Picarro · 2 hours ago
Systems Engineer - Instrumentation
Santa Clara, CA
Full-time
Hybrid
Entry, Mid, Senior Level
$140K/yr - $150K/yr
5+ years expPicarro is a leader in optical spectroscopy solutions, and they are seeking a Systems Engineer with a blend of electrical engineering and data science skills. The role focuses on characterizing, integrating, and troubleshooting Cavity Ring-Down Spectroscopy (CRDS) measurement systems while applying data analysis to improve system performance.
EnergyChemical & MaterialsRenewable EnergyManufacturingChemicalGreenTechOil and Gas
Responsibilities
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
Qualification
Required
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
Proficient in Python for data analysis, visualization, and automation (NumPy, Pandas, SciPy, Matplotlib)
Strong statistical analysis skills (regression, DOE, uncertainty quantification, time-series analysis)
Experience with data pipelines, Jupyter notebooks, and reproducible analysis workflows
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)
Understanding of optical principles (alignment, beam propagation, cavity optics)
Familiarity with spectroscopic techniques (absorption spectroscopy, CRDS principles a plus)
Experience characterizing optical system performance
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
Preferred
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 development practices
Experience in regulated or high-reliability product environments
Knowledge of manufacturing test development and statistical process control
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