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 understand complex systems with multiple interacting subsystems
• - Experience with system-level integration and validation
• - Strong troubleshooting and root-cause analysis skills

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Strong written and verbal communication; able to present complex data clearly
• Collaborative mindset; works effectively across disciplines (EE, ME, SW, Optics)
• Detail-oriented with strong documentation habits
• Self-directed with the ability to manage multiple priorities

• Experience with CRDS or other cavity-enhanced spectroscopy techniques
• Background in gas sensing, atmospheric science, or environmental monitoring
• Experience with machine learning for system optimization or anomaly detection
• Familiarity with version control (Git) and collaborative…