Applications Scientist / Engineer (Spectroscopy)

Block Engineering is a developer of quantum cascade laser (QCL) sources and laser-based chemical detection systems for laboratory, safety, security, life sciences, and environmental monitoring applications. Block is the proud winner of two Photonics West Prism Awards and the Milipol Paris Innovation Award. Block is headquartered in Southborough, Massachusetts in the greater Boston metro area.

Block is seeking an Applications Scientist / Engineer to support the second generation of our LaserScan chemical detection systems and other new QCL applications. Due to the hands-on nature of laboratory work, this role will require a primarily on-site presence at Block's headquarters in Southborough, MA.

Responsibilities will include:

• Conduct laboratory experiments on customer samples, and field trials to characterize system performance, in a variety of new QCL applications. These will involve liquid, solid, and gas spectroscopy. Help to identify promising new spectroscopy applications.
• Act as a product specialist through collaboration with our R&D and engineering teams, extensive laboratory experiments, field trials, and customer interactions.
• Serve as a technical liaison between our engineering team and users of our quantum cascade laser-based products. Explore applications for future products.
• Assist the sales team with demonstrations, training, and technical expertise related to Block's detection products.
• Occasionally travel to field trials or customer sites to provide technical consultation, demonstrations, installation start-up, network integration, system troubleshooting, and training services.
• Assist with the development of technical application notes, specification docs, and other literature.
• Provide voice-of-the-customer feedback to Product Management on product use and new requirements to refine product features and performance.

The ideal candidate will have the following qualifications:

• At least 2 years of work with lab-based spectroscopy, chemistry, photonics, or materials science applications. This experience may be in commercial/industrial, research lab, or graduate-level academic environments.
• BS degree or higher in Chemistry, Physics, Optics, Materials Science, or Engineering. Recent graduates and entry-level applicants from Master's Degree or PhD programs are encouraged to apply.
• Experience with setting up and executing lab experiments involving spectrometers, lasers, or other chemical analysis and optical systems.
• Comfortable communicating with team members across multiple engineering disciplines including electronics, optics, software, and mechanical design.
• Strong communication (written and verbal) and interpersonal skills are essential.
• Experience in defense, protection, and/or safety related applications are a plus. (including EMS, EOD, and forensics).
• Comfortable in a dynamic, fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment with a passion for exploring new applications.