Junior Systems Engineer – Instrumentation

Location: Boston, MA · On-site

Employment: Full-time

IRIS Kinetics develops biosensing instruments for real-time, sensitive, and multiplexed biological measurements. We’re looking for a hands-on Junior Systems Engineer to help build, test, maintain, and improve our instruments.

This role combines instrument software, hardware, and microfluidics . You’ll work closely with engineers and scientists, moving between the lab bench and computer to solve system-level problems.

What you’ll do

• Assemble, maintain, modify, and troubleshoot instruments and their hardware, optical, and fluidic subsystems.
• Work with pumps, valves, tubing, fittings, syringes, and microfluidic components.
• Install and validate software updates; develop Python tools for testing, automation, and data analysis.
• Support mechanical prototyping, basic wiring and soldering, and electronics troubleshooting.
• Run system tests, investigate failures, and document procedures and results.
• Plan and track your work while collaborating across engineering and assay teams.

What we’re looking for

• A bachelor’s degree in engineering, physics, computer science, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience with 2-4 years of research/industry experience OR a master's degree in these subjects with relevant project experience.
• Familiarity with several of the following: Python, scientific instrumentation, microfluidics, CAD, electronics, Linux, Git, or experimental testing.
• A systematic approach to troubleshooting, clear communication, and a willingness to learn across a multidisciplinary environment.

Experience with biosensors, diagnostics, laboratory automation, optics, embedded systems, or rapid prototyping is a plus. We use AI tools in engineering work and expect engineers to review and test their output.

You do not need to meet every qualification. If you enjoy figuring out how instruments work and improving them, we’d like to hear from you.

Short application exercise

Download the sample metadata file. According to the completed run’s post-run final metrics, what is the final surface density in pm/mm² ?

Enter only the numerical value in the corresponding application question. You may use any tools you normally use, including AI tools.