Staff System Design Engineer

Thermo Fisher Scientific • Fremont, CA

2d • $135,900 - $170,000 • Onsite

About The Position

Thermo Fisher Scientific is hiring a Staff System Design Engineer for its Electrical Failure Analysis (EFA) business unit within the Materials and Structural Analysis Division. This fully onsite position is based at the company’s Fremont, California site. The division designs, manufactures, and supports high-performance microscopy workflows for analysis at micro-, nano-, and picometer scales.

The engineer will design, develop, and optimize advanced systems for semiconductor failure analysis, integrated circuit analysis, and circuit editing. The role focuses on high-performance optical systems for fault isolation, including infrared microscopy, laser stimulation, and photon emission detection. The engineer will work with R&D, systems engineering, electronics, software, and hardware teams to develop precise, manufacturable solutions for next-generation semiconductor analysis tools, and lead complex product development in a global, matrixed organization.

The position requires a master’s degree in physics, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related discipline, along with at least six years of system design experience. Compensation in California is estimated at $135,900–$170,000, with possible eligibility for a variable annual bonus. The company describes a comprehensive Total Rewards package for U.S. colleagues and their families.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in physics, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related discipline.
• At least 6 years of system design experience.
• Hands-on expertise designing, setting up, and conducting experiments involving optics, electronics, measurement systems, and motion systems.
• Experience with high-resolution microscopy and scanning systems.
• Strong hands-on experience with laser systems and beam delivery, IR optics and imaging through silicon, and photon detection systems such as photomultiplier tubes (PMTs), avalanche photodiodes (APDs), and cameras.
• Deep understanding of systems engineering principles.
• Proficiency in MATLAB, Python, or similar tools for data analysis, statistical methods, and automation.
• Familiarity with CAD tools such as SolidWorks and design for manufacturability (DFM) principles.
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills, with a creative and resourceful approach to problem solving.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to influence cross-functional teams.
• Self-motivated, organized, customer-focused, and comfortable taking on challenges.

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with semiconductor failure analysis techniques such as LIVA, OBIRCH, and TIVA.
• Experience with Python is an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop electrical failure analysis tools.
• Lead the design and optimization of optical subsystems, including infrared imaging for silicon inspection, laser-based stimulation and probing (LIVA, OBIRCH, TIVA), and visible and near-infrared photon emission detection.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams to translate product requirements into prototypes that meet specifications and conduct experiments to validate performance.
• Investigate applications of existing technologies in other domains and work with product applications engineers and marketing to identify unmet needs and requirements.
• Support operations and applications teams in resolving customer issues.
• Conduct proof-of-concept studies and report findings to the team.

Benefits

• Choice of national medical and dental plans and a national vision plan, including health incentive programs.
• Employee assistance and family support programs, including commuter benefits and tuition reimbursement.
• At least 120 hours of paid time off (PTO) and 10 paid holidays annually.
• Paid parental leave: 3 weeks for bonding and 8 weeks for caregiver leave.
• Accident and life insurance, and short- and long-term disability in accordance with company policy.
• Competitive 401(k) U.S. retirement savings plan.
• Employees’ Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP), offering eligible colleagues the opportunity to purchase company stock at a discount.
• Possible eligibility for a variable annual bonus based on company, team, and/or individual performance results in accordance with company policy.

What This Job Offers

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