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# Staff System Design Engineer

- **Company:** Thermofisher Scientific
- **Location:** Fremont, CA, United States
- **Experience:** Expert
- **Salary:** $135,900.0 - $170,000.0
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** Computer-Aided Design, Systems Engineering, SolidWorks (CAD), Python (Programming Language), MATLAB, Visual Systems, Data Analytics
- **Published:** October 28, 2026
- **Apply:** https://dejobs.org/x/x/454A1C48F78F4051864FA593AC86FACA/job/

## About the Role

Bachelor's degree in physics, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, or related discipline., * 8+ years of system design experience.

 * Hands-on expertise in designing, setting up, and conducting experiments involving optics, electronics, measurement systems, and motion systems.
 * Experience with high-resolution microscopy and scanning systems.
 * Strong hands-on experience with laser systems and beam delivery, IR optics and imaging through silicon, and photon detection systems such as photomultiplier tubes (PMTs), avalanche photodiodes (APDs), and cameras.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

 * Deep understanding of systems engineering principles.
 * Familiarity with semiconductor failure analysis techniques such as LIVA, OBIRCH, and TIVA is preferred.
 * Proficiency in MATLAB, Python, or similar tools for data analysis, statistical methods, and automation. Experience with Python is an advantage.
 * Familiarity with CAD tools, such as SolidWorks, and design for manufacturability (DFM) principles.
 * Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills, with a creative, resourceful approach to problem solving.
 * Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to influence cross-functional teams.
 * Self-motivated, organized, customer-focused, and comfortable taking on challenges.

## Description

This is a fully onsite role based at our Fremont, CA site.

The Materials and Structural Analysis Division designs, manufactures, and supports high-performance microscopy workflows that provide images and answers at micro-, nano-, and picometer scales. The team combines expertise in electron, ion, and light microscopy with application knowledge in materials science, life sciences, electronics, and natural resources to help customers advance discovery and address global challenges.

How will you make an impact?

As a Staff System Design Engineer in the Electrical Failure Analysis (EFA) business unit, you will design, develop, and optimize advanced systems for semiconductor failure analysis, integrated circuit analysis, and circuit editing. This position focuses on high-performance optical systems for fault isolation, including infrared microscopy, laser stimulation, and photon emission detection. Working with R&D, systems engineering, electronics, software, and hardware teams, you will develop precise, manufacturable solutions for next-generation semiconductor analysis tools. The ideal candidate brings expertise in system design, laser-based instrumentation, and hands-on experimental validation, along with the ability to lead complex product development in a global, matrixed organization.

What will you do?

Design and develop electrical failure analysis tools, with responsibilities that include:

 * Lead the design and optimization of optical subsystems, including infrared (IR) imaging for silicon inspection, laser-based stimulation and probing (LIVA, OBIRCH, TIVA), and photon emission detection in the visible and near-infrared (NIR) ranges.
 * Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams to translate product requirements into prototypes that meet specifications, and conduct experiments to validate performance.
 * Investigate applications of existing technologies in other domains, working with product applications engineers and marketing to identify unmet needs and requirements.
 * Support operations and applications teams in resolving customer issues.
 * Conduct proof-of-concept studies and report findings to the team.