Opto-Mechanical Engineer II

Picarro, Inc • Santa Clara, CA

8h • $135,000 - $150,000 • Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a hands-on, mid-level Opto-Mechanical Engineer to help design, build, align, test, and productize next-generation spectroscopy platforms and gas measurement products. Picarro’s products deliver real-time measurements of critical gases at parts-per-billion and parts-per-trillion levels. As an Opto-Mechanical Engineer II, you will join a world-class team developing high-precision systems based on Cavity Ringdown Spectroscopy (CRDS), broadband lasers, and advanced optomechanical assemblies. This role is intended for an engineer who can contribute independently to defined design, build, test, and troubleshooting activities while continuing to grow into broader technical ownership. The position reports to the Director of Opto-Mechanical Engineering.

Requirements

• BS in Mechanical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field; MS preferred.
• Typically 3–5 years of hands-on experience in opto-mechanical design, precision mechanical design, optical instrumentation, prototype development, or related hardware engineering.
• Demonstrated experience designing, assembling, aligning, and troubleshooting systems that combine optical, mechanical, electrical, thermal, and software subsystems.
• Proficiency with mechanical CAD tools such as SolidWorks and ability to create practical designs, drawings, assemblies, fixtures, and test hardware.
• Working knowledge of precision tolerancing, materials selection, GD&T, metrology, and mechanical design practices for optical systems.
• Strong analytical troubleshooting skills, with the ability to use experimental data to isolate problems and recommend design or process improvements.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and documentation skills, with the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced development environment.
• Experience supporting prototype builds, pilot builds, manufacturing transfer, or early production troubleshooting is strongly desired.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with CRDS, laser-based spectroscopy, fiber optics, micro-optics, precision optical benches, or high-stability optomechanical assemblies.
• Experience with environmental testing, reliability testing, failure analysis, process validation, or design for manufacturability.
• Experience with optical design or analysis tools, FEA, tolerance analysis, scripting for data analysis, or automated test systems.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the design, build, integration, and transfer of advanced electro-optomechanical systems for Picarro’s next-generation CRDS products.
• Support prototype and pilot builds, develop and refine assembly and alignment processes, create practical tooling and fixtures, document procedures, troubleshoot build and test issues, and work with cross-functional teams to improve performance, manufacturability, reliability, and yield.
• Build, align, test, and troubleshoot high-precision optomechanical assemblies while contributing to design improvements and process development.
• Work with near-infrared optical components such as lasers, detectors, isolators, fiber components, mirrors, lenses, filters, and coated optics.
• Apply sound mechanical design, tolerancing, materials selection, and active/passive alignment methods to maintain micron-level precision and optical stability.
• Use or develop optical attachment and packaging methods, including UV/thermal epoxies, soldering, clamping, precision fixturing, and other approaches that improve manufacturability and reliability.
• Plan and execute engineering tests, collect and analyze data, support reliability testing, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions.
• Develop deeper understanding of CRDS instruments, laser-based spectroscopy, and the interaction between optical, mechanical, thermal, electrical, and software subsystems.
• Design, build, qualify, and improve tooling, fixtures, and lab setups for prototype assembly, optical alignment, test, and pilot production support.
• Create clear drawings, work instructions, test procedures, build records, and engineering documentation that support repeatability, transfer, and continuous improvement.

Benefits

• 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.)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level