System Engineer- Hardware Support (Life Sciences/Biotech/Pharma) at Life Sciences Client
Santa Clara, CA
$32/hrfrom the description
Jul 1, 2026
Santa Clara, CA
Jul 21, 2026
What this job asks for AI summary
A contract systems engineering role focused on keeping next-generation sequencing and sample preparation platforms running reliably. Day-to-day work involves hardware and software troubleshooting, executing test protocols, investigating root causes of failures, and collaborating with engineering and lab teams to resolve issues. Best suited to candidates with a background in bioengineering, mechanical, electrical, or related engineering disciplines and hands-on experience troubleshooting complex instrumentation such as microfluidics or diagnostic systems.
Junior level · 1+ years · San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA · Bachelor's required · Contract
“or” means any one of them counts — you don't need all of them.
We read this from the posting text with AI. Skim the description below before ruling yourself out.
How this req sits in the market our data
Rare in this occupation — lead with these, and say what you built with them.
What the occupation pays Median $160,596 (middle half $124,008–$198,593). This posting is about at that midpoint.
Estimated from BLS employment for this occupation and area, per-skill prevalence across our listing corpus, and published wage benchmarks — as of Jul 28, 2026. It is a model, not a headcount.
Why we read it this way (9)
This role sits at the intersection of hardware/systems engineering and lab operations in a biotech context — it is not a pure software or IT role. SOC 15-1211 (Computer Systems Analysts) is the closest available code given the hardware-software troubleshooting scope, but the role is fundamentally an electromechanical/bioengineering systems support position; confidence is Low.
The JD requires a B.S. in Bioengineering, Mechanical, Electrical, Computer Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field — a specific degree is hard-required with no 'or equivalent experience' language.
Experience with microfluidics, liquid handlers, diagnostic systems, or NGS systems is listed under Qualifications as a required troubleshooting background; the alternatives field captures the interchangeable system types named.
JMP and R are listed as examples of statistical programs ('such as') under Qualifications — treated as required capability (statistical analysis) but the specific tool is interchangeable.
Python and failure analysis/defect management experience are explicitly called out as 'a plus' in the posting and are marked preferred accordingly.
Pay is stated as $32/hr on W2 for a long-term contract with possibility of extension.
The 1–2+ years experience range maps to a Junior seniority level despite the 'Systems Engineer' title carrying no explicit level modifier.
Ignored 1 non-technology phrase(s) as skills (responsibilities/concepts, not named tools): failure analysis.
Posting is for a contract engagement — the market benchmarks below price full-time roles, so read the comp comparison with that in mind.
Read the full posting
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