mass spectrometry hardware, embedded software, and overall instrument design
- Apply a wide range of scientific principles and concepts to inventions, products, and technical challenges, including ionization and ion optics, vacuum systems, ion detection systems, high-voltage power supplies, RF electrodes, and digitizer systems
- Investigate, evaluate, and test discoveries through experimentation and application of scientific knowledge
- Share knowledge and expertise with team members across functions and business divisions
- Troubleshoot equipment and products to validate data collection processes and resolve technical issues
- Maintain broad awareness of state-of-the-art principles, theories, and academic and industrial developments in mass spectrometry
- Contribute to scientific literature and professional forums, including publications, application notes, and presentations at conferences and symposia
- Participate in the development of patent applications and other intellectual property disclosures
- Interface with cross-functional teams (e.g., Marketing, Product Support, Manufacturing) and serve as an internal technical consultant
- Travel to manufacturing facilities to support new product development and resolve technical issues
- Visit customers to gather insights that inform product development and to support issue resolution
- Provide technical due diligence assessments, including intellectual property reviews, for technology licensing and acquisition opportunities
- Support a full range of Product Development activities including prototype design & assembly, Quality Assurance testing, extensive hands-on troubleshooting, knowledge transfer to Manufacturing, and sustaining engineering support
This is an onsite role at our Santa Clara, CA location.
Qualifications
- PhD in Physics or a closely related scientific discipline
- Typically, at least 10+ years of relevant experience for entry to this level
- Demonstrated success with mass spectrometer instrument development, including ion optics design / characterization, performance optimization across multiple performance dimensions, contamination control features, vacuum performance, materials selection, prototyping & integration, experimental design, and other relevant areas
- Deep understanding of and hands-on experience with Mass Spectrometry detector technologies, including MCP-based detectors
- Experience working with high-voltage power supplies and RF power supplies, including an understanding of performance characteristics that influence Mass Spectrometry system design and performance
- Practical experience with high-vacuum system design practices relevant to Mass Spectrometry applications
- Proficiency with simulation tools such as SIMION, ANSYS, or equivalent
- Strong Python programming capability
- Solid knowledge of relevant materials science concepts applicable to Mass Spectrometry systems
- Demonstrated hands-on troubleshooting skills to resolve complex technical challenges
- Ability to initiate proposals & execute independently
- Team-focused behavior to support & interact with multidisciplinary colleagues
Preferred Qualifications
- Advanced or specialized experience leading scientific or technical development initiatives in Mass Spectrometry
- Demonstrated ability to influence system-level design decisions through cross-disciplinary technical expertise
Requirements
- PhD in Physics or a closely related scientific discipline
- Typically, at least 10+ years of relevant experience for entry to this level
- Demonstrated success with mass spectrometer instrument development, including ion optics design / characterization, performance optimization across multiple performance dimensions, contamination control features, vacuum performance, materials selection, prototyping & integration, experimental design, and other relevant areas
- Deep understanding of and hands-on experience with Mass Spectrometry detector technologies, including MCP-based detectors
- Experience working with high-voltage power supplies and RF power supplies, including an understanding of performance characteristics that influence Mass Spectrometry system design and performance
- Practical experience with high-vacuum system design practices relevant to Mass Spectrometry applications
- Proficiency with simulation tools such as SIMION, ANSYS, or equivalent
- Strong Python programming capability
- Solid knowledge of relevant materials science concepts applicable to Mass Spectrometry systems
- Demonstrated hands-on troubleshooting skills to resolve complex technical challenges
- Ability to initiate proposals & execute independently
- Team-focused behavior to support & interact with multidisciplinary colleagues
Benefits
- Bonus
- Stock
- Health Insurance
Company overview
Agilent Technologies is a global leader in life sciences, diagnostics, and applied markets, delivering innovative solutions that advance scientific discovery and improve quality of life. Founded in 1999 as a spin-off from Hewlett-Packard, the company has grown into a major player in analytical instrumentation and laboratory services. With approximately 18,000 employees worldwide and annual revenues exceeding $6.5 billion, Agilent provides a comprehensive portfolio of instruments, software, services, and consumables that serve laboratories across pharmaceutical, biotechnology, clinical diagnostics, environmental, food safety, and academic research sectors. The company's product offerings span chromatography systems, mass spectrometry, spectroscopy, cell analysis platforms, molecular diagnostics, and laboratory informatics solutions. Agilent's expertise extends beyond hardware to include comprehensive laboratory management services through its CrossLab division, which helps customers optimize laboratory operations, ensure regulatory compliance, and maximize research productivity. The company's commitment to innovation and customer support has made it a trusted partner for scientists and researchers worldwide who rely on Agilent's technologies to address complex analytical challenges and drive scientific breakthroughs.