Senior NPI Engineer – Optomechanical Systems

Senior NPI Engineer – Optomechanical Systems

Santa Clara, CA

The Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced, hands-on NPI Engineer to lead the transition of next-generation spectroscopy products from prototype through pilot build and into volume manufacturing.

Picarro’s products deliver real-time measurements of critical gases at parts-per-billion and parts-per-trillion levels. In this role, you will take ownership of translating advanced CRDS-based optomechanical designs into robust, scalable, and high-yield manufacturing processes.

You will operate at the critical interface between R&D and manufacturing—driving productization strategy, leading build execution, and ensuring that complex optical systems can be manufactured with precision, repeatability, and cost-effectiveness.

This position reports to the Director of Spectrometer Engineering.

The Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a seasoned productization / NPI engineer who thrives in ambiguity and takes full ownership of getting products into production.

Leads by example as a hands-on builder and problem solver

Owns complex builds and drives issues to closure across disciplines

Influences design decisions to ensure manufacturability

Creates processes, tooling, and documentation from first principles

Acts as a technical bridge between engineering, manufacturing, and suppliers

Is comfortable leading builds, mentoring junior engineers and technicians, and making technical trade-offs that balance performance, manufacturability, and cost.

Key Responsibilities

NPI Leadership & Product Transfer Ownership

Lead NPI from prototype through pilot build and production ramp

Own engineering builds from prototype to early production

Drive alignment across R&D, operations, quality, and supply chain

Ensure successful transfer to manufacturing with clear ownership of yield, quality, and readiness

Design for Manufacturability & Productization

Lead DFM/DFA/DFX to optimize manufacturability, reliability, and cost

Influence design through tolerance, alignment, and process constraints

Identify high-risk areas early and drive design and process changes

Process Development & Industrialization

Develop and validate assembly processes for precision optomechanical systems

Define process flows, controls, and acceptance criteria

Establish repeatable alignment processes and production windows

Lead tooling and fixture strategy and validation

Pilot Builds & Manufacturing Readiness

Plan and lead EVT/DVT/PVT builds, including line setup

Analyze yield, variation, and failures; drive root cause and corrective actions

Own production readiness reviews and release criteria

Supplier & Manufacturing Interface

Lead contract manufacturer and supplier engagement for production readiness

Drive supplier selection, qualification, and process alignment

Resolve technical issues across internal and external manufacturing

Documentation & Process Control

Own manufacturing documentation, including:

Work instructions

Process flows and control plans

Test procedures and validation reports

Ensure robust configuration control and change management (ECO/PLM)

Establish scalable documentation standards across programs

Production Ramp & Continuous Improvement

Own technical support during early production ramp

Drive yield improvement, cost reduction, and process robustness

Establish feedback loops between production, design, and suppliers for continuous improvement

Technical Leadership & Mentorship

Serve as a technical leader for NPI and productization activities within the team

Mentor junior engineers and technicians in build practices, debugging, and process development

Set technical standards for assembly, alignment, and manufacturing processes

Technical Expertise

Strong hands-on experience with high-precision optomechanical systems

Expertise in optical alignment (active/passive), micron-level tolerances, and stability

Deep understanding of optical components (lasers, detectors, coated optics, isolators)

Experience with advanced attachment techniques (epoxies, soldering, welding)

Strong background in debugging complex electro-opto-mechanical systems

Experience with process validation, yield analysis, and root cause methodologies

Qualifications

BS/MS in Physics, Optical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field

4–7+ years of relevant experience in the industry

Proven experience leading NPI/productization efforts for complex hardware systems

Demonstrated ownership of pilot builds and manufacturing transfer

Strong cross-functional leadership and communication skills

Preferred

Experience with spectroscopy or precision optical instrumentation

Experience working with contract manufacturers and supply chains

Familiarity with cleanroom or precision assembly environments

Experience with DOE, PFMEA, SPC, or other process control methodologies

Why This Role Matters

This role is critical to translating Picarro’s cutting-edge optical designs into manufacturable, high-performance products. You will directly influence product scalability, yield, and reliability—and play a key role in bringing advanced measurement technologies from the lab into the field.

The base salary range for this full-time position is $130K to $150K. 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