Systems Software Engineer

Picarro, Inc • Santa Clara, CA

16h • $120,000 - $130,000 • Onsite

About The Position

Picarro is seeking a Systems Engineer - Firmware & Instrument Control to develop and support data acquisition, instrument control, and embedded software systems for advanced laser-based measurement platforms. This role focuses on solving complex real-time control and data acquisition challenges across experimental and production instrumentation environments. The ideal candidate has strong hands-on experience with experimental systems, data acquisition hardware, and instrument automation, along with proficiency in modern software development practices.

Requirements

• Strong experience with data acquisition and control systems in experimental environments
• Hands-on experience with laser-based experimental systems or similar high-precision instrumentation
• Experience with laboratory automation and instrumentation control
• Experience with data acquisition platforms and tools such as: National Instruments (NI) systems, LabVIEW
• Experience with embedded and prototyping platforms such as: Arduino, Raspberry Pi, Linux-based systems, Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs)
• Strong understanding of instrument communication protocols: TCP/IP, RS-232, Modbus
• Proficiency in Python preferred for automation and control scripting
• C/C++ programming experience desirable

Nice To Haves

• Experience with embedded systems development
• Exposure to microcontrollers, FPGA development, or real-time operating systems (RTOS)
• Strong debugging and system integration skills
• Experience building robust control systems for scientific or industrial instrumentation
• Familiarity with real-time data streaming and acquisition architectures

Responsibilities

• Design and implement firmware and software for data acquisition and instrument control systems
• Develop control interfaces for laser-based experimental instrumentation systems
• Integrate and support data acquisition hardware and peripheral devices
• Build reliable communication interfaces for distributed instrument systems
• Collaborate with scientists and engineers to translate experimental needs into robust control systems
• Develop automation tools for calibration, testing, and system monitoring
• Debug and optimize real-time data acquisition and control performance
• Support system integration from prototype through production deployment

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