Industrial Engineer (R&D)

Job Title:Industrial Engineer (R&D)

Location: Santa Clara, CA

Role Summary:

We are seeking a highly experienced and driven Senior Industrial Engineer to join our R&D team and play a pivotal role in our New Product Introduction process. This individual will be responsible for the end-to-end industrial engineering aspects of establishing and managing an initial product manufacturing pilot line, with a strong focus on optimizing build time, material flow, and ensuring a seamless transition to production. The ideal candidate will possess a proven track record in pilot line setup, optimization, and successful technology transfer, particularly within cleanroom environments handling sensitive components like optics and lasers. This position reports to the R&D Director of Opto-Mechanical Engineering.

Must-Haves:

• Educational Background: Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a closely related field. Master's degree preferred.
• Experience (Overall): Minimum of 3 to 5 years of progressive experience in industrial engineering roles within a manufacturing or R&D environment, specifically related to new product introduction (NPI).
• Pilot Line Setup & Management: Demonstrated, hands-on experience in designing, laying out, building, and managing pilot manufacturing lines from conception through operational readiness.
• Transition to Production: Proven success in transitioning pilot line processes and products to full-scale production, including process validation, documentation, and training.
• Process Optimization: Expert-level proficiency in applying industrial engineering principles (e.g., Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Value Stream Mapping, Time & Motion Studies) to optimize manufacturing processes, reduce cycle times, and improve efficiency.
• Layout & Material Flow: Extensive experience in facility layout and design, with a focus on optimizing material flow, minimizing waste, and maximizing build efficiency.
• Proficiency in SolidWorks: Demonstrated advanced proficiency in SolidWorks for designing, analyzing, and documenting manufacturing layouts, fixtures, and tooling.
• Optics Handling & Storage: Specific prior experience in environments involving the handling, storage, and processing of sensitive optical components, understanding the unique requirements for cleanliness, ESD (Electrostatic Discharge), and contamination control.
• Inspection Methodologies: Deep understanding and practical experience with optical and mechanical inspection methodologies and equipment for precision components.
• Statistical Process Control (SPC): Proven experience in implementing and utilizing Statistical Process Control (SPC) methods to monitor, control, and improve process capability and product quality.
• Digital Documentation & Data Management: Proven ability to establish and implement robust digital documentation processes for manufacturing procedures, process parameters, test results, and quality data. Experience with MES (Manufacturing Execution System) or similar data management platforms.
• Manufacturing Process Instruction (MPI) / SOP Generation: Demonstrated ability to develop clear, concise, and comprehensive manufacturing process instructions (MPIs), Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and work instructions for complex assembly and test operations, ensuring repeatability and high quality.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Exceptional collaboration skills with the ability to work effectively with R&D, Design, Quality, Supply Chain, and Production teams.
• Problem-Solving & Analytical Skills: Strong analytical capabilities to identify root causes of inefficiencies, propose data-driven solutions, and validate improvements.
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for technical documentation, presentations, and stakeholder engagement.

Nice-to-Haves:

• Automation Experience: Familiarity with the integration of automation, robotics, or semi-automated processes into manufacturing lines.
• Certifications: Lean Six Sigma Black Belt or Green Belt certification.

The base salary range for this full-time position is $140K to $150K. 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. atdisabilityassistance@picarro.comfor assistance.