Systems Engineer - Thermal & Fluidics

Systems Engineer - Thermal & Fluidics

Location: Santa Clara, CA (primarily onsite, occasional remote flexibility)

Group: Analyzer Product Group (APG), Engineering

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.

• 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 Solid Works 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

• 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

• 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)

• 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

• 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

• MS in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related field
• 5+ years of relevant experience in thermal/fluidic system design
• Experience in medical diagnostics, analytical instrumentation, or other regulated industry strongly preferred
• Exposure to design control and product development lifecycle in regulated environments

• Thermal & Fluids:
• 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
• CAD & Simulation:
• Proficiency with Solid Works (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
• Hands‑On
  
  Skills:
  
  
• 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…