Job Description
Application Engineer - Life Sciences The photon is our business! Explore the many ways that the world can use the photon and work on the cutting edge of photonics. If you are looking for an exciting opportunity with never the dull moment, read on.
Hamamatsu Photonics is one of the world’s largest suppliers of advanced light detectors, light sources and detector systems for industrial, scientific, and commercial applications. Our customer base is remarkably diverse; we serve Fortune 100 firms, top research labs, and innovative startups as well. Hamamatsu’s mission is to improve the welfare of society through the advancement of photonics technology. This portfolio means that there's never a boring day in the life of an applications engineer. Get ready to learn a lot, to be challenged, and to help solve the problems of today and tomorrow with LIGHT.
What is the job? As an applications engineer focused on life sciences, you will learn the ins and outs of detection and light source generation as well as the applications that use it. This entry level position is aimed to give candidates from life science disciplines an introduction to photonics, electronics, optics and Hamamatsu technology. You will also be learning the techniques used for cutting edge research, medical, industrial and commercial endeavors. As you learn, you will support research and academic customers in North America while training on the culture, technology and products. This position gives you the background and foundation to move and grow into any department within Hamamatsu whether it be technically focused, marketing focused, or sales focused. Our culture promotes a team environment with ample opportunity to learn from and work with senior staff.
The applications engineer is the front line for working together with our academic partners to push the applications and products forward. Daily Tasks include:
- Training, in class, with a mentor, on your own and in the lab
- Fielding requests from universities and early adopters for troubleshooting and product selection
- Testing of parts from returns or demonstrations to customers
- Setting up lab experiments to reproduce customers' scenarios or unique requests
- Working with Japan to make customizations and future product roadmaps
Who are we looking for? We are calling all life science majors to apply (biophysics, biomedical, bioengineering, biomechanical, etc.). Experience with optical techniques such as flow cytometry, PCR, microscopy, lateral flow assay, DNA sequencing, spectroscopy and other methodology is preferred. Successful candidates will exhibit proactivity, a thirst for learning new things, a knack for solving complicated problems and skill with instrumentation and reporting in the lab. Previous customer service experience in a related or unrelated field is desired, but not necessary. Hamamatsu takes pride in our new hire training program so previous experience in photonics is desired but also not necessary.
Who are we? Hamamatsu Corporation is the subsidiary of Hamamatsu Photonics, KK (Japan) with responsibilities for North, Central and South America. Our purpose is to bring local and rapid support to our customers for the products of Hamamatsu Photonics and in turn, bring the customer's voice to Japan for product development and roadmap considerations. Being the American subsidiary of a Japanese company leads to a unique fusion of culture where we work to promote longevity of the employees through our incredible benefits and participation in money purchase and profit-sharing plans. We have the mindset that we work better together and thrive on cross functional support to our customers. We build this bond through corporate projects and fun team building activities with our domestic and international colleagues.
Job Requirements Required qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Life Science focused discipline, Biomedical, Bioengineering, Biophysics , Biomechanical Engineering, or other STEM field
- Able to demonstrate experience using standard electronics and biology lab measurement instrumentation including, but not limited to oscilloscopes, function generators, ammeters, digital multimeters
- Able to learn and demonstrate grasp of fundamental technical concepts related to Hamamatsu’s technology
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
- Self-motivated to pursue solutions in a proactive and creative manner
- Self-management as demonstrated by good time management and organization
- Demonstrated ability to complete assigned tasks on time
- Demonstrated ability to work in a team environment
- Demonstrated follow-through skills
- Demonstrated technical writing skills
- Verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to travel 10%, possibly international
Preferred qualifications:
- Lab design experience with photonic components
- Data analysis experience
- Experience with biology related lab equipment and processes
- Teaching/mentoring experience
- Customer service experience
- Master’s or PhD in related STEM fields
Benefits Hamamatsu offers a competitive salary and excellent benefit package for full-time employees which includes Medical, Dental, Vision, Prescription, Life Insurance, Vacation/Sick/Personal Time, and Retirement Plans.
This position may require working with, or exposure to goods and information that may be subject to the jurisdiction of the US State Department ITAR regulations ( and the Commerce Departments CCL (
Hamamatsu is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, religion, color, gender, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other status protected by applicable law.
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It is the policy of Hamamatsu Corporation not to sponsor immigration visas for employment applicants.
Job Tags
Full time, Local area,