Field Service Engineer

About Quantum Design

For more than 40 years Quantum Design (QD) has been providing technology solutions to researchers in the fields of physics, chemistry, biotechnology, materials science, and nanotechnology. Established in 1982, Quantum Design is the leading commercial source for automated materials characterization systems offering a variety of measurement capabilities. QD instruments are found in the world's leading research institutions and have become the reference standard for a variety of magnetic and physical property measurements.

Job Description:

The Opportunity 

As Field Service Engineer, you will serve as the on-site Quantum Design technical representative supporting our client in Santa Barbara, CA, providing daily engineering and system support. The position is responsible for the full lifecycle of advanced technical systems, including installation, commissioning, operation, upgrades, and ongoing maintenance. A key focus of the role is leading system commissioning and performance optimization efforts, while diagnosing and resolving complex issues across gas handling, instrumentation, vacuum systems, and control logic. Reporting to the VP of Worldwide Customer Service, the Field Service Engineer will execute preventive, planned, and corrective maintenance, ensure safe and compliant system operation, and maintain high-performance vacuum environments, including helium leak detection and remediation. This is a high impact, hands-on opportunity to work at the forefront of advanced technology, where your expertise directly contributes to the performance and success of cutting-edge systems in a dynamic customer environment.

**Candidates outside the area are highly encouraged to apply. Relocation or commuting support will be provided.

Responsibilities  

• Act as the on-site Quantum Design technical representative, providing day-to-day engineering support.
• Install, commission, operate, upgrade, and maintain cryogenic systems throughout their lifecycle.
• Lead commissioning and performance optimization of dilution refrigerator systems.
• Diagnose and resolve complex system-level issues related to gas handling, instrumentation, vacuum systems, and control logic.
• Execute preventive, planned, and corrective maintenance activities.
• Maintain and troubleshoot high-performance vacuum systems, including helium leak detection and remediation.
• Ensure safe system operation in accordance with company and customer procedures.
• Document system status, service actions, and technical findings.
• Coordinate with internal engineering, production, and service teams.
• Additional duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, physics, or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Two years of hands-on experience with advanced technical systems, including installation, commissioning, and maintenance
• Experience troubleshooting across physical systems (e.g., vacuum controls or similar)
• Experience reading and interpreting technical documentation and engineering drawings

Preferred Qualifications 

• Master’s degree in engineering, physics, or related field
• Experience with cryogenic refrigerator systems low-temperature environments (including 4K / mK systems)
• Familiarity with dilution refrigerators, helium leak detection, high vacuum systems, RGAs, turbo-molecular pumps, and cryogenic handling equipment

Additional Information 

• This position’s work mode is onsite. The employee will report to Santa Barbara, CA five days a week.
• Ability to work independently in a customer-facing, onsite environment is critical.  
• Candidates outside the area are highly encouraged to apply. Relocation or commuting support will be provided.
• Salary Range: $95,000 - $125,000, yearly

Quantum Design is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All employment decisions, policies and practices are in accordance with applicable federal, state and local anti-discrimination laws. Quantum Design will not tolerate or engage in unlawful discrimination including any form of unlawful harassment, on account of a person's sex, age, race, color, religion, creed, sexual preference or orientation, marital status, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, military status, veteran status, handicap, disability, or membership in any protected group.