System Test Engineer

Picarro•Santa Clara, CA

About The Position

Picarro is seeking a System Test Engineer to join its Operations/Manufacturing team. The role involves hands-on system-level testing, validation, and troubleshooting of sophisticated analytical instruments to ensure they meet performance and quality standards. The engineer will diagnose issues across lasers, optics, electronics, detectors, mechanical systems, vacuum and gas-handling systems, software, and firmware; analyze test data; investigate root causes; and work with Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality, and Service teams. The position also supports test-procedure improvements, new product introductions, engineering changes, and continuous improvement initiatives. The role is suited to someone with strong systems thinking and hands-on troubleshooting skills. Experience with lasers, optics, analytical instrumentation, or complex electromechanical systems is relevant. Experience with broadband lasers, laser spectroscopy, CRDS, mass spectrometry, gas analysis, or vacuum systems is especially valuable but not required. This is a full-time position with a base salary range of $80,000 to $100,000. Total compensation includes base salary, bonus eligibility, and equity. Salary and title depend on factors including location, experience, qualifications, skills, knowledge, level, and the pay of employees in similar positions.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, physics, or a related technical discipline, or equivalent relevant experience.
At least 3 years of relevant hands-on experience in system test, manufacturing test, scientific or analytical instrumentation, lasers and optics, or complex electromechanical systems.
Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and root-cause problem-solving skills.
Ability to work across multiple technical disciplines and understand how subsystems interact.
Comfort interpreting test data, schematics, technical documentation, and system diagrams.
Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate across technical teams.

Nice To Haves

Experience with near-infrared laser systems, broadband lasers, or laser spectroscopy.
Experience with CRDS or other optical spectroscopy technologies.
Experience with mass spectrometry or other analytical instrumentation.
Experience with gas analyzers, vacuum systems, or gas-handling systems.
Optical and electrical troubleshooting experience.
Manufacturing or production test engineering experience.
Python, MATLAB, or similar test and data-analysis tools.

Responsibilities

Test, validate, and troubleshoot complex analytical instruments.
Diagnose issues across lasers, optics, electronics, detectors, mechanical systems, vacuum and gas-handling systems, software, and firmware.
Analyze system and test data to isolate failures at the system, subsystem, and component levels.
Investigate root causes and help resolve recurring manufacturing and test issues.
Partner with Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality, and Service teams to resolve technical problems.
Refine test procedures and troubleshooting methods to improve product quality and manufacturing efficiency.
Support new product introductions, engineering changes, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Document test results, technical findings, and corrective actions clearly and accurately.

Benefits

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