Staff Engineer - Embedded Systems

Staff Engineer - Embedded Systems Location:Santa Clara, CA (primarily onsite)Group:Analyzer Product Group (APG), EngineeringJob Title:Staff Engineer - Embedded SystemsRole SummaryPicarro is seeking aStaff Engineer - Embedded Systems to provide technical vision and architectural leadership for the embedded platforms powering our advanced Cavity Ring-Down Spectroscopy (CRDS) instrumentation.This is a high-impact, hands-on leadership role responsible for defining and driving system architecture across firmware, FPGA, embedded Linux, and hardware interfaces. You will serve as a principal technical authority-shaping long-term platform strategy, mentoring senior engineers, and ensuring scalable, high-performance system integration across complex instrumentation products.This role is ideal for a deeply experienced embedded systems expert who thrives at the intersection of hardware, firmware, FPGA logic, and software-and who can translate strategic vision into robust, production-grade systems.Key ResponsibilitiesTechnical Strategy & System ArchitectureDefine and own the architecture of Linux-based embedded systems, including kernel components, device drivers, services, and communication interfacesArchitect and maintain system-level interfaces between FPGA modules, microcontroller firmware, and high-level applicationsLead cross-layer design decisions spanning hardware, FPGA, firmware, and embedded softwareEstablish a long-term platform strategy for performance, scalability, modularity, and maintainabilityDrive architectural standards and design governance across embedded product linesEmbedded & FPGA Development LeadershipDevelop and review high-performance C/C++ code for embedded Linux and real-time systemsLead board bring-up activities, hardware abstraction layer development, and low-level device integrationProvide technical oversight of FPGA development and integrationContribute to or review FPGA designs written in Verilog and VHDLTroubleshoot complex cross-domain issues involving hardware, firmware, FPGA logic, and software stacksDrive system-level debugging using lab instrumentation and advanced diagnostic toolsCross-Functional Technical LeadershipCollaborate closely with hardware, firmware, FPGA, and application teams to deliver cohesive system solutionsPartner with product management and systems engineering to evaluate trade-offs and optimize architecture decisionsEngage with external vendors on drivers, silicon, and specialized firmware componentsInfluence product roadmaps through technical insight and architectural foresightMentorship & Organizational ImpactMentor senior and staff-level engineers in advanced embedded system design and FPGA integrationServe as a subject matter expert in embedded Linux, firmware architecture, and hardware/software co-designElevate engineering standards through code reviews, architectural reviews, and design guidelinesLead major technical initiatives and drive continuous improvement in engineering processesEngineering Excellence & QualityChampion modern development practices including CI/CD, automated testing, and structured design reviewsEnsure robust unit, integration, and system-level validation strategiesDrive compliance with internal quality standards and applicable regulatory requirementsPromote documentation discipline and long-term maintainabilityQualificationsEducation & ExperienceBS/MS in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field10+ years of experience in embedded systems design and developmentProven experience in architecting and delivering complex, production-grade embedded platformsDemonstrated leadership of large-scale technical initiatives or system architectures in instrumentation or hardware-centric productsTechnical Expertise (Required)Expert-level proficiency in C/C++ for embedded Linux and/or RTOS environmentsDeep knowledge of Linux kernel internals, device drivers, and board bring-upStrong expertise in microcontroller firmware and hardware abstraction layersSignificant experience interfacing with and integrating FPGA-based systemsProficiency in Verilog and VHDL for FPGA development and reviewStrong understanding of digital communication protocols (I2C, SPI, PCIe, SERDES, UART, Ethernet, etc.)Experience with low-level debugging using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and lab instrumentationStrong system-level debugging, performance tuning, and optimization capabilitiesExperience with Python or scripting for automation and test infrastructureProficiency with modern development tools (Git, Jira, CI/CD pipelines, embedded debugging environments)Soft Skills & LeadershipStrong ability to lead through influence across multidisciplinary engineering teamsExcellent communication and documentation skills for both technical and executive audiencesStrategic thinker with a hands-on, pragmatic execution styleHigh ownership mindset with strong problem-solving capabilitiesPreferred QualificationsExperience developing software for CRDS systems, analytical instrumentation, or complex sensing platformsKnowledge of embedded software compliance and regulatory frameworksPrior experience scaling embedded architectures across multiple product generationsExperience in improving engineering processes and mentoring teams toward architectural maturityAt Picarro, Staff Engineers play a critical role in shaping the future of our technology platforms. If you are passionate about architecting sophisticated embedded systems and driving innovation at the hardware-software boundary, we encourage you to apply.The base salary range for this full-time position is $180K to $210K. 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 insuranceFlexible Spending Account (FSA) and Health Savings Account (HSA) plansLife, Short-Term Disability, and Long-Term Disability InsurancePaid Time Off and Paid HolidaysEmployee Referral Program401KSocial 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. atfor assistance.