Systems Engineer - Instrumentation

Picarro, Inc•Santa Clara, CA

22h•Onsite

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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
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
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)
Understanding of optical principles (alignment, beam propagation, cavity optics)
Familiarity with spectroscopic techniques (absorption spectroscopy, CRDS principles a plus)
Experience characterizing optical system performance
Ability to understand complex systems with multiple interacting subsystems
Experience with system-level integration and validation
Strong troubleshooting and root-cause analysis 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

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

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
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
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
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
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

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.)

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