Systems Engineer - Firmware & Instrument Control Company: Picarro
Location: Santa Clara, CA
Education: Bachelor's Degree Required (Advanced degree preferred)
Position OverviewPicarro is seeking a
Systems Engineer - Firmware & Instrument Controlto develop and support data acquisition, instrument control, and embedded software systems for advanced laser-based measurement platforms. This role focuses on solving complex real-time control and data acquisition challenges across experimental and production instrumentation environments.
The ideal candidate has strong hands-on experience with experimental systems, data acquisition hardware, and instrument automation, along with proficiency in modern software development practices.
Key Responsibilities- Design and implement firmware and software for data acquisition and instrument control systems
- Develop control interfaces for laser-based experimental instrumentation systems
- Integrate and support data acquisition hardware and peripheral devices
- Build reliable communication interfaces for distributed instrument systems
- Collaborate with scientists and engineers to translate experimental needs into robust control systems
- Develop automation tools for calibration, testing, and system monitoring
- Debug and optimize real-time data acquisition and control performance
- Support system integration from prototype through production deployment
Required Qualifications- Strong experience with data acquisition and control systems in experimental environments
- Hands-on experience with laser-based experimental systems or similar high-precision instrumentation
- Experience with laboratory automation and instrumentation control
Technical Skills- Experience with data acquisition platforms and tools such as:
- National Instruments (NI) systems
- LabVIEW
- Experience with embedded and prototyping platforms such as:
- Arduino
- Raspberry Pi
- Linux-based systems
- Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs)
- Strong understanding of instrument communication protocols:
- Proficiency in Python preferred for automation and control scripting
- C/C++ programming experience desirable
Preferred Qualifications- Experience with embedded systems development
- Exposure to microcontrollers, FPGA development, or real-time operating systems (RTOS)
- Strong debugging and system integration skills
- Experience building robust control systems for scientific or industrial instrumentation
- Familiarity with real-time data streaming and acquisition architectures
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 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.)
