Systems Development Engineer

Systems Development Engineer:

Location: Santa Clara, CA (4/5 days a week Onsite)

We seek a Systems Engineer with a strong background in analytical instrumentation and experimental system design. The ideal candidate combines hands-on hardware proficiency with experience in Python programming, quantitative analysis of data, and infrared spectroscopy. You will play a key role in developing and integrating advanced measurement systems that combine novel sample handling with laser-based and spectroscopic analytical technologies.

Key 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

Qualifications

• 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

• 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.

The base salary range for this full-time position is $120K to $130K. Our total compensation packages includes 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