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Overnight Instrument Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Train customers on basic instrument operation, recommended maintenance practices, and foundational ... Ability to travel at least 70%, including overnight travel as required to support customers

Overnight Instrument Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$12.9K

$108.1K

$168.9K

How much do overnight instrument engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for overnight instrument engineer in Chicago, IL is $108,058.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,800.00 and $135,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an overnight instrument engineer do?

An Overnight Instrument Engineer is responsible for monitoring, maintaining, and troubleshooting instrumentation and control systems during overnight shifts in industrial settings such as refineries, manufacturing plants, or laboratories. Their duties include ensuring all instruments are functioning correctly, performing routine calibrations, and responding to technical issues that arise outside of regular business hours. They play a crucial role in maintaining operational efficiency and safety during nighttime operations, often working independently or as part of a small team.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an overnight instrument engineer?

To thrive as an Overnight Instrument Engineer, you need a solid background in instrumentation engineering, troubleshooting, and process control, typically backed by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with distributed control systems (DCS), programmable logic controllers (PLCs), and calibration tools is commonly required, along with certifications like ISA Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST). Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently during off-hours are crucial soft skills in this role. These competencies are vital for ensuring reliable plant operations, minimizing downtime, and safely addressing instrumentation issues during overnight shifts.

What are some common challenges faced by overnight instrument engineers, and how can they be managed effectively?

Overnight Instrument Engineers often face unique challenges such as troubleshooting complex equipment failures with limited on-site support and working independently during non-standard hours. Effective communication with day-shift teams, maintaining detailed logs, and using remote support tools are essential strategies for managing these situations. Additionally, staying proactive with preventative maintenance and regular system checks can help minimize unexpected issues. Building strong relationships with other overnight staff and being adaptable to changing priorities are also key to success in this role.

What is the difference between Overnight Instrument Engineer vs Day Shift Instrument Engineer?

AspectOvernight Instrument EngineerDay Shift Instrument Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires same certifications (e.g., Instrumentation Certification, Technical Degree)Same as overnight role
Work EnvironmentWorks during night hours, often in industrial plants or manufacturing facilitiesWorks during daytime hours in similar environments
Employer & IndustryCommon in manufacturing, oil & gas, chemical plantsSame industries, different shift timing
Work ScheduleNight shift, often with shift rotationsDay shift, regular hours

Both Overnight and Day Shift Instrument Engineers require similar skills and certifications, but differ mainly in work hours. The overnight role involves working during night hours, which may impact work-life balance, while the day shift offers more traditional hours. Employers in manufacturing, oil & gas, and chemical industries frequently employ both shift types to ensure continuous operations.

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Overnight Instrument Engineer jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Overnight Instrument Engineer job openings:

Field Service Engineer II

Chicago, IL • On-site

QUANTERIX CORP
Biotechnology Research and Development • 201 - 500 employees

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago


Job description

Field Service Engineer II
Chicago, IL

Quanterix is a global leader in ultra-sensitive biomarker detection, enabling breakthroughs in disease research, diagnostics, and drug development. Its proprietary Simoa® technology delivers industry-leading sensitivity, allowing researchers to detect and quantify biomarkers in blood and other fluids at concentrations far below traditional limits. With more than 3,400 peer-reviewed publications, Quanterix has been a trusted partner to the scientific community for nearly two decades. In 2025, Quanterix acquired Akoya Biosciences, The Spatial Biology Company®, adding multiplexed tissue imaging with single-cell resolution to its portfolio. Together, the combined company offers a uniquely integrated platform that connects biology across blood and tissue-advancing precision medicine from discovery to diagnostics.
ROLE SUMMARY:
The Field Service Engineer II is a field-based contributor responsible for delivering high-quality installation, training, preventive maintenance, and repair support for Quanterix's Simoa® and Spatial Biology instrument platforms. After completing product training, you will join a dedicated service team focused on providing exceptional customer support that enables researchers to achieve ultra-sensitive biomarker detection and advanced spatial insights. This role requires a motivated, organized self-starter who can manage a regional service workload, resolve routine to moderately complex technical issues, and represent Quanterix with professionalism and strong customer engagement. You will work independently on standard service activities while collaborating closely with your Field Service Manager and internal support teams to ensure seamless customer experience.
WHAT YOU'LL DO:
  • Perform high-quality onsite installations, system validations, preventive maintenance, and standard repairs across Simoa® and Spatial instrument platforms
  • Evaluate issues, identify root causes, and execute effective repair actions for routine to moderately complex technical problems, ensuring clear communication and timely follow up with customers
  • Train customers on basic instrument operation, recommended maintenance practices, and foundational troubleshooting to support long term system performance
  • Manage your regional service workload by independently scheduling preventive maintenance, coordinating service activities in collaboration with your Field Service Manager, and maintaining accurate documentation of all work using CRM tools
  • Maintain service tools, calibrations, and trunk stock inventory to ensure readiness for field activities
  • Develop proficiency on at least one Quanterix platform and build capability on additional platforms over time through ongoing training and field exposure
  • Collaborate with Technical Support, Field Application Scientists, Sales, and internal teams to deliver a seamless customer experience and escalate customer issues appropriately
  • Direct customer inquiries to appropriate support channels and ensure follow through until resolution
  • Other duties as necessary

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Minimum associate's degree in engineering, with preference for a BS in Electronics, Biotechnology, or a related technical discipline; or equivalent relevant experience
  • 4+ years of field service experience supporting scientific, medical, or laboratory instrumentation

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Experience with microscopy, digital imaging, fluorescence, microfluidics, and motion control systems preferred
  • Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills for effective customer interaction and internal collaboration
  • Hands-on experience with electromechanical, optical, or laboratory research equipment.
  • Ability to manage a dynamic schedule, prioritize competing tasks, and adapt to changing customer needs
  • Experience using CRM platforms (Salesforce preferred) and standard productivity software
  • High mechanical aptitude with demonstrated ability to diagnose and resolve routine to moderately complex issues
  • Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a field-based team environment
  • Strong customer facing skills, including the ability to build rapport, communicate clearly, and maintain- professionalism in challenging situations

EXPECTATIONS, COMPETENCIES, SKILLS & ABILITIES:
  • Remote work based in Chicago, IL with a focus in the Midwest region and Canada
  • Ability to travel at least 70%, including overnight travel as required to support customers
  • Ability to lift heavy equipment (up to 50 lbs.) and perform service work in tight or constrained spaces
  • Valid driver's license. Valid passport or eligibility to acquire. International travel may be required

WHY YOU'LL LIKE WORKING WITH US:
Our Technology:
From discovery to diagnostics, Quanterix's ultrasensitive biomarker detection is fueling breakthroughs only made possible through its unparalleled sensitivity and flexibility. Simoa® technology has delivered the gold standard for earlier biomarker detection in blood, serum or plasma, with the ability to quantify proteins that are far lower than the Level of Quantification (LoQ). Our industry-leading precision instruments, digital immunoassay technology and CLIA-certified Accelerator laboratory have supported research that advances disease understanding and management in neurology, oncology, immunology, cardiology, and infectious disease.
Akoya Biosciences, a Quanterix company, is The Spatial Biology Company®-bringing tissue context to life through high-resolution, single-cell imaging. Akoya's spatial phenotyping platforms help researchers visualize and measure how cells organize and interact within tissue to influence disease progression and therapeutic response. From discovery through clinical research, Akoya offers a full continuum of solutions, including PhenoCycler®, PhenoImager® Fusion and HT, and PhenoCode™ Panels. As part of Quanterix, Akoya complements a leading portfolio of ultra-sensitive biomarker detection technologies, together enabling a more complete view of biology and disease across both tissue and blood.
Our Commitment to Employees:
At Quanterix, our values are based on: Team, Innovation, Customer and Owner.
Team: Challenge assumptions, not the person. Respect diversity of thought and hold ourselves to lofty standards
Innovation: Stay curious, experiment, create and change
Customer: Prioritize and celebrate these pioneers by doing our best to deliver on commitments
Owner: Act with high integrity and in the best interest of Quanterix. Take measured risks and learn from their success and failures.
We reward and recognize our employees by offering competitive compensation and a 401k plan with employer match, as well as competitive health, dental, and vision benefits for employees and their dependents. We also offer an unlimited vacation policy to all exempt employees, and a generous PTO policy for non-exempt employees. All employees are eligible for equity, employee stock purchase plan, a performance bonus, and 1:1 financial counseling/planning. We also offer Tuition Assistance. We have a free, state-of-the-art onsite fitness center for all employees. To keep you fueled up, we provide onsite employees free snacks and drinks every day!
DIVERSE & INCLUSIVE WORKPLACE:
Quanterix is committed to a Diverse and Inclusive workplace. We strive to recruit candidates who will bring inclusive mindsets and contribute to our values.
Quanterix is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age, or other legally protected status. Quanterix will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities, in accordance with applicable law.