Systems Engineer - Thermal & Fluidics

Picarro, Inc • Santa Clara, CA

2h • Onsite

About The Position

Picarro is seeking a Systems Engineer with deep expertise in heat transfer and fluid mechanics to design, characterize, and optimize thermal and fluidic subsystems for our Cavity Ring-Down Spectroscopy (CRDS) instrumentation. You will own the thermal and fluidic architecture of our analyzers—from concept through production—ensuring reliable performance across operating conditions.
This role combines hands-on engineering with simulation-driven design, requiring proficiency in CAD, CFD/thermal analysis tools, and practical system integration. You will work closely with mechanical, electrical, and manufacturing teams to deliver robust, manufacturable solutions that meet stringent performance requirements.

Requirements

• MS in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related field
• 5+ years of relevant experience in thermal/fluidic system design
• Deep understanding of heat transfer fundamentals (conduction, convection, radiation)
• Strong background in fluid mechanics and fluidic system design
• Experience with thermal management of precision instruments or electronics
• Knowledge of gas handling systems, flow control, and pressure regulation
• Proficiency with SolidWorks (3D modeling, assemblies, drawings)
• Hands-on simulation experience with ANSYS and/or COMSOL (CFD, thermal analysis)
• Ability to set up, run, and interpret simulation results
• Experience validating models against experimental data
• Practical experience with system characterization and test development
• Comfortable with lab instrumentation (thermocouples, flow meters, pressure sensors, DAQ)
• Prototyping and fabrication experience; able to work with machine shops
• Strong troubleshooting and root-cause analysis capabilities
• Experience working with suppliers, vendors, and contract manufacturers
• Understanding of manufacturing processes (machining, injection molding, sheet metal)
• Knowledge of industry best practices for component selection and sourcing
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication
• Collaborative; works effectively across ME, EE, and manufacturing teams
• Detail-oriented with strong documentation habits
• Self-directed; able to manage projects from concept through production

Nice To Haves

• Experience in medical diagnostics, analytical instrumentation, or other regulated industry strongly preferred
• Exposure to design control and product development lifecycle in regulated environments
• Experience with gas analyzers, spectroscopy systems, or precision instrumentation
• Background in optical system thermal management
• Familiarity with FDA, ISO 13485, or similar regulatory frameworks
• Experience with FMEA, risk analysis, and design verification/validation
• Knowledge of statistical methods for test data analysis
• Experience with GD&T and tolerance analysis

Responsibilities

• Thermal & Fluidic System Design
• Design and architect fluidic systems, including gas handling, sample flow paths, valves, pumps, and manifolds
• Develop thermal management solutions for temperature-critical components (optical cavities, lasers, detectors)
• Create detailed designs in SolidWorks with full consideration of DFM, assembly, and serviceability
• Define system requirements and specifications for thermal and fluidic performance
• Perform trade studies to optimize designs for performance, cost, and reliability
• Simulation & Analysis
• Conduct thermal and CFD simulations using ANSYS and/or COMSOL to predict system behavior
• Validate simulation models against experimental data and refine as needed
• Analyze heat transfer (conduction, convection, radiation) and fluid flow (pressure drop, mixing, residence time)
• Use simulation to guide design decisions and reduce prototype iterations
• Document analysis methodology and results for design reviews
• System Characterization & Integration
• Lead hands-on characterization of thermal and fluidic subsystem performance
• Develop test fixtures, protocols, and instrumentation for thermal/flow measurements
• Integrate subsystems into full analyzer assemblies and validate system-level performance
• Troubleshoot thermal and fluidic issues; perform root-cause analysis and drive corrective actions
• Support environmental testing (temperature cycling, altitude, humidity)
• Supplier & Manufacturing Collaboration
• Work with external suppliers and machine shops to source components and fabricate custom parts
• Manage vendor relationships for fluidic components (valves, fittings, tubing, pumps)
• Support manufacturing with clear specifications, drawings, and assembly procedures
• Drive design-for-manufacturing improvements and cost reduction initiatives
• Regulated Industry Practices
• Apply design control practices appropriate for regulated product development
• Maintain proper documentation, design history files, and change control
• Participate in design reviews, FMEA, and risk assessments
• Support qualification and validation activities as required

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