R&D Mass Spectrometry Instrument Scientist

Job Description Join a premier measurement company focused on improving the quality of life and the world around us by bringing great science to life. Agilent, a global leader in life sciences, diagnostics, and applied markets, is seeking a motivated, experienced Instrument Design Scientist with a focus on Mass Spectrometry to join an interdisciplinary team of scientists and engineers supporting new product development.

This role offers a compelling opportunity for an experienced scientist to lead, influence, and advance Agilent’s Mass Spectrometry portfolio. In this position, you will leverage your scientific and engineering expertise, technical leadership, collaboration and communication skills, and industry knowledge to help define and execute the vision for Agilent’s technology development in High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry.

Key Responsibilities:

Initiate, design, and execute scientific research and development strategies to create devices, products, applications, and/or services related to mass spectrometry hardware, embedded software, and overall instrument design

Apply a wide range of scientific principles and concepts to inventions, products, and technical challenges, including ionization and ion optics, vacuum systems, ion detection systems, high-voltage power supplies, RF electrodes, and digitizer systems.

Investigate, evaluate, and test discoveries through experimentation and application of scientific knowledge.

Share knowledge and expertise with team members across functions and business divisions.

Troubleshoot equipment and products to validate data collection processes and resolve technical issues.

Maintain broad awareness of state-of-the-art principles, theories, and academic and industrial developments in mass spectrometry.

Contribute to scientific literature and professional forums, including publications, application notes, and presentations at conferences and symposia.

Participate in the development of patent applications and other intellectual property disclosures.

Interface with cross-functional teams (e.g., Marketing, Product Support, Manufacturing) and serve as an internal technical consultant.

Travel to manufacturing facilities to support new product development and resolve technical issues.

Visit customers to gather insights that inform product development and to support issue resolution.

Provide technical due diligence assessments, including intellectual property reviews, for technology licensing and acquisition opportunities.

Support a full range of Product Development activities including prototype design & assembly, Quality Assurance testing, extensive hands-on troubleshooting, knowledge transfer to Manufacturing, and sustaining engineering support

This is an onsite role at our Santa Clara, CA location

Qualifications

PhD in Physics or a closely related scientific discipline.

Typically, at least 10+ years of relevant experience for entry to this level.

Demonstrated success with mass spectrometer instrument development, including the following areas: ion optics design / characterization, performance optimization across multiple performance dimensions, contamination control features, vacuum performance, materials selection, prototyping & integration, experimental design, and other relevant areas

Deep understanding of and hands-on experience with Mass Spectrometry detector technologies, including MCP‑based detectors.

Experience working with high‑voltage power supplies and RF power supplies, including an understanding of performance characteristics that influence Mass Spectrometry system design and performance.

Practical experience with high‑vacuum system design practices relevant to Mass Spectrometry applications.

Proficiency with simulation tools such as SIMION, ANSYS, or…