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Applications Scientist Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Bruker Corporation

Applications Scientist

San Jose, CA · On-site

$70K - $125K/yr

We are seeking a Software-Focused Applications Scientist to join our team. In this role, you will bridge the gap between our advanced X-ray hardware/software systems and our customer FABs. You will ...

Bruker Corporation

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 ...

Bruker Corporation

Applications Scientist

San Jose, CA · On-site

$70K - $125K/yr

We are seeking a Software-Focused Applications Scientist to join our team. In this role, you will bridge the gap between our advanced X-ray hardware/software systems and our customer FABs. You will ...

UNAVAILABLE

Applications Scientist

San Jose, CA · On-site

$79K - $125K/yr

We are seeking a Software-Focused Applications Scientist to join our team. In this role, you will bridge the gap between our advanced X-ray hardware/software systems and our customer FABs. You will ...

BICO Group

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 ...

Bruker

Applications Scientist

San Jose, CA

$79K - $125K/yr

We are seeking a Software-Focused Applications Scientist to join our team. In this role, you will bridge the gap between our advanced X-ray hardware/software systems and our customer FABs. You will ...

UNAVAILABLE

Applications Scientist

San Jose, CA · On-site

$80 - $126/hr

We are seeking a Software-Focused Applications Scientist to join our team. In this role, you will bridge the gap between our advanced X-ray hardware/software systems and our customerFABs. You will ...

Bruker

Title Applications Scientist

San Jose, CA · On-site

Applications Scientist Job Locations US-CA-San Jose Posted Date 2 days ago(9/3/2026 6:32 PM) Req. # 2026-19748 Job Location : Location US-CA-San Jose Job Location : Postal Code 95134 Job Location

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Rigaku

Applications Scientist, Semi

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

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 ...

ATUM

Technical Field Applications Scientist

Newark, CA · On-site

$120K - $150K/yr

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 ...

RXinsider LTD.

Applications Scientist I

San Diego, CA · On-site

$84 - $134/hr

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 ...

Gator Bio

Product Applications Scientist

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

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 ...

Gator Bio

Product Applications Scientist

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$90 - $110/hr

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 ...

Gator Bio

Product Applications Scientist

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

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 ...

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All JobsApplications Scientist JobsApplications Scientist Jobs in California

Applications Scientist information

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How much do applications scientist jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 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:

Applications Scientist jobs near you
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

$70K - $125K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 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's Semiconductor (BSEMI) Division is the leader in advanced X-ray metrology for the silicon and compound semiconductor industries. We offer a comprehensive portfolio of tools including XRD, HRXRD, XRDI, XRR, XRF, and XCD.
We are seeking a Software-Focused Applications Scientist to join our team. In this role, you will bridge the gap between our advanced X-ray hardware/software systems and our customer FABs. You will focus heavily on software applications support, algorithm evaluation, customer issue resolution, and feature feedback, ensuring our inspection and metrology software delivers robust, precise solutions for complex semiconductor manufacturing needs.
Responsibilities
SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Applications Support: Provide high-level applications support, including training to customers and product demonstrations
  • Software Support: Provide high-level technical and software support to customers through software workflow optimization and hands-on troubleshooting.
  • Customer Problem Solving: Analyze customer process metrology requirements and build tailored software parameter setups, recipes, and automation workflows to solve site-specific inspection challenges.
  • Algorithm & Software Validation: Collaborate with core R&D, software engineering, and product management teams to qualify new software features, data processing algorithms, and bug fixes before field deployment.
  • Pre & Post-Sale Execution: Assist in source inspection of tools prior to shipment, configure tool/software environments, and deliver post-installation specialist user support.
  • Voice of Customer (VoC): Act as the technical liaison between field customers and software development teams, gathering bug reports, usability feedback, and feature requests to guide future software releases.
  • Best Known Methods (BKMs): Develop, document, and disseminate technical documentation, software deployment guidelines, and BKMs for sales, field engineers, and end customers.

Qualifications
EDUCATIONAL/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:
  • Education: B.Sc., Master's, or higher in Physics, Materials Science, or related technical field.
  • Software & Metrology Experience: Experience with data analysis, algorithm evaluation, or software scripting/development in a technical, scientific, or semiconductor setting.
  • Hands-on experience with material characterization or metrology techniques (X-ray techniques preferred, but signal/image processing or optical metrology experience is highly relevant).
  • Strong background in software troubleshooting under Windows/Linux environments.
  • Domain Knowledge: Understanding of basic crystallography/crystal structures or thin-film electronic layers is an advantage.
  • Data Literacy: Solid grounding in statistics, data processing, and result reconciliation between different measurement methods.
  • Communication: Excellent written and oral English technical communication skills (presenting technical data, describing software issues clearly, collaborating with overseas R&D).
  • Korean, Chinese fluency is a plus

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
  • Software-Oriented Problem Solver: Strong analytical mindset with a passion for software-driven troubleshooting, debugging setups, and optimizing user workflows.
  • Customer Support Mindset: Ability to communicate complex technical concepts to non-experts and maintain a calm, proactive approach under tight customer deadlines.
  • Cross-Functional Teamwork: Comfortable serving as the bridge between software development engineers, product managers, and customer end-users.
  • Self-Starter & Resourceful: Able to work independently to resolve cross-disciplinary issues and take initiative on rapid customer feasibility tests.
  • Travel Flexibility: Willingness to travel domestically and internationally (up to ~30%) for on-site customer support, tool qualification, and software rollouts.

At Bruker, base salary is part of our total compensation. The estimated base salary range for this full-time position is between $79,650 and $125,500 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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