PLS Equipment Specialist II

Pace Analytical Services•Oakdale, MN

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Equipment Specialist II executes and oversees maintenance, repair, and qualification of laboratory instrumentation, hardware, and software. The role provides feedback and guidance on laboratory instrumentation using advanced professional and technical knowledge of mechanical, scientific, or related instrumentation and software. This is a full-time, onsite role in Oakdale, Minnesota, with a Monday–Friday schedule from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and rotational on-call coverage every 3–4 weeks. Compensation is $55,000–$65,000 annually. Pace Life Sciences provides contract CMC development, CTM manufacturing, regulatory compliance, consulting, and facility support services to pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical, and gene therapy industries. It operates across CDMO sites, GMP analytical testing laboratories, and manufacturing support centers, helping clients advance programs from early development through commercialization. The position requires a bachelor's degree in chemistry, biochemistry, or a closely related field and 2–4 years of experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. Work is performed in a laboratory and office setting, with exposure to chemicals, fumes, gases, noxious odors, and related laboratory conditions.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in chemistry, biochemistry, or a closely related field and 2–4 years of experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
Advanced knowledge of laboratory and analytical instrumentation and metrology standards.
Knowledge of principles, practices, and techniques for diagnosing, troubleshooting, and solving problems.
Advanced knowledge of testing tools, instruments, and calibration.
Comprehensive understanding of administration and oversight of area programs, policies, and procedures, and methods for resolving area problems and concerns.
Comprehensive understanding of applicable laws, codes, and regulations.
Knowledge of computer applications and systems related to the work.
Knowledge of project teamwork and methods for communicating with staff, coworkers, and customers to support safe and effective operations.
Correct business English, including spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
Ability to perform advanced instrumentation troubleshooting and administer instrument, mechanical, electrical, and software-based functions.
Ability to lead the design, development, and management of projects and work as a team member, individual contributor, or project leader.
Ability to interpret, apply, and explain applicable laws, codes, and regulations.
Ability to prepare functional reports, correspondence, and other written materials.
Ability to use initiative and independent judgment within established department guidelines, and tact and discretion in work interactions.
Ability to deliver oral presentations to large and small groups and contribute to team or work-unit goals.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
Mobility to work in a laboratory and office setting and use standard office and laboratory equipment; stamina to sit for extended periods.
Ability to exert up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 10 pounds frequently to lift, carry, push, pull, or move objects.
Vision to read printed materials and computer screens, and hearing and speech to communicate in person or by telephone.

Responsibilities

Perform advanced diagnostics, maintenance, qualification, troubleshooting, and repairs of laboratory equipment, particularly temperature-controlled and/or pressurized units.
Coordinate and oversee vendor management of laboratory equipment, including onboarding, inventory, repair, and decommissioning as needed.
Provide on-call support during non-standard business hours to address critical equipment excursions.
Source and maintain current inventories of instrument consumables and repair parts as needed.
Draft and revise technical documentation, including SOPs, calibration procedures, and qualification protocols.
Communicate with vendors, staff, and customers to provide advanced support, explain troubleshooting, and offer solutions.
Provide analysis, interpretation, and counsel to staff, management, and functional leaders regarding equipment policies, programs, and standard operating practices.
Audit, query, and review equipment records, actions, procedures, operational databases, and reports for accuracy; work with the team to resolve discrepancies and ensure quality-system compliance.