Principal Systems Engineer - Scientific Instruments

Are you the type of engineer who evaluates a new measurement concept and can quickly determine whether it will work-or why it won't?Anton Paar QuantaTec is seeking a Principal Systems Engineer to define the architecture of next-generation analytical instruments before development begins. In this role, you will apply first-principles physics, quantitative modeling, and system-level tradeoff analysis to evaluate measurement concepts, define instrument architectures, and ensure that only physically sound and scalable designs enter product development.You will operate at the front end of innovation, shaping new instrument platforms and evaluating emerging sensing technologies that will influence Anton Paar's future product portfolio.What You Will ArchitectAnalytical laboratory instruments that characterize powders and porous materials using techniques such as:PhysisorptionChemisorptionGas pycnometryMercury intrusion porosimetryCapillary flow porometryPhysically viable system concepts and modular architectures that are reusable across multiple instruments.Key ResponsibilitiesArchitectural PlanningIdentify dominant physical effects, cross-domain interactions, and disturbance mechanisms, and distinguish them from negligible effects during early concept evaluation.Establish functional and physical modularization strategies balancing measurement performance, serviceability, and reuse.Specify system boundaries, module interfaces, and architectural constraints.Select enabling technologies based on quantitative feasibility and robustness.Functional PerformanceAnalyze operational requirements, including sensitivity, stability, noise, drift, and environmental influences.Derive and assess measures to achieve reliable, high-quality measurement results within known physical and practical limits.Develop simplified physical models, first-principle estimates, and error budgets to evaluate measurement feasibility, performance limits, and architectural trade-offs prior to detailed design.Business AlignmentEnsure technically feasible system concepts are aligned with strategic goals, cost constraints, scalability, and long-term product sustainability.Decision-Making & Technical AuthorityEvaluate competing physical system concepts using quantitative analysis and first-principles reasoning and determine whether concepts are physically viable for development.Provide architecture-level go/no-go recommendations during concept and pre-development stages.Serve as a technical authority during development, ensuring adherence to the defined system architecture.Support resolution of architecture-relevant issues when deviations or conflicts arise.Assess existing instruments to identify architectural weaknesses, performance limitations, and opportunities for reuse or improvement.Document architectural decisions, models, assumptions, and interfaces to ensure long-term reuse and traceability.Protect and manage architectural knowledge and intellectual property.Note: This role owns the physical system architecture. Software architecture and implementation are outside its scope.Occasional domestic or international travel may be required (RequiredBS in Physical Sciences, Mechatronics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, or similar fieldMinimum 5 years of experience in engineering or physics-based product developmentDemonstrated experience in physical modeling, error budgeting, and early-stage concept evaluationStrong communication skills and ability to collaborate within diverse technical teamsExperience evaluating software architectures, reviewing code, or conducting technology assessments for business or acquisition decisionsPreferredPhD in Physical Sciences, Mechatronics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, or similar fieldExperience in precision instrument or product developmentExperience in project managementExperience generating technical documentation: requirements, specifications, reports, plans, proceduresExperience in technology due diligence, M&A assessment, or evaluating acquisition targets from a systems/software perspectiveSuccess CriteriaPhysically viable system concepts are defined and released into product developmentArchitectural modules are reused across instruments with minimal adaptationProduct developments avoid late-stage redesigns due to unrecognized physical limitationsArchitectural decisions, models, assumptions, and trade-offs are documented and traceableCore CompetenciesTechnical ExpertiseFirst-principles estimates and physics-based reasoningCompare competing physical conceptsReason across domains without detailed simulationIdentify dominant vs negligible effectsProblem SolvingEffectively identifies issues and evaluates optionsEscalates trade-offs where requiredTime ManagementAchieves results within defined timeframesPrioritizes conflicting workstreams or escalates to R&D DirectorTeamworkWorks effectively in cross-functional and inter-company teamsUnderstands role and contribution within multidisciplinary groupsQualityApplies structured problem-solving approachesVerifies work thoroughly, maintains attention to detailSeeks continuous improvement opportunitiesWho We AreAnton Paar's high-precision instruments help develop everyday products: shampoo, shoes, food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, batteries, jet engines, and even pavement.We work with Fortune 500 companies, startups, and leading universities.Owned by the Santner Foundation, Anton Paar invests heavily in R&D to deliver industry-leading products while maintaining long-term stability and independence.Headquartered in Graz, Austria, Anton Paar operates worldwide.Supervision & Work EnvironmentIndividual contributor role with technical authority, working closely with Engineering and Product Development teamsRegular sitting, standing, walking, communication, and handling of equipmentOccasional lifting up to 20 lbsRequires ability to obtain a passport for international travelAnton Paar QuantaTec Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.