Senior Analog & Optoelectronics Systems Engineer

Senior Analog & Optoelectronics Systems Engineer
Location: Santa Clara, CA
Primarily onsite with occasional remote flexibility
Role Summary:
Picarro is hiring a Senior Analog & Optoelectronics Systems Engineer in the Bay Area. Join us in developing cutting-edge spectroscopy systems where performance hinges on exceptional analog signal fidelity and embedded control. In this role, you will take full ownership of analog front-end development—including high-speed TIAs, laser drivers, and ADC interfaces—while collaborating closely with FPGA and firmware teams to drive signal integrity and system-level integration. A solid grounding in optical physics and system-level understanding is essential to troubleshoot and optimize performance across optical-electronic boundaries.
Key Responsibilities:
• Design, simulate, and validate analog/mixed-signal circuits (TIAs, laser drivers, ADC/DAC interfaces) for spectroscopy and sensing applications
• Lead schematic capture and PCB layout, applying best practices in SI/PI, impedance control, filtering, and low-noise design
• Identify root causes of noise in photodetector and laser driver circuits—including thermal noise, shot noise, EMI, and layout-induced artifacts—and design mitigation strategies across component, board, and system levels
• Ensure linearity of response in analog front-ends; identify and address sources of nonlinearity such as gain compression, layout parasitics, and power supply coupling
• Collaborate with FPGA and firmware teams on signal capture, synchronization, and control schemes, ensuring tight integration with analog front-ends
• Develop bench setups and perform debug using oscilloscopes, VNAs, spectrum analyzers, and other tools; automate testing with Python/MATLAB
• Drive root-cause analysis and design iterations to enhance performance, robustness, and manufacturability
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to internal best practices in analog and optoelectronic systems development
Qualifications:
• BS/MS in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, or related field; PhD is a plus
• 7+ years of experience in analog/mixed-signal design with proven impact in instrumentation or sensing systems
• Expertise in ADC/DAC integration, high-speed TIAs, laser drivers, low-jitter clocking, and precision analog front-ends
• Deep knowledge of analog noise sources and mitigation strategies in low-level optical signal detection and laser drive circuits
• Strong grasp of linearity principles in analog design, with experience troubleshooting and correcting nonlinearity in real-world systems
• Proficiency with simulation and modeling tools (SPICE, ADS, HFSS) and hands-on lab instrumentation
• Strong understanding of embedded-electronic-optical system integration and debug
• Proven ability to analyze experimental data rigorously, troubleshoot system issues, and synthesize insights across optical and electrical domains
Preferred Experience:
• Background in optical spectroscopy or high-performance sensing instruments
• Familiarity with FPGA or digital firmware interfaces
• Experience managing thermal/power stability in analog precision systems

The base salary range for this full-time position is $170K to $180K. 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 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 [email protected] for assistance.