System Test Engineer

The role

You will test, validate, and troubleshoot complex analytical instruments. You will work with lasers, optics, electronics, and mechanical systems to ensure performance and quality standards.

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.

Required qualifications

• 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.

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.)

About the company

Picarro is a leader in data using enhanced optical spectroscopy. Their software and hardware are designed and manufactured in Santa Clara, California.