OEM Computer Specialist
Thermo Fisher Scientific
Austin, Texas, USAReposted Discovered via the company's careers siteMatch locked
Full time3+ years exp
Work Schedule
Standard (Mon-Fri)
Environmental Conditions
Office
Role Purpose
The OEM Computer Specialist is the technical visionary responsible for the "compute backbone" of Thermo Fisher's instrumentation portfolio. This role bridges the gap between scientific instrument design and the rapid release cycles of Tier-1 hardware (Dell, HP), silicon (NVIDIA, Intel), and software (Microsoft) partners.
1. Enterprise Harmonization & Governance
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Multi-Divisional Standards
Drive the harmonization of computer and OS architectures across disparate Thermo Fisher divisions (Analytical Instruments, Life Sciences, Specialty Diagnostics) to leverage enterprise-scale buying power and simplify global support.
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Strategic Interface Management
Negotiate requirements between Thermo Fisher's specialized scientific groups , Tier-1 hardware vendors (Dell/HP), and external integrators to ensure a consistent, branded, and high-performance product.
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Lifecycle Convergence
Harmonize mismatched product lifecycles across the enterprise by coordinating "Last Time Buy" programs and multi-year supply strategies for shared hardware components.
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Compliance Unification
Consolidate to a single quality management framework for computer systems validation (CSV), reducing redundant documentation efforts across divisions while maintaining rigorous FDA 21 CFR Part 11 standards.
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Design Synchronization
Help create a unified framework for "Golden Images" and hardware builds that allows different instrument groups to share core components while maintaining the ability to specialize where scientifically necessary.
2. Strategic Lifecycle & Roadmap Management
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Multi-Tier Lifecycle Alignment
Synchronize the 10-year lifecycle of scientific instruments with the 18-36 month refresh cycles of Tier-1 vendors. Secure "Extended Lifecycle" (XE/XL) hardware to prevent premature obsolescence.
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Supplier Diplomacy
Act as the primary technical interface for Dell OEM Solutions, NVIDIA, and Microsoft, influencing their future roadmaps to meet the specific power, thermal, and stability needs of lab environments
3. Regulatory Compliance & Validation
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Define Validated Base Images
Architect and maintain "Locked Configurations" for OS and hardware (e.g., Windows 10/11 IoT Enterprise LTSC) to ensure a stable, reproducible environment required for Installation (IQ) and Operational Qualification (OQ) , FDA 21 CFR Part 11 and GxP compliance.
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Serviceable Security
Negotiate cybersecurity requirements to protect instruments from network threats while ensuring the OS is not so "locked down" that Field Service Engineers (FSEs) cannot perform diagnostics or local repairs.
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Quality Risk Management
Conduct Validation Risk Assessments (RA) for any proposed computer hardware changes, ensuring that technology refreshes do not compromise the instrument's validated state.
4. Integrator & Operations Management
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Integrator Governance
Direct third-party Computer Integrators (e.g., Unicom, Avnet, MBX) on custom hardware builds, including custom BIOS settings, branding/labeling, and specialized shock-resistant packaging.
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Integrator Management
Act as the primary technical point of contact for external Computer Integrators. Oversee the conversion of standard Tier-1 (Dell/HP) hardware into "Thermo Fisher Branded" appliances through custom imaging, BIOS configuration, and hardware hardening.
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Custom Hardware Engineering
Specify and validate mechanical customizations, including custom labeling (branding/regulatory silk-screening), specialized packaging (shock-vibration protection), and unique physical security features (port blockers, custom cabling).
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OS & Image Governance
Manage the delivery and maintenance of golden images (Windows LTSC/Linux) to the integrator. Ensure the deployment of "Locked" OS environments that disable non-essential services to guarantee instrument stability and security.
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Supply Chain Continuity
Manage "Long-Term Stocking" programs and "Last-Time-Buy" (LTB) events with the integrator to bridge gaps between Dell/NVIDIA hardware EOL dates and the end-of-support dates for Thermo Fisher instruments.
Required Qualifications
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Education
B.S. or greater in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
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Experience
3+ years in systems architecture, specifically within an OEM integration or industrial computing context
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Technical Expertise
Deep understanding of computer hardware fundamentals (CPU, RAM, data logic).Strong knowledge of
Dell/HP OEM portfolios
and
NVIDIA GPU architectures
. Expertise in
Windows IoT Enterprise LTSC
and Linux hardening.
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Soft Skills
Exceptional strategic thinking, analytical problem-solving, and the ability to articulate complex technical concepts to non-technical audiences.
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Enterprise Architecture
Strong understanding of Enterprise Architecture (EA) governance principles and their application in industrial/scientific environments.
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Technical Soft Skills
Demonstrated ability to
negotiate technical requirements
across competing internal departments (Quality, Cybersecurity, Engineering, and Field Service).
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Cybersecurity Knowledge
Familiarity with
Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR)
tools and their impact on high-performance computing environments.
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Manufacturing Instruction & SOPs
Develop the detailed "Build-to-Order" (BTO) documentation for the integrator, defining everything from drive partitioning to the exact torque specs for custom mounting brackets.
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Quality Audit Participation
Participate in technical audits of the integrator's facilities to ensure their production lines meet the quality standards required for medical device and life science instrumentation.
Preferred Qualifications
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Service Background
(Preferred) Prior experience in field service or technical support to provide "empathy-driven design" for the serviceability of the system.
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Leadership Presence
Proven ability to influence and lead
cross-functional teams
and senior stakeholders in a highly matrixed global organization.
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Conflict Resolution
Act as the final arbiter when "Security Requirements" conflict with "Instrument Performance" (e.g., anti-virus scans interrupting high-speed data acquisition from a mass spec).
Not included in the source posting: what you'll do, benefits.
Skills
cybersecuritylinux
Who can apply
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