Contractual Scientific Field Service Engineer Jobs

Work Schedule

Environmental Conditions

Job Description

As part of the Thermo Fisher Scientific team, the Field Service Engineer I (FSE I) performs installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, repair, qualification, and preventive maintenance services on analytical and laboratory instrumentation within an assigned territory. This entry-level role is designed for individuals beginning their field service career who are eager to develop technical expertise while delivering exceptional customer support.

The FSE I works under guidance from senior engineers and technical support teams to ensure customer instruments operate at peak performance. This position combines hands-on technical work, customer interaction, problem solving, and continuous learning in laboratory and research environments.

Essential Functions

• Perform onsite installation, basic repairs, preventive maintenance, calibrations, updates, and operational qualifications on analytical and laboratory instrumentation.

• Troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, vacuum, software, and networking-related issues with support from senior engineers and technical support when needed.

• Respond to customer service requests in a timely and professional manner.

• Document all service activities, repairs, parts usage, and customer interactions within company service systems.

• Maintain regular communication with customers regarding service schedules, system status, and repair updates.

• Support customer operator training on instrument operation, maintenance, and best practices.

• Assist senior Field Service Engineers during complex installations, escalations, and large customer projects.

• Manage and maintain assigned company tools, test equipment, service inventory, and car stock.

• Travel daily within assigned territory to customer laboratories, research facilities, manufacturing sites, and universities.

• Participate in technical training programs, certifications, and self-study to build product knowledge and technical competency.

• Collaborate with Technical Support, Applications, Sales, Engineering, and fellow service engineers to resolve customer issues.

• Follow all company safety procedures and laboratory compliance requirements while working with high-voltage systems, chemicals, and scientific equipment.

• Support flexible scheduling and occasional emergency service coverage based on customer and business needs.

• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Electronics, Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Computer Science, or related technical/scientific field.

• No prior field service experience required; internship, co-op, military technical training, or laboratory instrumentation experience preferred.

• Basic understanding of electronics, mechanics, vacuum systems, and computer hardware/software troubleshooting.

• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.

• Excellent customer service and communication abilities.

• Ability to read and interpret technical documentation, schematics, and engineering drawings.

• Proficiency with Windows operating systems, Microsoft Office, and basic networking concepts.

• Strong organizational and time management skills.

• Ability to work independently while also collaborating effectively with team members.

• Valid driver’s license required.

• Ability to travel frequently within assigned territory (50–75%).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with analytical instrumentation, laboratory equipment, or scientific environments.

• Exposure to cleanroom, semiconductor, clinical, diagnostics, or research laboratory environments.

• Familiarity with high-voltage electronics, vacuum systems, spectroscopy, chromatography, microscopy, or imaging systems.

• Additional language proficiency is beneficial.

• Located near Frederick, MD preferred.

Working Conditions

• Frequent travel to customer sites is required and may range from 50–75% of working time.

• Work is performed in laboratories, research facilities, manufacturing sites, cleanrooms, and home office environments.

• Must be able to safely lift up to 50 lbs.

• May be required to stand for extended periods while performing service activities.

• Must be able to work safely around chemicals, hazardous materials, and high-voltage systems.

• Ability to work overtime and flexible schedules when necessary.

Key Competencies

• Technical Aptitude & Troubleshooting

• Customer Service Excellence

• Communication & Collaboration

• Problem Solving & Critical Thinking

• Time & Territory Management

• Continuous Learning & Adaptability

• Attention to Detail

• Safety & Regulatory Compliance

About Thermo Fisher Scientific

As part of the Thermo Fisher Scientific team, you’ll discover meaningful work that makes a positive impact on a global scale. Our Mission is to enable our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner, and safer. We provide our teams with the resources needed to achieve individual career goals while helping to solve some of the world’s toughest scientific challenges.

Compensation and Benefits

This position may also be eligible to receive a variable annual bonus based on company, team, and/or individual performance results in accordance with company policy. We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards package that our U.S. colleagues and their families can count on, which includes:

• A choice of national medical and dental plans, and a national vision plan, including health incentive programs

• Employee assistance and family support programs, including commuter benefits and tuition reimbursement

• At least 120 hours paid time off (PTO), 10 paid holidays annually, paid parental leave (3 weeks for bonding and 8 weeks for caregiver leave), accident and life insurance, and short- and long-term disability in accordance with company policy

• Retirement and savings programs, such as our competitive 401(k) U.S. retirement savings plan

• Employees’ Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) offers eligible colleagues the opportunity to purchase company stock at a discount

For more information on our benefits, please visit: https://jobs.thermofisher.com/global/en/total-rewards