STEM OPT Field Application Engineer Jobs
Field Application Engineer roles sit squarely in STEM OPT territory: employers need engineering or computer science graduates who can bridge product and customer, and your 24-month STEM OPT extension gives you the runway to prove it. Every employer hiring you must be enrolled in E-Verify, so target companies running structured technical sales or solutions engineering teams.
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Get Access To All JobsWork Schedule
Standard (Mon-Fri)
Environmental Conditions
Laboratory Setting, Some degree of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) required (safety glasses, gowning, gloves, lab coat, ear plugs etc.)
Job Description
Field Application Scientist, Imaging & Detection
When you're part of the team at Thermo Fisher Scientific, you'll do meaningful work that has a real impact on people's lives. Whether helping customers advance cancer research, accelerate scientific discovery, protect the environment, or ensure food safety, your work contributes to making the world healthier, cleaner, and safer. You'll collaborate with world-class colleagues while building a rewarding career in an innovative and customer-focused environment.
Discover Impactful Work
Within the Protein and Cell Analysis (PCA) business, we empower researchers with innovative imaging and detection technologies that accelerate biological discovery and translational research. Our portfolio supports applications across cell biology, protein analysis, immunology, drug discovery, and molecular biology, helping scientists generate reliable, high-quality data from experiment design through analysis.
As a Field Application Scientist (FAS) supporting our Imaging & Detection portfolio, you will serve as the scientific and technical expert for customers throughout the evaluation, implementation, and ongoing use of Thermo Fisher Scientific's imaging and detection platforms, including EVOS microscopes, Celleste Image Analysis Software, Varioskan multimode plate readers, iBright imaging systems, and emerging technologies.
In this customer-facing role, you will partner with academic researchers, biotechnology companies, pharmaceutical organizations, and core laboratory facilities to optimize experimental workflows, troubleshoot scientific challenges, and enable successful adoption of our technologies. You will work closely with Sales, Product Management, R&D, Technical Support, and Marketing to deliver an outstanding customer experience while helping advance cutting-edge research.
Territory
This position supports customers throughout the Northeast United States, including MA, CT, RI, NH, VT, ME, while occasional travel for other regions may be necessary according to demand.
Approximately 50% travel is required. Candidates should ideally reside near Boston.
Key Responsibilities
Customer Support & Scientific Expertise
- Deliver scientific application support pre- and post-instrument sales for Thermo Fisher Scientific's Imaging & Detection portfolio.
- Design and deliver customer training through onsite visits, virtual meetings, workshops, webinars, and scientific presentations.
- Consult with customers on experimental design, assay development, workflow optimization, and data interpretation.
- Troubleshoot complex scientific, application, and workflow-related issues across imaging and detection technologies.
- Serve as a trusted scientific advisor, helping customers maximize the value and performance of their instruments.
- Collaborate with Technical Support and Service teams to resolve customer issues efficiently.
Applications Scientific Support
Provide scientific guidance across a broad range of biological applications, including:
- Brightfield and fluorescence microscopy, Live-cell imaging, Immunofluorescence and fluorescence-based assays, Cell counting, confluency, morphology, and viability analysis.
- Multimode plate reader applications (absorbance, fluorescence intensity, luminescence, time-resolved fluorescence (TRF), FRET and TR-FRET assays, ELISA and immunoassays, enzyme activity assays, cell viability and proliferation assays)
- Western blot imaging and protein detection workflows
- Image acquisition, image analysis, assay optimization, and quantitative data analysis
Commercial Partnership
- Partner closely with Account Managers and Business Development teams to support product evaluations, demonstrations, customer presentations, and scientific discussions.
- Provide technical expertise during customer visits, workshops, and seminars.
- Contribute to commercial success by enabling customer confidence and successful product adoption.
Scientific Leadership
- Build relationships with Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs) and scientific collaborators.
- Represent Thermo Fisher Scientific at scientific conferences, workshops, and customer events.
- Present scientific seminars highlighting imaging technologies, assay development, and workflow solutions.
- Stay current on emerging technologies and scientific advances in imaging, detection, spatial biology, and protein analysis.
Voice of Customer & Cross-functional Collaboration
- Serve as the Voice of the Customer by communicating customer feedback, application insights, and market trends to Product Management, R&D, Marketing, and Commercial Leadership.
- Identify emerging customer needs and opportunities for future product innovation.
- Support product launches by providing field-based scientific expertise.
- Deliver technical training to internal commercial teams.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Biology, Biochemistry, Immunology, Biotechnology, Biomedical Engineering, or a related life science discipline.
- 2+ years laboratory experience using imaging and detection technologies.
- Hands-on expertise with fluorescence microscopy and imaging-based experimental workflows.
- 2+ years experience designing, optimizing, and troubleshooting fluorescence imaging experiments, including sample preparation, staining strategies, controls, and image acquisition.
- 2+ years experience using multimode plate readers for absorbance, fluorescence, luminescence, FRET, TR-FRET, ELISA, enzyme kinetics, cell viability, or related assays.
- 2+ years experience with protein detection workflows, including western blot imaging.
- Strong understanding of quantitative assay development and experimental controls.
- Excellent troubleshooting, analytical, communication, and presentation skills.
- Ability to work independently from a remote home office.
- Willingness to travel approximately 50%.
- Valid driver's license.
Preferred Qualifications
- PhD in Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Immunology, Biomedical Engineering, or a related scientific discipline.
- Experience working in an imaging core facility or shared instrumentation laboratory.
- Experience supporting high-end microscopy systems.
- Experience with high-content imaging or automated microscopy workflows.
- Experience with spatial biology, multiplex imaging, or spatial proteomics applications.
- Experience with image analysis software such as Celleste, ImageJ/Fiji, CellProfiler, QuPath, HALO, or similar platforms.
- Hands-on experience with EVOS microscopes, Varioskan plate readers, iBright imaging systems, or comparable technologies.
- Experience delivering scientific presentations, workshops, or customer training.
- Experience in a customer-facing scientific role such as Field Application Scientist, Applications Specialist, Technical Support Scientist, or Core Facility Scientist.
Success in This Role
Successful Field Application Scientists demonstrate:
- Scientific curiosity and a passion for helping researchers succeed.
- Strong expertise across imaging, detection, and quantitative assay workflows.
- The ability to communicate complex scientific concepts to diverse audiences.
- A collaborative mindset and strong partnership with commercial and cross-functional teams.
- Exceptional customer relationship skills built on scientific credibility and trust.
- A proactive approach to solving customer challenges and identifying opportunities for innovation.
At Thermo Fisher Scientific, each one of our more than 150,000 colleagues has a unique story to tell. Join us in our mission of enabling our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner, and safer.
The starting salary for this position is $66,000 - $99,000 depending on geographic location, experience, and qualifications. In addition, Thermo Fisher Scientific offers a competitive benefits package, bonus opportunity, and career development programs.
Apply today and help researchers accelerate discovery through innovative imaging and detection technologies.
Thermo Fisher Scientific is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status.
We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform important job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.
Compensation and Benefits
The salary range estimated for this position based in Massachusetts is $66,000.00–$99,000.00.
This position may also be eligible to receive a variable annual bonus based on company, team, and/or individual performance results in accordance with company policy. We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards package that our U.S. colleagues and their families can count on, which includes:
- A choice of national medical and dental plans, and a national vision plan, including health incentive programs
- Employee assistance and family support programs, including commuter benefits and tuition reimbursement
- At least 120 hours paid time off (PTO), 10 paid holidays annually, paid parental leave (3 weeks for bonding and 8 weeks for caregiver leave), accident and life insurance, and short- and long-term disability in accordance with company policy
- Retirement and savings programs, such as our competitive 401(k) U.S. retirement savings plan
- Employees’ Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) offers eligible colleagues the opportunity to purchase company stock at a discount
For more information on our benefits, please visit: https://jobs.thermofisher.com/global/en/total-rewards
Work Schedule
Standard (Mon-Fri)
Environmental Conditions
Laboratory Setting, Some degree of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) required (safety glasses, gowning, gloves, lab coat, ear plugs etc.)
Job Description
Field Application Scientist, Imaging & Detection
When you're part of the team at Thermo Fisher Scientific, you'll do meaningful work that has a real impact on people's lives. Whether helping customers advance cancer research, accelerate scientific discovery, protect the environment, or ensure food safety, your work contributes to making the world healthier, cleaner, and safer. You'll collaborate with world-class colleagues while building a rewarding career in an innovative and customer-focused environment.
Discover Impactful Work
Within the Protein and Cell Analysis (PCA) business, we empower researchers with innovative imaging and detection technologies that accelerate biological discovery and translational research. Our portfolio supports applications across cell biology, protein analysis, immunology, drug discovery, and molecular biology, helping scientists generate reliable, high-quality data from experiment design through analysis.
As a Field Application Scientist (FAS) supporting our Imaging & Detection portfolio, you will serve as the scientific and technical expert for customers throughout the evaluation, implementation, and ongoing use of Thermo Fisher Scientific's imaging and detection platforms, including EVOS microscopes, Celleste Image Analysis Software, Varioskan multimode plate readers, iBright imaging systems, and emerging technologies.
In this customer-facing role, you will partner with academic researchers, biotechnology companies, pharmaceutical organizations, and core laboratory facilities to optimize experimental workflows, troubleshoot scientific challenges, and enable successful adoption of our technologies. You will work closely with Sales, Product Management, R&D, Technical Support, and Marketing to deliver an outstanding customer experience while helping advance cutting-edge research.
Territory
This position supports customers throughout the Northeast United States, including MA, CT, RI, NH, VT, ME, while occasional travel for other regions may be necessary according to demand.
Approximately 50% travel is required. Candidates should ideally reside near Boston.
Key Responsibilities
Customer Support & Scientific Expertise
- Deliver scientific application support pre- and post-instrument sales for Thermo Fisher Scientific's Imaging & Detection portfolio.
- Design and deliver customer training through onsite visits, virtual meetings, workshops, webinars, and scientific presentations.
- Consult with customers on experimental design, assay development, workflow optimization, and data interpretation.
- Troubleshoot complex scientific, application, and workflow-related issues across imaging and detection technologies.
- Serve as a trusted scientific advisor, helping customers maximize the value and performance of their instruments.
- Collaborate with Technical Support and Service teams to resolve customer issues efficiently.
Applications Scientific Support
Provide scientific guidance across a broad range of biological applications, including:
- Brightfield and fluorescence microscopy, Live-cell imaging, Immunofluorescence and fluorescence-based assays, Cell counting, confluency, morphology, and viability analysis.
- Multimode plate reader applications (absorbance, fluorescence intensity, luminescence, time-resolved fluorescence (TRF), FRET and TR-FRET assays, ELISA and immunoassays, enzyme activity assays, cell viability and proliferation assays)
- Western blot imaging and protein detection workflows
- Image acquisition, image analysis, assay optimization, and quantitative data analysis
Commercial Partnership
- Partner closely with Account Managers and Business Development teams to support product evaluations, demonstrations, customer presentations, and scientific discussions.
- Provide technical expertise during customer visits, workshops, and seminars.
- Contribute to commercial success by enabling customer confidence and successful product adoption.
Scientific Leadership
- Build relationships with Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs) and scientific collaborators.
- Represent Thermo Fisher Scientific at scientific conferences, workshops, and customer events.
- Present scientific seminars highlighting imaging technologies, assay development, and workflow solutions.
- Stay current on emerging technologies and scientific advances in imaging, detection, spatial biology, and protein analysis.
Voice of Customer & Cross-functional Collaboration
- Serve as the Voice of the Customer by communicating customer feedback, application insights, and market trends to Product Management, R&D, Marketing, and Commercial Leadership.
- Identify emerging customer needs and opportunities for future product innovation.
- Support product launches by providing field-based scientific expertise.
- Deliver technical training to internal commercial teams.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Biology, Biochemistry, Immunology, Biotechnology, Biomedical Engineering, or a related life science discipline.
- 2+ years laboratory experience using imaging and detection technologies.
- Hands-on expertise with fluorescence microscopy and imaging-based experimental workflows.
- 2+ years experience designing, optimizing, and troubleshooting fluorescence imaging experiments, including sample preparation, staining strategies, controls, and image acquisition.
- 2+ years experience using multimode plate readers for absorbance, fluorescence, luminescence, FRET, TR-FRET, ELISA, enzyme kinetics, cell viability, or related assays.
- 2+ years experience with protein detection workflows, including western blot imaging.
- Strong understanding of quantitative assay development and experimental controls.
- Excellent troubleshooting, analytical, communication, and presentation skills.
- Ability to work independently from a remote home office.
- Willingness to travel approximately 50%.
- Valid driver's license.
Preferred Qualifications
- PhD in Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Immunology, Biomedical Engineering, or a related scientific discipline.
- Experience working in an imaging core facility or shared instrumentation laboratory.
- Experience supporting high-end microscopy systems.
- Experience with high-content imaging or automated microscopy workflows.
- Experience with spatial biology, multiplex imaging, or spatial proteomics applications.
- Experience with image analysis software such as Celleste, ImageJ/Fiji, CellProfiler, QuPath, HALO, or similar platforms.
- Hands-on experience with EVOS microscopes, Varioskan plate readers, iBright imaging systems, or comparable technologies.
- Experience delivering scientific presentations, workshops, or customer training.
- Experience in a customer-facing scientific role such as Field Application Scientist, Applications Specialist, Technical Support Scientist, or Core Facility Scientist.
Success in This Role
Successful Field Application Scientists demonstrate:
- Scientific curiosity and a passion for helping researchers succeed.
- Strong expertise across imaging, detection, and quantitative assay workflows.
- The ability to communicate complex scientific concepts to diverse audiences.
- A collaborative mindset and strong partnership with commercial and cross-functional teams.
- Exceptional customer relationship skills built on scientific credibility and trust.
- A proactive approach to solving customer challenges and identifying opportunities for innovation.
At Thermo Fisher Scientific, each one of our more than 150,000 colleagues has a unique story to tell. Join us in our mission of enabling our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner, and safer.
The starting salary for this position is $66,000 - $99,000 depending on geographic location, experience, and qualifications. In addition, Thermo Fisher Scientific offers a competitive benefits package, bonus opportunity, and career development programs.
Apply today and help researchers accelerate discovery through innovative imaging and detection technologies.
Thermo Fisher Scientific is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status.
We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform important job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.
Compensation and Benefits
The salary range estimated for this position based in Massachusetts is $66,000.00–$99,000.00.
This position may also be eligible to receive a variable annual bonus based on company, team, and/or individual performance results in accordance with company policy. We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards package that our U.S. colleagues and their families can count on, which includes:
- A choice of national medical and dental plans, and a national vision plan, including health incentive programs
- Employee assistance and family support programs, including commuter benefits and tuition reimbursement
- At least 120 hours paid time off (PTO), 10 paid holidays annually, paid parental leave (3 weeks for bonding and 8 weeks for caregiver leave), accident and life insurance, and short- and long-term disability in accordance with company policy
- Retirement and savings programs, such as our competitive 401(k) U.S. retirement savings plan
- Employees’ Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) offers eligible colleagues the opportunity to purchase company stock at a discount
For more information on our benefits, please visit: https://jobs.thermofisher.com/global/en/total-rewards
See all 31+ STEM OPT Field Application Engineer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new STEM OPT Field Application Engineer Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization as a Field Application Engineer
Verify your CIP code before applying
Pull your transcript and confirm your degree's Classification of Instructional Programs code maps to an eligible STEM field. Electrical engineering, computer science, and mechanical engineering all qualify, but interdisciplinary programs sometimes carry non-STEM codes that block the extension.
Check E-Verify enrollment before accepting offers
Ask recruiters directly whether the company is enrolled in E-Verify before you advance to offer stage. Field Application Engineer roles often sit inside regional sales orgs or subsidiary entities that may not share the parent company's E-Verify status.
Build a demo portfolio tied to your thesis work
FAE hiring managers evaluate hands-on technical depth, not just credentials. Package a hardware demo, simulation result, or software integration project from your graduate research into a shareable format that shows you can translate engineering concepts for a customer audience.
Target semiconductor and test-and-measurement companies first
These sectors hire FAEs in consistent volume and routinely sponsor STEM OPT students because the role demands specialized engineering knowledge. Search Migrate Mate to filter for employers in these industries with active STEM OPT hiring history.
File your I-983 training plan before your OPT end date
Your DSO must receive a completed I-983 signed by your employer before USCIS approves the 24-month extension. Delays in getting the employer's signature are the most common reason students miss the filing window, so start the form as soon as your offer is signed.
Align your job duties to STEM OPT practical training criteria
USCIS requires that your FAE role directly relate to your STEM degree. Document how responsibilities like circuit-level troubleshooting, firmware integration, or application lab support connect to your specific program of study when completing the I-983 learning objectives section.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Field Application Engineer role qualify for STEM OPT?
Yes, if your degree is in a STEM-designated field and the role directly relates to that field of study. FAE positions in hardware, semiconductor, or software sectors typically satisfy this requirement because the work involves applied engineering, technical problem-solving, and product integration. Your DSO confirms eligibility when approving the I-983 training plan.
What STEM degrees make you eligible for a Field Application Engineer STEM OPT extension?
Electrical engineering, computer engineering, mechanical engineering, computer science, and applied physics are the most common qualifying degrees for FAE roles. Your degree's CIP code must appear on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List. If your program had multiple concentrations, confirm the exact CIP code on your official transcript with your DSO before filing.
How do I confirm my employer is E-Verify enrolled before accepting an FAE offer?
Ask the recruiter or HR contact directly and request written confirmation. You can also search the E-Verify employer search tool to check enrollment status by company name. Because FAE roles often sit under a specific subsidiary or regional entity, confirm the legal employer name on your offer letter matches the enrolled entity, not just the parent brand.
What goes into the I-983 training plan for a Field Application Engineer?
Your I-983 must describe how the FAE role's specific duties, such as customer application support, product evaluation, or field testing, relate to your STEM degree. The learning objectives section should name concrete engineering skills you'll develop. Both you and a company supervisor must sign it, and your DSO submits it before USCIS processes your extension application.
Where can I find Field Application Engineer jobs that hire STEM OPT students?
Migrate Mate is the recommended starting point because it filters for employers with verified STEM OPT hiring activity, so you're not applying to companies that don't sponsor work authorization extensions. FAE roles with active STEM OPT eligibility appear most frequently in semiconductor, industrial automation, and enterprise software sectors on the platform.