Systems Development Engineer

Systems Development Engineer:

Location: Santa Clara, CA (4/5 days a week Onsite)

We seek a Systems Engineer with a strong background in analytical instrumentation and experimental system design. The ideal candidate combines hands-on hardware proficiency with experience in Python programming, quantitative analysis of data, and infrared spectroscopy. You will play a key role in developing and integrating advanced measurement systems that combine novel sample handling with laser-based and spectroscopic analytical technologies.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and test advanced analytical and spectroscopic systems that meet strategic technical and commercial goals
• Plan and execute experiments to evaluate system performance, signal stability, and detection limits, using principles of experimental design and statistical analysis
• Develop algorithms and analytical software in Python to process, interpret, and visualize spectroscopic data
• Create and test new system architectures integrating optical, electrical, mechanical, and software subsystems.
• Formulate manufacturing specifications and test protocols to ensure reliable, scalable production of prototype and commercial systems.
• Lead and maintain technical documentation—including product specifications, design history files, validation plans, system requirements, and NPI process documentation.
• Collaborate with scientists and engineers across optical design, chemistry, electronics, mechanical design, and software to optimize system performance
• Conduct data-driven performance analyses and support algorithmic improvements to enhance sensitivity, selectivity, and real-time response
•  Lead risk management and design reviews (failure mode and effects analysis, fault tree analysis, etc.) to ensure system robustness and regulatory compliance

Qualifications

• M.S. or Ph.D. in Engineering, Physics, Applied Physics, Physical Chemistry, or a related field
• Proven experience with analytical or spectroscopic instrumentation
• Demonstrated ability to design and execute experiments, interpret results quantitatively, and refine system parameters based on data
• Proficiency in Python for scientific computation, data processing, and algorithm development (e.g., NumPy, SciPy, pandas, matplotlib)
• Understanding of infrared  spectroscopy, including molecular structure–spectrum relationships.
• Familiarity with data modeling, signal processing, or machine learning approaches for instrument data analysis is a plus
• Experience with system-level integration across optical, mechanical, and electronic subsystems.
• Excellent documentation, communication, and project management skills

Preferred Experience

• Experience developing industrial or laboratory analytical instruments from concept through production
• Familiarity with ISO/IEC-compliant design and validation processes
• Extensive hands-on proficiency with spectroscopic or laser-based instrumentation
• Experience with pneumatic control systems or components
• Knowledge of real-time data acquisition systems and hardware–software interfacing.
• Background in Design of Experiments (DoE) and reliability testing.
• General ability with hand tools and equipment. Experience building or testing gas or liquid handling systems  a plus.

The base salary range for this full-time position is $120K to $130K. Our total compensation packages includes base salary, bonus eligibility, and equity.Your base salary range and title will be determined based on the location, experience, qualification, skills, knowledge, level, and pay of employees in similar positions.

We offer a comprehensive benefit package including:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Health Savings Account (HSA) plans
• Life, Short-Term Disability, and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Paid Time Off and Paid Holidays
• Employee Referral Program
• 401K
• Social events (summer picnic, holiday party, team lunches, etc.)
• On-site Health & Wellness programs (fitness challenges, outdoor bootcamp, flu-shots, etc.)

About Picarro:

We are the world's leader in timely, trusted, and actionable data using enhanced optical spectroscopy. Our solutions are used in a wide variety of applications, including natural gas leak detection, ethylene oxide emissions monitoring, semiconductor fabrication, pharmaceutical, petrochemical, atmospheric science, air quality, greenhouse gas measurements, food safety, hydrology, ecology, and more. Our software and hardware are designed and manufactured in Santa Clara, California and are used in over 90 countries worldwide based on over 65 patents related to cavity ring-down spectroscopy (CRDS) technology and are unparalleled in their precision, ease of use, and reliability.

At Picarro, we are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, protected veteran status, gender identity, social orientation, or disability. Posted positions are not open to third-party recruiters/agencies, and unsolicited resume submissions will be considered free referrals. 

At Picarro, we strive to ensure that all individuals, regardless of their abilities, have equal opportunities. If you are an individual with a disability and require reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application process or are limited in the ability or unable to access or use this online application process and need an alternative method for applying, please contact Picarro, Inc. at [email protected] for assistance.