Senior Applications Scientist – EPA Method TO-15 / TO-15A

Company: Entech Instruments, Inc.

Location: Simi Valley, CA (On-site / Laboratory Facility)Job Type: Full-Time

Department: Applications & Customer Solutions / Technical OperationsReports To: Director of Applications / VP of Analytical Operations About Entech InstrumentsEntech Instruments is a world-recognized leader and pioneer in analytical instrumentation for environmental air sampling of organics and PFAS, and sample introduction systems for analysis of VOCs and PFAS by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS).

Headquartered in Simi Valley, California, Entech manufactures industry-defining solutions—from our proprietary Silonite™ inert-coated sampling canisters and thermal desorption systems to our advanced multi-stage preconcentrators (7200CTS/7200A series), robotic autosamplers (SkyCan and 7650A), automated canister cleaners (3200), and precision dilutors (4700A).Commercial testing laboratories, government monitoring agencies, and industrial hygiene professionals worldwide rely on Entech canister monitoring solutions to provide accurate analyses of up to hundreds of chemicals in air. Role SummaryWe are seeking an experienced, hands-on Senior Applications Scientist – EPA Method TO-15 / TO-15A to join our team in Simi Valley. In this high-impact technical role, you will bridge the gap between advanced instrumentation engineering and practical laboratory execution.Rather than running repetitive production batches, you will serve as Entech's subject matter expert (SME) on whole-air canister sampling and analysis under EPA Compendium Methods TO-15, TO-15A, and 327 guidelines. You will develop robust analytical workflows, qualify hardware innovations, author technical application notes, author and present papers at technical meetings, and conduct proof-of-concept testing for global clients, delivering high-level training and troubleshooting support to analytical laboratories across the world. Key Responsibilities1. Method Development & Application StudiesDevelop, optimize, and document robust analytical methods for trace-level VOC and polar volatile determinations under US EPA Method TO-15, TO-15A, and 327.Evaluate ultra-trace detection limits (), humidification impacts, water-removal technologies, compound recoveries, and system inertness across Silonite™ treated surfaces.Design and execute validation experiments comparing front-end sample introduction systems, cryogen-free trapping versus classic cryocooling techniques, and multi-bed sorbent traps.Author clear, compelling technical documentation including application notes, technical white papers, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and peer-reviewed technical articles.2. Client Demonstration & Technical ConsultationServe as the primary technical interface during pre-sales and post-sales technical evaluations, collaborating closely with sales and product managers.Host instrument demonstrations—both in-person in our Simi Valley demonstration laboratory and via interactive webinars—for key commercial testing labs, regulatory bodies, and international distributors.Analyze client-submitted air and gas samples for feasibility studies, delivering rigorous data packages and chromatogram reviews.3. Customer Training & Global Field SupportLead advanced customer training sessions on Entech hardware platforms (7200CTS/7200A preconcentrators, SK40/7650A/7016D autosamplers, 4700A dilutors, and 3200 canister cleaning systems).Deliver application and troubleshooting support for customer escalations involving chromatography issues, active-site adsorption, moisture interference, carryover, and internal standard variations.Collaborate with Entech’s customer service and field engineering teams to develop effective training curricula and troubleshooting flowcharts.4. Cross-Functional R&D CollaborationPartner directly with Entech’s engineering, pneumatics, and software development teams to test and evaluate prototype hardware, valves, cold-trap modules, and firmware upgrades.Provide critical feedback from the perspective of an end-user testing laboratory, ensuring future Entech instruments deliver superior ergonomics, throughput, and compliance.Participate in professional committees and conferences (e.g., NEMC/TNI, A&WMA, Chromatography Forum) to track emerging air monitoring standards (e.g., PFAS in air, ethylene oxide, hazardous air pollutants). Required Qualifications & ExperienceEducation: Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry, Environmental Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related scientific discipline.Direct Experience: Minimum of 4–6 years of hands-on experience running, troubleshooting, and maintaining GC/MS systems dedicated to EPA Method TO-15 or TO-15A in a commercial or regulatory testing laboratory.Instrumentation Proficiency:In-depth practical knowledge of multi-stage preconcentration systems, thermal desorbers, and automated canister autosamplers.Strong working proficiency with major GC/MS platforms (e.g., Agilent 7890-8890/5977, Shimadzu, or Thermo) and data systems.Direct experience with canister cleaning, certified canister batch testing, and standard dilution systems.Mechanical & Pneumatic Aptitude: Ability to diagnose and isolate physical issues in gas flow paths, rotary valves, vacuum systems, heating zones, and transfer lines.Communication Skills: Outstanding written and verbal communication skills with the ability to convey complex chromatographic and physical concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences. Preferred QualificationsPrior experience working specifically with Entech preconcentrators (7100, 7200, 7200A) and autosamplers (7016D, 7650).Direct familiarity with EPA Method TO-15A revisions, including canister cleanliness verification, individual certification thresholds, active sampling considerations, and expanded compound lists. Working Conditions & Physical DemandsWork Environment: Modern analytical testing laboratory and corporate office in Simi Valley, CA.Physical Requirements: Must be able to manipulate gas fittings, handle pressurized and evacuated stainless steel canisters, lift instrument modules up to 40 lbs, and work around cryogenic fluids (liquid nitrogen, liquid carbon dioxide) in compliance with standard lab safety protocols.Travel: Periodic, mostly domestic travel (approximately 5–10%) for customer training, occasional product installations, on-site problem resolution, and technical conferences. Compensation & BenefitsSalary Range: Competitive annual base salary commensurate with experience ($95,000 – $135,000+ DOE).Comprehensive Benefits Package: Health, dental, and vision insurance coverage.Retirement: 401(k) with company matching contribution.Paid Time Off: Generous paid vacation, sick leave, and company holidays.Professional Growth: Direct exposure to cutting-edge R&D and opportunity to contribute to industry standards and patents. How to ApplyInterested candidates should submit their resume and a brief cover letter highlighting their direct EPA Method TO-15/TO-15A and GC/MS instrumentation experience to:Entech Instruments, Inc.Human Resources / Careers Department2207 Agate Court, Simi Valley, CA 93065Email: careers@entechinst.comEntech Instruments is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).