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 salary range for this role is $140-150k annually. Our total compensation packages includes base salary, bonus eligibility, and equity.

About Picarro:

Picarro, Inc. is the world's leading producer of greenhouse gas and optical stable isotope instruments, which are used in a wide variety of scientific and industrial applications, including: atmospheric science, air quality, greenhouse gas measurements, gas leak detection, food safety, hydrology, ecology and more. The company's products are all designed and manufactured at Picarro's Santa Clara, California headquarters and exported to countries worldwide. Picarro's products are based on dozens of patents related to cavity ring-down spectroscopy (CRDS) technology. Picarro's solutions are unparalleled in their precision, ease of use, portability, and reliability.

Honors awarded the Company include the World Economic Forum Technology Innovation Pioneer, IHS CERA Energy Innovation Pioneer, the U.S. Department of Energy Small Business of the Year, the TiE50 Winner and the Red Herring Global 100 Winner.

Key investors include Benchmark Capital Partners, Greylock Management Corporation, Duff, Ackerman & Goodrich, Stanford University, Focus Ventures, Mingxin China Growth Ltd., NTT Finance and Weston Presidio Capital.