Environmental Technology, Scientific Instruments, Industrial Automation, IoT

System Test Engineer

Santa Clara, CAOnsiteFull Time$80,000–$100,000 /yrPosted 6 days agoVisa sponsorship available

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Required skills

system test
manufacturing test
analytical instrumentation
lasers
optics
complex electromechanical systems
root-cause problem-solving
systems thinking
test data
schematics

Nice to have

Near-infrared laser systems
broadband lasers
laser spectroscopy
CRDS
optical spectroscopy
Mass spectrometry

Role summary

Picarro is seeking a System Test Engineer to join their Operations/Manufacturing team in Santa Clara, California. This role involves hands-on testing and troubleshooting of complex analytical instruments, diagnosing issues across various subsystems including lasers, optics, electronics, software, and firmware. The engineer will analyze test data, investigate root causes, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to resolve technical problems and improve product quality and manufacturing efficiency. A Bachelor's degree in engineering or a related technical discipline, or equivalent experience, along with 3+ years of relevant experience in system test, manufacturing test, or scientific instrumentation is required. Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and systems thinking skills are essential.

The Opportunity

Are you an engineer who enjoys getting hands-on with complex systems, solving difficult technical problems, and discovering why something is not working?

Picarro is looking for a System Test Engineer to join our Operations/Manufacturing team. You will work directly with sophisticated analytical instruments, performing system-level testing, troubleshooting challenging issues, and helping ensure every system meets our performance and quality standards.

We are seeking someone with strong systems thinking and hands-on troubleshooting skills. Experience with lasers, optics, analytical instrumentation, or complex electromechanical systems is a strong fit. Experience with broadband lasers, laser spectroscopy, Cavity Ring-Down Spectroscopy (CRDS), mass spectrometry, gas analysis, or vacuum systems is especially valuable, but not required.

What You Will Do

Test, validate, and troubleshoot complex analytical instruments.

Diagnose issues across lasers, optics, electronics, detectors, mechanical systems, vacuum and gas-handling systems, software, and firmware.

Analyze system and test data to isolate failures at the system, subsystem, and component levels.

Investigate root causes and help resolve recurring manufacturing and test issues.

Partner with Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality, and Service teams to resolve technical problems.

Refine test procedures and troubleshooting methods to improve product quality and manufacturing efficiency.

Support new product introductions, engineering changes, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Document test results, technical findings, and corrective actions clearly and accurately.

What We Are Looking For

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, physics, or a related technical discipline, or equivalent relevant experience.

3+ years of relevant hands-on experience in system test, manufacturing test, scientific or analytical instrumentation, lasers and optics, or complex electromechanical systems.

Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and root-cause problem-solving skills.

Ability to work across multiple technical disciplines and understand how subsystems interact.

Comfortable interpreting test data, schematics, technical documentation, and system diagrams.

Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate across technical teams.

Nice to have:

Near-infrared laser systems, broadband lasers, or laser spectroscopy.

CRDS or other optical spectroscopy technologies.

Mass spectrometry or other analytical instrumentation.

Gas analyzers, vacuum systems, or gas-handling systems.

Optical and electrical troubleshooting.

Manufacturing or production test engineering.

Python, MATLAB, or similar test and data-analysis tools.

The base salary range for this full-time position is $80K to $100K. Our total compensation packages include base salary, bonus eligibility, and equity. Your base salary range and title will be determined based on the location, experience, qualification, skills, knowledge, level, and pay of employees in similar positions.

We offer a comprehensive benefit package including:

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.)

About Picarro:

We are the world's leader in timely, trusted, and actionable data using enhanced optical spectroscopy. Our solutions are used in a wide variety of applications, including natural gas leak detection, ethylene oxide emissions monitoring, semiconductor fabrication, pharmaceutical, petrochemical, atmospheric science, air quality, greenhouse gas measurements, food safety, hydrology, ecology, and more. Our software and hardware are designed and manufactured in Santa Clara, California and are used in over 90 countries worldwide based on over 65 patents related to cavity ring-down spectroscopy (CRDS) technology and are unparalleled in their precision, ease of use, and reliability.

At Picarro, we are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, protected veteran status, gender identity, social orientation, or disability. Posted positions are not open to third-party recruiters/agencies, and unsolicited resume submissions will be considered free referrals.

At Picarro, we strive to ensure that all individuals, regardless of their abilities, have equal opportunities. If you are an individual with a disability and require reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application process or are limited in the ability or unable to access or use this online application process and need an alternative method for applying, please contact Picarro, Inc. at disabilityassistance@picarro.com for assistance.

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