Systems Engineer - Instrumentation

Location: Santa Clara, CA (primarily onsite, occasional remote flexibility)

Group: Analyzer Product Group (APG), Engineering

Role Summary

Picarro is seeking a Systems Engineer with a unique blend of electrical engineering fundamentals and strong data science capabilities. You will characterize, integrate, and troubleshoot complex Cavity Ring-Down Spectroscopy (CRDS) measurement systems, applying rigorous data analysis to understand system behavior, identify root causes, and drive performance improvements.

This role bridges hardware and software—requiring hands-on work with optical and electronic subsystems alongside deep statistical analysis and Python-based data workflows. You will be a key contributor to system validation, performance optimization, and the development of data-driven insights that inform product design and manufacturing decisions.

Key Responsibilities

System Characterization & Integration

• Characterize end-to-end performance of CRDS measurement systems, including optical, electronic, and software subsystems
• Lead system integration activities, ensuring subsystems work together to meet performance specifications
• Develop and execute test protocols for system-level validation and acceptance testing
• Create and maintain characterization databases and performance baselines

Troubleshooting & Root Cause Analysis

• Diagnose complex, multi-domain issues spanning optics, electronics, firmware, and software
• Apply systematic troubleshooting methodologies to isolate failure modes and identify root causes
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (ME, EE, Firmware, Software) to resolve system-level issues
• Document findings and drive corrective actions through to resolution

Data Analysis & Statistical Methods

• Perform rigorous data analysis on system performance data using Python and statistical tools
• Develop analysis pipelines for automated data processing, visualization, and reporting
• Apply statistical methods (regression, hypothesis testing, DOE, uncertainty analysis) to characterize system behavior
• Build predictive models and identify correlations between subsystem parameters and system performance
• Create dashboards and tools to monitor system health and performance trends

Spectroscopy & Optical Systems

• Work with optical systems, including lasers, detectors, optical cavities, and beam paths
• Understand spectroscopic principles and their application to gas measurement
• Support optical alignment, optimization, and performance characterization
• Collaborate with spectroscopy experts to validate and improve measurement accuracy

Documentation & Process Improvement

• Document system characterization procedures, test results, and analysis methodologies
• Contribute to design reviews with data-driven insights and recommendations
• Support transition to manufacturing with clear specifications and test procedures

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• PhD in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, or related field (fresh graduate or early career), OR
• MS in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, or related field with 5+ years of relevant experience
• Strong academic or professional background in measurement systems and instrumentation
• Experience with spectroscopy, optical systems, or precision measurement is highly valued

Technical Expertise

• Data Analysis & Programming:
• - Proficient in Python for data analysis, visualization, and automation (NumPy, Pandas, SciPy, Matplotlib)
• - Strong statistical analysis skills (regression, DOE, uncertainty quantification, time-series analysis)
• - Experience with data pipelines, Jupyter notebooks, and reproducible analysis workflows
• Electronics & Optoelectronics:
• - Basic understanding of analog and digital electronics
• - Familiarity with photodetectors, laser drivers, signal conditioning, and DAQ systems
• - Comfortable using lab instrumentation (oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, optical power meters)
• Optical Systems & Spectroscopy:
• - Understanding of optical principles (alignment, beam propagation, cavity optics)
• - Familiarity with spectroscopic techniques (absorption spectroscopy, CRDS principles a plus)
• - Experience characterizing optical system performance
• Systems Thinking:
• - Ability to understand complex systems with multiple interacting subsystems
• - Experience with system-level integration and validation
• - Strong troubleshooting and root-cause analysis skills

Soft Skills

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Strong written and verbal communication; able to present complex data clearly
• Collaborative mindset; works effectively across disciplines (EE, ME, SW, Optics)
• Detail-oriented with strong documentation habits
• Self-directed with the ability to manage multiple priorities

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with CRDS or other cavity-enhanced spectroscopy techniques
• Background in gas sensing, atmospheric science, or environmental monitoring
• Experience with machine learning for system optimization or anomaly detection
• Familiarity with version control (Git) and collaborative development practices
• Experience in regulated or high-reliability product environments
• Knowledge of manufacturing test development and statistical process control
• Note: This role is ideal for candidates who enjoy working at the intersection of hardware and data—engineers or physicists who are equally comfortable in the lab with optical systems and at a computer running statistical analyses. We value curiosity, rigor, and the ability to translate data into actionable insights.

The base salary range for this full-time position is $140K to $150K. 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.