NPI Engineer - Optomechanical Systems

Systems Integration Engineer

Santa Clara, CA

Job Title: Systems Integration Engineer

Location: Santa Clara, CA (onsite)

Group: Opto-Mechanical Engineering

Role Summary:

We are seeking a Systems Integration Engineer to support the prototyping, validation, and transition to production of the next generation of Cavity Ring-Down Spectroscopy (CRDS) gas analyzers. This role sits at the intersection of optics, opto-mechanics, electronics, firmware, and software, with a strong emphasis on system-level testing, debugging, and productization.

The ideal candidate is a technically deep, hands-on engineer who thrives in early-stage development environments, can diagnose complex system-level issues, and can drive subsystems from concept through qualification and production readiness.

Roles and Responsibilities:

System Integration & Debug

• Integrate optical, mechanical, electrical, firmware, and software components into complete CRDS analyzer systems.
• Develop and execute system-level test methodologies to evaluate performance, stability, reliability, and environmental robustness.
• Debug complex system-level issues and trace root causes across optical, mechanical, electrical, firmware, and software domains.
• Work closely with discipline experts to isolate failures, drive corrective actions, and validate fixes at the system level.

Test Methodology & Validation

• Define system-level test strategies, test plans, and acceptance criteria for prototype, alpha, and beta builds.
• Design and implement test setups, automation, and data analysis methods to characterize system performance.
• Lead qualification testing for internal subsystems and full instruments, including performance, stress, and reliability testing.
• Document test results, failure modes, and design recommendations to support design iteration and production readiness.

Subsystem Ownership & Program Leadership

• Lead programs to turnkey internal opto-mechanical subassemblies from development into production-ready modules.
• Define subsystem-level specifications, interfaces, and test requirements aligned with system-level needs.
• Coordinate alpha and beta builds, manage build readiness, and drive closure of technical risks.
• Serve as the technical owner for assigned subsystems through qualification and handoff to manufacturing or sustaining teams.

Transition to Production

• Support design-for-manufacturing (DFM), design-for-test (DFT), and design-for-reliability efforts during product transition.
• Collaborate with manufacturing, quality, and supply chain teams to ensure robust production test coverage and yield.
• Assist with production issue resolution by performing deep technical root cause analysis and corrective action validation.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Optical, Systems, Physics, or related field).
• Strong experience integrating complex electro-optical systems or precision instrumentation.
• Demonstrated ability to debug system-level issues spanning optics, opto-mechanics, electronics, firmware, and software.
• Experience developing system-level test methodologies and executing qualification testing.
• Hands-on experience with opto-mechanical assemblies, precision alignment, and performance characterization.
• Ability to translate system requirements into subsystem specifications and test requirements.
• Strong technical documentation and communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with CRDS, laser spectroscopy, or other optical sensing/analytical instruments.
• Familiarity with embedded systems, firmware debugging, and data acquisition systems.
• Experience supporting alpha/beta builds and transitioning products from R&D into production.
• Background in environmental, reliability, or stress testing of precision instruments.
• Experience working in fast-paced prototype development environments.
• Successfully transitioned R&D test setups and processes into full-scale manufacturing environments.

Salary & Benefits

The base salary range for this full-time position is $120000 to $130000. Our total compensation packages include base salary, bonus eligibility, and equity. Your base salary range and title will be determined based on the location, experience, qualification, skills, knowledge, level, and pay of employees in similar positions.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package including:

• 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.)

About Picarro:

We are the world's leader in timely, trusted, and actionable data using enhanced optical spectroscopy. Our solutions are used in a wide variety of applications, including natural gas leak detection, ethylene oxide emissions monitoring, semiconductor fabrication, pharmaceutical, petrochemical, atmospheric science, air quality, greenhouse gas measurements, food safety, hydrology, ecology, and more. Our software and hardware are designed and manufactured in Santa Clara, California and are used in over 90 countries worldwide based on over 65 patents related to cavity ring-down spectroscopy (CRDS) technology and are unparalleled in their precision, ease of use, and reliability.

At Picarro, we are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, protected veteran status, gender identity, social orientation, or disability. Posted positions are not open to third-party recruiters/agencies, and unsolicited resume submissions will be considered free referrals.

At Picarro, we strive to ensure that all individuals, regardless of their abilities, have equal opportunities. If you are an individual with a disability and require reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application process or are limited in the ability or unable to access or use this online application process and need an alternative method for applying, please contact Picarro, Inc. at View email address on click.appcast.io for assistance.