Research Scientist Optical Spectroscopy Jobs (NOW HIRING)

INFICON is a leading provider of innovative instrumentation, critical sensor technologies, and Smart Manufacturing/Industry 4.0 software solutions that enhance productivity and quality of tools, processes, and complete factories. These analysis, measurement and control products are essential for gas leak detection in air conditioning/refrigeration and automotive manufacturing. They are vital to equipment manufacturers and end-users in the complex fabrication of semiconductors and thin film coatings for optics, flat panel displays, solar cells and industrial vacuum coating applications. Other users of our vacuum-based processes include the life sciences, research, aerospace, packaging, heat treatment, laser cutting and many other industrial processes. We also leverage our expertise in vacuum technology to provide unique, toxic chemical analysis products for emergency response, security, and environmental health and safety.

The Associate Research Scientist role is a key contributor within INFICON's Research team, supporting the planning and execution of research activities that advance sensor technology, instrumentation, and product development. This role applies scientific and engineering principles to help bring innovative measurement solutions from concept to validation. You will play a hands-on role in maintaining lab equipment, laboratory operations, prototype development, and data-driven analysis.

You will work in our research team in Syracuse, collaborating with a group of around 20 scientists who have backgrounds in physics, chemistry, and other STEM fields. Our team specializes in Residual Gas Analyzers (RGAs), Gas Chromatography (GC), Plasma, Optical Emission Spectroscopy, thin film deposition monitoring tools and sensors, and related technologies.

Our team focuses on driving innovation from a technology push perspective. We investigate emerging technologies for our smart manufacturing solutions and identify the most critical technical assumptions underlying each solution. These assumptions are then validated or invalidated through iterative learning cycles, which include experiments, literature research, simulation, and prototyping. For experimental work, we operate a Thin Film Epicenter equipped with several deposition tools and the Minifab, a research-type cleanroom designed to test our solutions and products in an application-focused research environment.

Essential Job Functions

Research & Experimentation

You will plan and conduct research activities in support of ongoing R&D technology push learning cycles, and new product development, applying scientific or engineering principles to the product development process. And build and test materials, sensor prototypes, and systems for research and product validation. You will assist in the design and setup of test stations and experimental setups and will qualify and document prototype performance under defined test conditions.

Data Collection, Processing & Analysis

You will gather, process, and analyze experimental results and data. Maintain accurate and organized records of experimental observations, test results, and maintenance activities. Contribute to updating instruction manuals, test procedures, and research documentation in collaboration with senior researchers.

Laboratory Equipment & Maintenance

You will perform preventive and corrective maintenance on laboratory equipment, including vacuum chambers, roughing pumps, cryopumps, compressors, chillers, and water circulation systems (pumps, filters, tanks, and associated plumbing). Responsibilities also include simple machining, fixture building, and assembly tasks to support test stand setup and ongoing research needs. You will be expected to exercise a strong awareness of laboratory hazards such as implosion, explosion, high-voltage (up to 10kV), pyrophoric, and hazardous materials, where applicable. Maintenance duties might also extend to equipment in the cleanroom, including the SEM, scrubber, and other specialized tools.

Lab Operations & Support

You will support laboratory organization and 5S initiatives. Monitor and restock laboratory consumables and materials; place and track orders with vendors. Assist research scientists with repetitive or time-sensitive laboratory tasks, including supervision of deposition processes as required. Respond independently to routine operational situations such as water leaks or minor equipment anomalies.

Travel

You are expected to have the ability to travel up to 5% of the time for client meetings, team events, conferences, or site visits.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related STEM discipline with at least 2 years of relevant laboratory or research experience; OR a Master's or Ph.D. in a related field with 0–2 years of experience. Candidates with a strong background in Physics or Chemistry and hands-on laboratory experience are particularly encouraged to apply.
• Experience with high vacuum systems, thin film deposition technologies and semiconductor fabrication tools — including PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition), CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition), or ALD (Atomic Layer Deposition) — is strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with high vacuum technology, sensor systems, or analytical instrumentation is a plus.
• Experience with data collection and analysis tools (e.g., Python, LabVIEW, MATLAB, or similar) is beneficial. Familiarity with using AI platforms (such as Claude Code) to develop these tools is also advantageous.
• Familiarity with 3D CAD design software (e.g., Siemens NX, SolidWorks, or equivalent) and/or engineering simulation tools (e.g., ANSYS, COMSOL, or similar) is a plus.

Competencies & Skills

• Ability to work both independently and as a collaborative team member in an agile and fast-paced R&D environment.
• Strong analytical thinking and attention to detail.
• Practical problem-solving skills, particularly in troubleshooting equipment and experimental setups.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills for documenting results and coordinating with cross-functional colleagues.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple responsibilities within a dynamic research environment.
• Ability to thrive in a Lean and Agile work environment — comfortable adapting to shifting priorities, iterating quickly on experiments and processes, and contributing constructively within cross-functional teams.
• Comfort working with hazardous materials and high-voltage equipment following established safety protocols.

Physical Requirements

This is a full-time, on-site position. The role requires frequent standing and walking throughout the workday. Occasional lifting and carrying of up to 50 lbs and 40 lbs, respectively. The position involves occasional bending, kneeling, crouching, climbing, and reaching. Sustained visual concentration on screens, instruments, and detailed assembly work is required frequently.

Working Conditions

The Associate Research Scientist will work primarily in a laboratory environment in East Syracuse, NY. Occasional exposure to chemical hazards, electrical hazards (including high-voltage systems), fumes, dust, and radiation may occur and will be managed in accordance with INFICON safety protocols and applicable regulations.

A reasonable estimate of the current range is: $70,000 to $90,000. The actual compensation will be determined based on experience, location, and other factors permitted by law. In addition, INFICON employees are eligible for a profit-sharing bonus with a target of 10% as well as 401K match up to 8% (vesting schedule).

INFICON provides a dynamic work environment that promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion. Our employees experience ongoing green initiatives, flexible work hours, and a variety of health and wellness programs.

INFICON’s forward-thinking approach offers countless opportunities to design, support, and manufacture a diverse product portfolio that expands globally. Our Lean and Agile work environment offers competitive compensation, relocation assistance, a discretionary bonus, and generous employee benefits; major medical, dental, health, vision, 401K, vacation and sick time, tuition reimbursement, and more!

INFICON is committed to ensuring that our online application process provides an equal opportunity to all job seekers that apply without regard to race, religion, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship, gender, age, protected veteran status, disability status, genetic information, sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic. A notice describing Federal equal employment opportunity laws is available here to reaffirm this commitment.   Any contact that would like to request a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application process should contact us.careers@inficon.com.

INFICON, Inc. strictly complies with all aspects of the Export Administration Regulations ('EAR'), including those sections dealing with deemed exports to foreign nationals.