Applications Engineer

Applications Engineer

The photon is our business! Explore the many ways that the world can use the photon and work on the cutting edge of photonics. If you are looking for an exciting opportunity with never a dull moment, read on.

Hamamatsu Photonics is one of the world’s largest suppliers of advanced light detectors, light sources and detector systems for industrial, scientific, and commercial applications. Our customer base is remarkably diverse; we serve Fortune 100 firms, top research labs, and innovative startups as well. Hamamatsu’s mission is to improve the welfare of society through the advancement of photonics technology. This portfolio means that there's never a boring day in the life of an applications engineer. Get ready to learn a lot, to be challenged, and to help solve the problems of today and tomorrow with LIGHT.

What is the job?
As an applications engineer, you will learn the ins and outs of detection and light source generation as well as the applications that use it. This position aims to give candidates from across multiple disciplines an introduction to photonics, electronics, optics and Hamamatsu technology. You will also learn the techniques used for cutting edge research, medical, industrial and commercial endeavors. As you learn, you will support OEM and end-user customers in North America while training on culture, technology and products. This position gives you the background and foundation to move and grow within Hamamatsu whether it be technical support focused or design oriented. Our culture promotes a team environment with ample opportunity to learn from and work with the design and manufacturing groups globally.

The applications engineer is the front line, working together with our academic and industrial partners to push the applications and products forward. Daily Tasks include:

• Training, in class, with a mentor, on your own and in the lab
• Fielding requests from universities and industrial customers for troubleshooting and product selection
• Testing of parts from returns or demonstrations to customers
• Setting up lab experiments to reproduce customers' scenarios or unique requests
• Working with our parent Company in Japan to make customizations and future product roadmaps
• Propose solutions and deliver prototypes to meet customer needs

Who are we looking for?
We are calling engineering (electrical, optical, mechanical, etc.) or physics majors to apply! Successful candidates will exhibit proactivity, a strong desire to learn, an aptitude for solving complex problems, and proficiency with laboratory instrumentation and reporting. Previous engineering or design experience is highly desired. Previous customer service experience in a related or unrelated field is also desired but not necessary.

Location :
This is a hybrid position, based out of our Bridgewater, NJ or San Jose, CA office.

Who are we?
Hamamatsu Corporation is the subsidiary of Hamamatsu Photonics, KK (Japan) with responsibilities for North, Central and South America. Our purpose is to bring local and rapid support to our customers for the products of Hamamatsu Photonics and in turn, bring the customer's voice to Japan for product development and roadmap considerations. Being the American subsidiary of a Japanese company leads to a unique fusion of culture where we work to promote longevity of the employees through our incredible benefits and participation in money purchase and profit-sharing plans. We have the mindset that we work better together and thrive on cross-functional support to our customers. We build this bond through corporate projects and fun team building activities with our domestic and international colleagues.

Benefits
Hamamatsu offers a competitive salary and an excellent benefit package for full-time employees which includes: Medical, Dental, Vision, Prescription, Life Insurance, Vacation/Sick/Personal Time, and Retirement Plans.

Job Requirements
Required qualifications:

• 4-year technical degree in engineering (electrical, optical, mechanical, etc.) or physics major or equivalent
• Experience in imaging technology including UV-Visible and X-Ray imaging, microscopy, or light modulation
• Strong critical thinking skills
• Good interpersonal skills
• Attention to detail
• Demonstrated follow-through skills
• Demonstrated technical writing skills
• Ability to travel 10%, possibly international
• Able to work independently
• Self-motivated

Preferred qualifications:

• Advanced degree (Master or PhD) in a related field
• University research in a related field
• Strong Mathematical and Statistic background
• Published scientific papers
• Problem solving skills
• Customer service experience

This position may require working with, or exposure to goods and information that may be subject to the jurisdiction of the US State Department ITAR regulations ( and the Commerce Departments CCL (

Hamamatsu is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, religion, color, gender, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other status protected by applicable law.

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It is the policy of Hamamatsu Corporation not to sponsor immigration visas for employment applicants.