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Atomic Force Microscopy Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Test Technician II

Santa Barbara, CA · On-site

$18 - $31.75/hr

Background in scanning probe/atomic force microscopy preferred * Mechanical design and electronics aptitude * Detail oriented and self-starter attitude * Ability to excel in a fast-paced customer ...

Background in scanning probe/atomic force microscopy preferred * Mechanical design and electronics aptitude * Detail oriented and self-starter attitude * Ability to excel in a fast-paced customer ...

Test Technician II

Santa Barbara, CA · On-site

$18 - $31.75/hr

Background in scanning probe/atomic force microscopy preferred * Mechanical design and electronics aptitude * Detail oriented and self-starter attitude * Ability to excel in a fast-paced customer ...

Test Technician

Santa Barbara, CA · On-site

$21 - $36.50/hr

Background in scanning probe/atomic force microscopy or FTIR preferred * Mechanical design and electronics aptitude * Detail oriented and self-starter attitude * Ability to excel in a fast-paced ...

Test Technician II

Santa Barbara, CA · On-site

$18 - $31.75/hr

Background in scanning probe/atomic force microscopy preferred * Mechanical design and electronics aptitude * Detail oriented and self-starter attitude * Ability to excel in a fast-paced customer ...

Test Technician

Santa Barbara, CA · On-site

$21 - $36.50/hr

Background in scanning probe/atomic force microscopy or FTIR preferred * Mechanical design and electronics aptitude * Detail oriented and self-starter attitude * Ability to excel in a fast-paced ...

Background in scanning probe/atomic force microscopy preferred * Mechanical design and electronics aptitude * Detail oriented and self-starter attitude * Ability to excel in a fast-paced customer ...

Background in scanning probe/atomic force microscopy or FTIR preferred * Mechanical design and electronics aptitude * Detail oriented and self-starter attitude * Ability to excel in a fast-paced ...

Background in scanning probe/atomic force microscopy preferred * Mechanical design and electronics aptitude * Detail oriented and self-starter attitude * Ability to excel in a fast-paced customer ...

Background in scanning probe/atomic force microscopy or FTIR preferred * Mechanical design and electronics aptitude * Detail oriented and self-starter attitude * Ability to excel in a fast-paced ...

Test Technician

Santa Barbara, CA · On-site

$21 - $36.50/hr

Background in scanning probe/atomic force microscopy or FTIR preferred * Mechanical design and electronics aptitude * Detail oriented and self-starter attitude * Ability to excel in a fast-paced ...

Background in scanning probe/atomic force microscopy or FTIR preferred * Mechanical design and electronics aptitude * Detail oriented and self-starter attitude * Ability to excel in a fast-paced ...

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Atomic Force Microscopy information

See salary details

$59.5K

$111.6K

$203K

How much do atomic force microscopy jobs pay per year?

As of May 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for atomic force microscopy in the United States is $111,632.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,500.00 and $132,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an Atomic Force Microscopy job?

An Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) job involves using specialized instrumentation to analyze surfaces at the nanoscale. Professionals in this field operate AFM equipment to measure surface topographies, mechanical properties, and interactions at extremely high resolutions. They may work in research, materials science, biotechnology, or semiconductor industries to study and develop new materials. Typical responsibilities include sample preparation, data analysis, troubleshooting instrumentation, and reporting findings. Strong analytical skills and knowledge of physics, chemistry, or engineering are often required.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Atomic Force Microscopy position, and why are they important?

To thrive in Atomic Force Microscopy, you need a solid background in physics, materials science, or a related field, with experience in operating and maintaining AFM instruments. Familiarity with image analysis software, data processing tools, and laboratory safety protocols is highly valued, along with relevant training or certifications. Attention to detail, strong problem-solving skills, and effective communication are important soft skills for collaborating on research teams and troubleshooting equipment. These competencies ensure accurate imaging and analysis, reliable data collection, and productive team collaboration in research or industrial settings.

What are the typical daily responsibilities for someone working in Atomic Force Microscopy?

Professionals in Atomic Force Microscopy usually spend their days preparing samples, calibrating and operating the AFM instrument, collecting high-resolution surface images, and analyzing data. They often work closely with research scientists, engineers, or product development teams to interpret results and troubleshoot any challenges with sample preparation or imaging. Documentation of procedures and findings is also a regular part of the job, ensuring accuracy and reproducibility. The work environment is generally a clean laboratory setting, and collaboration with interdisciplinary teams is common to achieve research or product goals.
What cities are hiring for Atomic Force Microscopy jobs? Cities with the most Atomic Force Microscopy job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Atomic Force Microscopy jobs? The most popular types of Atomic Force Microscopy jobs are:
What states have the most Atomic Force Microscopy jobs? States with the most job openings for Atomic Force Microscopy jobs include:
Infographic showing various Atomic Force Microscopy job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% Locum Tenens, 3% Full Time, 90% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 27% Physical, 65% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $111,632 per year, or $53.7 per hour.
Test Technician II

Test Technician II

Bruker Corporation

Santa Barbara, CA • On-site

$18 - $31.75/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 27 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
At Bruker, we enable scientists to make breakthrough discoveries and develop new applications that improve the quality of human life. Bruker's high-performance scientific instruments and high-value analytical and diagnostic solutions enable scientists to explore life and materials at molecular, cellular and microscopic levels. In close cooperation with our customers, Bruker is enabling innovation, improved productivity and customer success in life science molecular research, in applied and pharma applications, in microscopy and nanoanalysis, and in industrial applications, as well as in cell biology, preclinical imaging, clinical phenomics and proteomics research and clinical microbiology.
Today, worldwide more than 11,000 employees are working on this permanent challenge at over 90 locations on all continents. Bruker continues to build upon its extensive range of products and solutions, its broad base of installed systems and a strong reputation among its customers. Being one of the world's leading analytical instrumentation companies, Bruker is strongly committed to further fully meet its customers' needs as well as to continue to develop state-of-the-art technologies and innovative solutions for today's analytical questions.
As a Test Technician, you are responsible for the alignment, calibration, and testing of Atomic Force Microscopes (AFM). Each instrument is typically assembled to a specific customer order. In this role, you are responsible for the verification of compliance to system specifications, AFM calibrations and performance verification. This includes troubleshooting of mechanical and electrical problems and on the spot repairs to ensure the orders are shipped on time. As Test Technician, you collaborate with Manufacturing Engineering, Hardware and Software Engineering, and Applications Engineering to troubleshoot and improve product quality and processes. You will follow and actively update testing documentation to ensure all potential quality issues are addressed in final testing.
Responsibilities
Responsibilities:
  • QC/QA of AFM and combined AFM microscopes
  • Complete standardized tests on AFM systems
  • Calibration, and rework of products to ensure on-time completion of customer orders
  • Troubleshoot systems electronically and mechanically during testing
  • Interface with manufacturing, application and R&D teams for microscopes performance verification
  • Collaborating with assemblers and manufacturing engineers to correct and improve procedures
  • Microscopes preparations for shipment to customers
  • Other duties as assigned
  • Participation on new product release teams
  • Conducting training on applicable test and calibration procedures
  • Initiating IBQ / NCMRs as necessary
  • Other duties as assigned

Qualifications
Qualifications:
  • Typically requires 2-4 years of related experience in a manufacturing testing environment. A B.S. in Engineering / Physics / Math OR 2+ years of experience with an AA in electro/mechanical field is preferred.
  • Background in scanning probe/atomic force microscopy preferred
  • Mechanical design and electronics aptitude
  • Detail oriented and self-starter attitude
  • Ability to excel in a fast-paced customer-focused team environment
  • Previous Mechanical and Electrical troubleshooting skills
  • Able to read and interpret mechanical and electrical schematics

Physical/Environmental Requirements:
  • Must be able to work standing, sitting and walking for most of a scheduled shift
  • Must be able to push cart holding up to 50 lbs. occasionally
  • May be asked to lift up to 50 lbs. occasionally
  • Job requires frequent bending, stooping and kneeling

At Bruker, base salary is part of our total compensation. The estimated base salary range for this full-time position is between $18/hr. and $31.75/hr. and provides an opportunity to progress as you grow and develop within a role. The base salary for the role will depend on a 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.
Certain positions at Bruker require compliance with export control laws and as a result, all interviewed candidates for all positions will be screened pre-interview to determine their eligibility in light of export control restrictions.

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