Technician, Bioinstrumentation Systems

Spear Bio, founded in 2021, is a well-funded and rapidly growing biotech start-up headquartered in Woburn, Massachusetts. Our proprietary technology, Successive Proximity Extension Amplification Reaction (SPEAR), is a novel wash-free immunoassay platform, offering unprecedented sensitivity. We are dedicated to revolutionizing early disease diagnosis and monitoring by providing scalable, ultrasensitive solutions that deliver unparalleled accuracy in measuring low-abundant biomarkers, enabling clinicians and researchers to improve patient outcomes and advance global health.

Technician, Instrumentation Systems

We are seeking an Instrumentation Systems Technician to support the manufacturing, quality, sustaining, and field service operations for Spear Bio's new instrument platform. This hands-on role is central to ensuring that every instrument leaving our facility meets rigorous quality standards, and that deployed instruments remain in peak operating condition throughout their lifecycle. You will work at the intersection of hardware assembly, system verification, preventive maintenance, and over time will get involved in customer-facing field support.

Key Responsibilities:

Instrument Intake, QC & Outbound

• Perform incoming inspection and intake QC of instrument manufacturing units received from CDMO and third-party suppliers, verifying mechanical, electrical, and cosmetic acceptance criteria.
• Execute standardized IQ/OQ verification protocols on each instrument prior to shipment, including functional testing of liquid handling (FAST unit), thermal modules, optics, and motion subsystems.
• Prepare instruments for outbound shipment including final configuration, packaging, labeling, and documentation (traveler sign-off, serial number tracking, shipping checklists).
• Identify and disposition of non-conforming units; document findings and escalate to engineering for root cause investigation.

In-House Sustaining & Preventive Maintenance

• Perform scheduled preventive maintenance (PM) on in-house instrument systems and FAST instruments per established service protocols.
• Troubleshoot and repair instrumentation issues across mechanical, electrical, fluidic, and optical subsystems.
• Maintain instrument service records, PM logs, and spare parts inventory.
• Support engineering change order (ECO) implementation on existing instruments, including retrofit kits and firmware/software updates.

Field Service & Customer Support

• Perform occasional on-site instrument installations (IQ/OQ), preventive maintenance visits, and troubleshooting at customer sites as the field service function scales.
• Serve as a technical point of contact during customer escalations; diagnose issues remotely where possible and dispatch for on-site resolution when needed.
• Document field service activities including installation reports, service tickets, and lessons learned for continuous improvement.
• Travel to customer sites within the U.S. as needed (estimated 10-25% travel, increasing as the installed base grows).

Hardware, Software & Workflow Testing Support

• Assist engineering with system-level and subsystem-level testing of hardware, software, and automated assay workflows as needed.
• Execute test protocols and document results for verification and validation activities.
• Provide hands-on support for new product introduction (NPI) builds and prototype bring-up.
• Contribute to test fixture design, calibration procedures, and tooling improvements.

Qualifications:

Education & Experience

• Associate's degree or technical diploma in Biomedical Equipment Technology, Electronics, Mechatronics, Mechanical Technology, or related field. Bachelor's degree is a plus but not required.
• 3+ years of hands-on experience in instrument assembly, test, service, or manufacturing in a life science, diagnostics, or analytical instrumentation environment.
• Experience with IQ/OQ/PQ protocols or regulated manufacturing environments (ISO 13485, GMP, or FDA QSR) is preferred.

Technical Skills

• Proficiency with hand tools, torque drivers, multimeters, and standard bench-top test equipment.
• Experience with liquid handling instruments, automated platforms, or mechatronic systems (e.g., Formulatrix, Hamilton, Beckman, Tecan, or similar).
• Comfortable reading and interpreting mechanical drawings, electrical schematics, and assembly work instructions.
• Basic scripting or data logging skills (Python, Excel/VBA, or similar) for test automation and data collection is a plus.
• Familiarity with networking fundamentals (static IP configuration, Ethernet troubleshooting) is a plus.

Soft Skills

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to documentation quality.
• Methodical troubleshooting approach; able to work independently and escalate appropriately.
• Clear verbal and written communication skills; comfortable interfacing with customers at their sites.
• Willingness to travel domestically (and occasionally internationally) for installations and service calls.
• Team-oriented mindset with the flexibility to support multiple workstreams in a fast-paced startup environment.

We offer competitive compensation, meaningful stock ownership, comprehensive benefits, and a great work environment. This is an opportunity to enter an innovative, high-growth startup at an early stage and play an integral role in the companys growth and success. We are focused on identifying candidates who have demonstrated leadership and excellence throughout their careers and are excited by the prospect of building an industry-leading company.

Spear Bio Inc. provides equal opportunity in employment to all persons. No person shall be denied equal access because of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or physical/mental disability.

Spear Bio does not accept resume submissions from external recruiting agencies. Any unsolicited resumes or candidate information submitted without prior written agreement will be deemed the property of Spear Bio, and no placement fees will be paid.