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Applications Scientist Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Applications Scientist

San Jose, CA · On-site

$79.20 - $141/hr

Bruker has an opening for an application scientist based at our Billerica, MA office. Responsibilities As part of the North America sales applications team, you will primarily lead sales applications ...

Applications Scientist

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$87 - $112/hr

The Applications Scientist serves as the scientific bridge between Sales & Marketing, Customer Support, and Product Development by transforming scientific literature, published applications, and ...

Minimum of three years of work experience as an applications scientist; or applications engineer in a semiconductor metrology tool manufacturer; or semiconductor process engineer in a semiconductor ...

The Technical Field Applications Scientist (FAS) is a client-facing subject matter expert responsible for the technical and scientific support of ATUM's commercial offerings, including licensing ...

The Applications Scientist I is responsible for supporting the development of flow cytometry assays and works closely with senior Applications Scientists and other lab personnel. This role involves ...

The Product Applications Scientist reports to the Associate Director of Customer Success. This position will be responsible for enabling successful customer adoption and utilization of Gator systems ...

By joining Gator Bio,you'llcontribute to meaningful advancements in life sciences and support leading-edge research tools designed for efficiency and reliability. TheProduct Applications ...

The Product Applications Scientist reports to the Associate Director of Customer Success. This position will be responsible for enabling successful customer adoption and utilization of Gator systems ...

The Product Applications Scientist reports to the Associate Director of Customer Success. This position will be responsible for enabling successful customer adoption and utilization of Gator systems ...

Investigate and resolve customer escalations related to tool performance and applications Interface ... S. in Engineering Sciences, Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering ...

... applications • Interface with technical support, head quarter engineering on procedures and ... S. in Engineering Sciences, Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering ...

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Applications Scientist information

See California salary details

$16

$51

$83

How much do applications scientist jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for applications scientist in California is $51.95, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41.73 and $59.81 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an applications scientist?

Applications Scientists are professionals who bridge the gap between scientific research and product development by providing technical support, training, and solutions to customers using scientific instruments or software. They work closely with sales, marketing, and research teams to demonstrate how products can be applied to solve specific problems in various industries, such as biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, or materials science. Their role often includes conducting product demonstrations, troubleshooting issues, and offering technical expertise to ensure customer success.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an applications scientist?

To thrive as an Applications Scientist, you need a strong background in scientific research, data analysis, and product/application expertise, often supported by a degree in chemistry, biology, or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory instrumentation, specialized software (such as chromatography or spectroscopy programs), and sometimes relevant certifications are typically required. Excellent communication, problem-solving abilities, and customer-focused interpersonal skills help you translate technical information and support clients effectively. These skills ensure you can bridge the gap between product development and end-users, driving customer satisfaction and successful product adoption.

What are some common challenges applications scientists face when working with customers on integrating new technologies?

Applications Scientists often encounter challenges such as bridging the gap between complex technical capabilities and the specific needs of end-users. They must translate scientific principles into practical solutions, address unforeseen technical hurdles during product integration, and provide clear documentation and training. Effective communication and adaptability are crucial, as they frequently collaborate with cross-functional teams—including R&D, sales, and customer support—to ensure successful product adoption and user satisfaction.

What is the difference between Applications Scientist vs Product Specialist?

AspectApplications ScientistProduct Specialist
Required credentialsTypically requires a degree in life sciences, chemistry, or related fields; often a master's or PhDUsually holds a degree in science or engineering; certifications may enhance credibility
Work environmentLaboratory, customer sites, or corporate R&DCustomer-facing, sales, and technical support settings
Employer and industry usageBiotech, pharma, and scientific instrument companiesInstrument and equipment manufacturers, biotech firms

Applications Scientists and Product Specialists often collaborate but focus on different aspects. Applications Scientists primarily support product development and technical validation, while Product Specialists focus on customer engagement and sales support. Both roles require scientific expertise but serve distinct functions within the industry.

Do you need a PhD to be an Applications Scientist?

A PhD is often preferred for Applications Scientist roles, especially in research-intensive fields, but many positions also accept candidates with a master's degree or relevant industry experience. Strong technical knowledge, problem-solving skills, and familiarity with laboratory tools or software are important for this role.

What is the average salary for an applications scientist?

The average salary for an applications scientist typically ranges from $70,000 to $110,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and industry. Senior roles or those with specialized skills in data analysis or laboratory techniques may earn higher compensation.

What are popular job titles related to Applications Scientist jobs in California?

For Applications Scientist jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Applications Scientist jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Applications Scientist jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Applications Scientist jobs?

Cities in California with the most Applications Scientist job openings:

Infographic showing various Applications Scientist job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $108,056 per year, or $52 per hour.

Applications Scientist

Bruker Corporation

San Jose, CA • On-site

$79.20 - $141/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago


Bruker rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Overview

As one of the world’s leading analytical instrumentation companies, Bruker covers a broad spectrum of advanced solutions in all fields of research and development. All our systems and instruments are designed to improve safety of products, to accelerate time-to‑market, and to support industries in successfully enhancing quality of life. We have been driving innovation in analytical instrumentation for over 50 years now. Today, more than 11,000 employees distributed across 90 locations around the world continue to delight our customers with innovative solutions.

Bruker Nano, one of Bruker’s four operating segments, provides customers in academic and governmental institutions, life science, materials, and applied industries with the tools to determine the characteristics of matter and visualize the structure of molecules. Divisions within BNANO include Bruker AXS, Bruker Nano Analytics, Bruker Nano Surfaces and Metrology, Fluorescence Microscopy, and Canopy.

Bruker has an opening for an application scientist based at our Billerica, MA office.

Responsibilities

As part of the North America sales applications team, you will primarily lead sales applications activities for optical and stylus products, reporting directly to the sales application manager. The position is jointly responsible for enabling the growth of the optical and stylus business through organic growth and market share gain.

  • Conduct instrument demonstrations in Billerica and at other Bruker offices and at customer sites to help close sales cases.
  • Measure customer samples and produce quality reports to further sales case.
  • Attend tradeshows, exhibitions, conferences, and workshops to promote Bruker products and generate new leads.
  • Help qualify opportunities with sales team by understanding customer applications and requirements and conveying best Bruker solution or product configuration.
  • Travel with sales colleagues to customer sites to answer questions and give high‑level technical presentations on Bruker’s products and solutions.
  • Help provide technical response to tenders and bids calling for Bruker‑related instrumentation.
  • Jointly manage and maintain demo lab instrumentation in Billerica.
  • Maintain excellent relationships post‑purchase order and communicate effectively with Bruker’s service and support groups to ensure customers are productive and satisfied.
  • Establish and manage relationships with cross‑functional departments within Bruker‑Nano, such as service, product management, applications development, and marcom to enable the sales applications team, the sales organization and Bruker as a whole to meet its high‑level goals and objectives.
Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree or above in Optics, Physics, Engineering, Material Science, or a related discipline.
  • Optical Metrology Expertise (Hands‑on experience with optical thin‑film characterization techniques, specifically Ellipsometry, Reflectometry, and Interferometry) is preferred.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication abilities in English, with the capability to articulate complex technical concepts in a clear and concise manner. Proficiency in delivering engaging presentations to diverse audiences, including technical and non‑technical stakeholders.
  • Passionate and dynamic, highly committed to deliverables.
  • The ability to establish and maintain positive professional relationships is critical.
  • A positive team player, self‑motivated, and able to act autonomously.
  • Willing to continuous learning and staying updated with advancements in optics, metrology, and optical profiling technologies; existing knowledge of optics and experience with optical profiler systems or stylus profilers will be a significant advantage.
  • Able to decide priorities in a rapidly changing commercial environment.
  • Familiarity with the industry landscape, trends, and emerging technologies related to the company's product offerings.
  • Travel requirements up to 50% of work time – typically 25% and mainly domestic travel as well as potentially Canada and Mexico.
  • Must be able to push a cart up to 50 lbs. occasionally to move instrumentation.
  • Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs occasionally to pack/unpack instrumentation.
  • Able to work in Government sites, cleanroom, production floor & laboratory environments. US Citizenship or Permanent Residence required.

At Bruker, base salary is part of our total compensation. The estimated base salary range for this full‑time position is between $79,200 and $141,000 and provides an opportunity to progress as you grow and develop within a role. The base salary for the role will depend on several job‑related factors, including, but not limited to, education, training, experience, the geographic location of the successful candidate, skills, competencies, job‑related knowledge and travel requirements for this position. Full‑time employees may also be eligible for a performance‑related incentive in addition to a full range of benefits including 401(k) with company match, an employee stock purchase plan, medical and dental plans, life insurance, short‑term and long‑term disability insurance, employee assistance program and paid time off including vacation, sick time and holidays, and more.

Bruker is an equal‑opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.

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