Field Service Engineer ​/ Field Applications Scientist, Oligonucleotide Synthesizers

Location:
West Coast preferred ( San Diego). We will also consider highly qualified applicants from other regions.

Sierra Bio Systems is a fast-growing biotech company building high-quality DNA/RNA oligo synthesizers and providing world-class service. Our portfolio includes the high-throughput Shasta platform and the versatile H-Series (built in partnership with K&A), known across the industry for reliability, flexibility, and outstanding support.

This is a hands-on, customer-facing field role, not a bench research position. You will spend your time in the field and on the phone keeping instruments and customers running, so we care far more about practical troubleshooting and field temperament than about publication record.

• Install and service oligo synthesizers and related lab equipment across the U.S.
• Troubleshoot hardware and software with a calm, practical, problem-solver mindset
• Own customer issues end to end, on-site and remotely: case triage, diagnostics, escalation, and follow-up through resolution
• Write SOPs, training docs, and technical guides
• Collaborate with R&D and engineering teams on product improvements
• Deliver customer training to ensure successful onboarding and long-term use

• 2+ years of field service, lab instrumentation, or biotech experience
• Excellent troubleshooting skills and confidence working directly with customers
• Hands-on experience with oligonucleotide synthesizers strongly preferred (Sierra platforms, Dr. Oligo, Mer Made, or comparable systems)
• Working knowledge of oligo chemistry (coupling, deprotection, purification, crude QC) strongly preferred
• Real support-case ownership, not just work-order dispatch: experience running tickets through triage, diagnostics, and resolution in a CRM or ticketing system (Hub Spot, Salesforce, Zendesk, or similar)
• Familiarity with lab automation, chromatography, pneumatics, or fluidics
• Willingness to travel ~50% (U.S. plus occasional international)
• West Coast base (Bay Area or San Diego) preferred; strong candidates elsewhere still encouraged to apply
• Bonus points:
  
  comfort with modern AI tools for diagnostics, documentation, or data analysis

A degree in chemistry, biology, engineering, or a related field is a plus but not required. We value attitude, curiosity, and technical aptitude. If you are eager to learn, we will train you.

• Work on cutting-edge instrumentation used by biotech startups, pharma, and academic labs
• Small, agile team where your impact is immediately visible
• Travel to leading labs across the U.S. (and occasionally internationally)
• Cross-train in oligo chemistry, applications, troubleshooting, and R&D workflows
• Help shape the next generation of automated oligo synthesis