Picarro · 8 hours ago
Systems Engineer - Thermal & Fluidics
Santa Clara, CA
Full-time
Hybrid
Senior Level
$140K/yr - $150K/yr
5+ years expPicarro is the world's leader in timely, trusted, and actionable data using enhanced optical spectroscopy. They are seeking a Systems Engineer with deep expertise in heat transfer and fluid mechanics to design, characterize, and optimize thermal and fluidic subsystems for their Cavity Ring-Down Spectroscopy (CRDS) instrumentation.
EnergyChemical & MaterialsRenewable EnergyManufacturingChemicalGreenTechOil and Gas
Responsibilities
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 SolidWorks 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
Qualification
Required
MS in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related field
5+ years of relevant experience in thermal/fluidic system design
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
Proficiency with SolidWorks (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
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 root-cause analysis capabilities
Experience working with suppliers, vendors, and contract manufacturers
Understanding of manufacturing processes (machining, injection molding, sheet metal)
Knowledge of industry best practices for component selection and sourcing
Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
Excellent written and verbal communication
Collaborative; works effectively across ME, EE, and manufacturing teams
Detail-oriented with strong documentation habits
Self-directed; able to manage projects from concept through production
Preferred
Experience in medical diagnostics, analytical instrumentation, or other regulated industry strongly preferred
Experience with gas analyzers, spectroscopy systems, or precision instrumentation
Background in optical system thermal management
Familiarity with FDA, ISO 13485, or similar regulatory frameworks
Experience with FMEA, risk analysis, and design verification/validation
Knowledge of statistical methods for test data analysis
Experience with GD&T and tolerance analysis
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.
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
Alexandre Balkanski
CEO
Recent News
2026-01-14
Company data provided by crunchbase