Systems Engineer - Instrumentation

Systems Engineer - Instrumentation

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

Group: Analyzer Product Group (APG), Engineering

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.

• 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

• 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

• Data Analysis & Programming
  • Proficient in Python for data analysis, visualization, and automation (Num Py, Pandas, Sci Py, Matplotlib)
  • Strong statistical analysis skills (regression, DOE, uncertainty quantification, time‑series analysis)
  • Experience with data pipelines, Jupyter notebooks, and reproducible analysis workflows
• Electronics & Optoelectronics
  • 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)
• Optical Systems & Spectroscopy
  • Understanding of optical principles (alignment, beam propagation, cavity optics)
  • Familiarity with spectroscopic techniques (absorption spectroscopy, CRDS principles a plus)
  • Experience characterizing optical system performance
• Systems Thinking
  • Ability to…