Picarro · 8 hours ago
Systems Development Engineer
Santa Clara, CA
Full-time
Onsite
Mid Level
$120K/yr - $130K/yrPicarro is the world's leader in timely, trusted, and actionable data using enhanced optical spectroscopy. They are seeking a Systems Development Engineer to design and develop advanced analytical systems, integrate various subsystems, and optimize system performance through collaboration and data analysis.
ChemicalGreenTechManufacturingOil and Gas
Responsibilities
Design, develop, and test advanced analytical and spectroscopic systems that meet strategic technical and commercial goals
Plan and execute experiments to evaluate system performance, signal stability, and detection limits, using principles of experimental design and statistical analysis
Develop algorithms and analytical software in Python to process, interpret, and visualize spectroscopic data
Create and test new system architectures integrating optical, electrical, mechanical, and software subsystems
Formulate manufacturing specifications and test protocols to ensure reliable, scalable production of prototype and commercial systems
Lead and maintain technical documentation—including product specifications, design history files, validation plans, system requirements, and NPI process documentation
Collaborate with scientists and engineers across optical design, chemistry, electronics, mechanical design, and software to optimize system performance
Conduct data-driven performance analyses and support algorithmic improvements to enhance sensitivity, selectivity, and real-time response
Lead risk management and design reviews (failure mode and effects analysis, fault tree analysis, etc.) to ensure system robustness and regulatory compliance
Qualification
Required
M.S. or Ph.D. in Engineering, Physics, Applied Physics, Physical Chemistry, or a related field
Proven experience with analytical or spectroscopic instrumentation
Demonstrated ability to design and execute experiments, interpret results quantitatively, and refine system parameters based on data
Proficiency in Python for scientific computation, data processing, and algorithm development (e.g., NumPy, SciPy, pandas, matplotlib)
Understanding of infrared spectroscopy, including molecular structure–spectrum relationships
Familiarity with data modeling, signal processing, or machine learning approaches for instrument data analysis is a plus
Experience with system-level integration across optical, mechanical, and electronic subsystems
Excellent documentation, communication, and project management skills
Preferred
Experience developing industrial or laboratory analytical instruments from concept through production
Familiarity with ISO/IEC-compliant design and validation processes
Extensive hands-on proficiency with spectroscopic or laser-based instrumentation
Experience with pneumatic control systems or components
Knowledge of real-time data acquisition systems and hardware–software interfacing
Background in Design of Experiments (DoE) and reliability testing
General ability with hand tools and equipment. Experience building or testing gas or liquid handling systems a plus
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.)
Company
Picarro
Picarro produces gas analyzers for a variety of markets, including atmospheric science, greenhouse gas measurement, air quality, and others.
Founded in 1998
201-500 employees
H1B Sponsorship
Picarro has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (6)
2024 (4)
2023 (18)
2022 (15)
2021 (1)
2020 (9)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$56.5MKey Investors
Focus VenturesBenchmark
2012-07-25Series D· $7M
2004-12-14Series C· $15M
2003-06-04Series B· $12.5M
Leadership Team
Alex Balkanski
CEO
Nipun Soni
Chief Financial Officer
Recent News
2026-01-14
Company data provided by crunchbase