Instrument Specialist II - Scientific Instrumentation & Process Engineering (SIPE) The Instrument Specialist II is a hands-on technical role within the Scientific Instrumentation and Process Engineering (SIPE) team. This position supports the reliable operation of SIPE's custom instrument fleet and workshop, handling a broad range of maintenance, fabrication, and instrumentation support tasks with growing proficiency and increasing independence.
The Instrument Specialist II works with minimal supervision on routine tasks and receives general direction on new assignments, applying developing technical judgment to troubleshoot, maintain, and fabricate with increasing independence. On any given week, this might mean running calibration on a deployed instrument and adjusting it back into spec, and producing parts for an active build using the shop's 3D printers and laser cutter. A successful candidate takes ownership of their work, contributes ideas for process and documentation improvements, and serves as an informal resource for teammates. This role reports to the Hardware Engineering Manager.
Essential FunctionsInstrumentation Support & Troubleshooting - Respond to SIPE instrumentation issue tickets by diagnosing and resolving faults; escalate complex or novel issues to engineers
- Execute calibration procedures on deployed instruments, record results, and flag out-of-spec parameters for review
- Perform assembly tasks during instrument builds, repairs, and upgrades
- Install and configure software on instrumentation systems; document configurations to support reproducibility and future reference
- Use CAD software to view and reference instrument models in support of builds and troubleshooting
- Serve as an informal technical resource for new team members on routine instrumentation support tasks, workshop procedures, and instrument operation
Workshop Operations & Fabrication - Own 3D printer operations day-to-day: file preparation, printing, part post-processing, routine maintenance, and first-line troubleshooting of printer issues
- Operate laser cutting equipment to produce parts and fixtures from engineering drawings or instructions
- Use hand tools for mechanical assembly, basic fabrication, and bench work
- Support engineering staff with instrument builds, performing mechanical, electrical, and optical assembly tasks as directed
- Order and track components and consumables from bills of materials (BOMs) to keep the workshop and instrument builds well-stocked
Preventive Maintenance & Documentation - Perform scheduled preventive maintenance on lab equipment and custom SIPE instruments per established maintenance plans
- Document maintenance activities and update maintenance records and logs
- Identify inaccuracies and gaps in SOPs during routine work; document and contribute corrections and improvements to procedure documentation
*Note: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This description reflects management's assignment of essential functions; it does not proscribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.*
Required Education and Experience - Bachelor's degree in a relevant technical field, or equivalent combination of education and hands-on technical experience
- 3 years of experience in a hands-on lab or instrument technician role, or comparable technical support position
- Demonstrated ability to apply developing technical judgment to troubleshoot and resolve instrumentation issues with minimal supervision on routine work
- Proficiency with 3D printing: file preparation, machine operation, part post-processing, and routine maintenance
- Experience operating a laser cutter or comparable precision fabrication equipment
- Comfortable with general hand tool use and bench-level mechanical assembly
- Familiarity with CAD software for viewing and interpreting mechanical designs
- Experience ordering components from bills of materials
- Basic computer proficiency, including software installation and configuration
Preferred Education and Experience - Experience with manual mill or lathe operation
- Soldering and basic electronics assembly skills
- CAD proficiency beyond model viewing (OnShape preferred)
- Familiarity with scientific instrumentation: microscopes, laser systems, machine vision, motion/robotics, or fluidics
- Demonstrated ability to identify process improvements and contribute to technical documentation or SOPs
- Strong organizational skills and high attention to detail
Work Environment - This role may include wearing personnel protective equipment (PPE)
- May enter laboratory environment - possible exposure chemical, biological, or other hazardous substances
- Laboratory environment, including potential exposure to lasers, biohazards, live animals
Physical Demands - Occasional lifting to 30 pounds
- Fine motor movements in fingers/hands to operate computers and other office equipment; repetitive motion with lab equipment
- Occasionally required to push/pull up to 50 lbs
- Frequent stooping, bending, crouching, reaching, or climbing ladders
Position Type/Expected Hours of Work - Full time employment; 40-hour work week M-F during regular business hours
- Occasional evening and weekend hours required
- This role is currently working onsite and is expected to work onsite for the majority of working hours. The primary work location for this role is 615 Westlake Ave N., with flexibility to work remotely on a limited basis.
Additional Comments - **Please note, this opportunity does not sponsor work visas
- **Please note, this opportunity does not offer relocation assistance
Annualized Salary Range* Final salary depends on required education for the role, experience, and level of skills relevant to the role, along with work location, where applicable.
Benefits Employees (and their families) are eligible to enroll in benefits per eligibility rules outlined in the Allen Institute's Benefits Guide. These benefits include medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance. Employees are also eligible to enroll in the Allen Institute's 401k plan. Paid time off is also available as outlined in the Allen Institutes Benefits Guide. Details on the Allen Institute's benefits offering are located at the following link to the Benefits Guide: https://alleninstitute.org/careers/benefits.
