Job Description

Instrument Operator Technician (1 Year Contract- 1st and 2nd Shift)

Department: Engineering

Employment Type: Fixed Term - Full Time

Location: Oakville, Ontario HQ

Reporting To: Rachael Jean

Compensation: $55,000 - $62,000 / year

Please note: These are one-year contract roles, with either first shift (8:00 AM–5:00 PM ET) or second shift (3:00 PM–11:00 PM ET) available. Ideally, candidates should be flexible to work either shift.

About You:


You will be responsible for the operation and monitoring of complex electromechanical prototypes. This is not a passive role; it requires an engineer’s mindset to spot anomalies, a coder’s logic to automate tasks, and a scientist’s rigor regarding data integrity. You will ensure our devices perform reliably under the most demanding study protocols while working seamlessly within a high-growth startup environment.

What you'll do:

• Study Execution: Run internal studies and verification and validation (V&V) protocols on prototype instruments with extreme vigilance and precision.
• Data Integrity: Act as the primary guardian of data quality; monitor real-time system performance and meticulously document observations to prevent "noisy" or corrupted data.
• Multidisciplinary Collaboration: Work closely with a diverse team of chemists, biologists, and software engineers to provide feedback on instrument performance and assist in cross-functional troubleshooting.
• Scripting & Automation: Familiar with programming to automate data extraction, manage test sequences, and interface with hardware subsystems.
• Technical Troubleshooting: Identify and document hardware malfunctions, software bugs, or fluidic inconsistencies. Collaborate with Mechatronics and Systems teams to resolve issues.
• Maintenance: Perform routine calibration and maintenance on delicate mechanical and optical components to ensure the prototype fleet is always "test-ready."

What you'll need:

• Education: Bachelors or college degree in Biomedical, Mechanical, Mechatronics, or Systems Engineering is preferred
• Technical Proficiency: Hands-on experience with sensors, actuators, or fluidic systems. Familiarity with lab equipment and electromechanical assembly.
• Scripting Skills: Competency in programming for data processing and basic hardware control.
• Vigilant Mindset: Exceptional attention to detail; you notice subtle changes in system behavior (sounds, vibrations, timing) before they become failures.
• Teamwork: Strong interpersonal skills with a proven ability to collaborate across different engineering and scientific disciplines.
• Communication: Ability to write clear, concise technical reports and bug descriptions.

Why Join Us?

At Vital Bio, you will:

• Play a critical role in keeping our prototype instruments operating with precision so studies and V&V work can move forward without interruption.
• You’ll work alongside chemists, biologists, software engineers, and systems teams, giving you broad exposure to the full product development process while strengthening your technical and troubleshooting skills.
• If you enjoy hands-on technical work, care deeply about data integrity, and like solving problems in a fast-moving startup environment, this is a role where your work will have a direct impact on product readiness and team success.

Compensation will be determined based on the individual’s demonstrated experience, education, training, relevant certifications or licensure, and other applicable business and organizational factors.

This role is a current, onsite vacancy.