Development Technician

Development Technician at Picarro Santa Clara, CA

The Opportunity

Picarro is seeking a hands-on and detail-oriented Development Technician to support the development of our next-generation spectroscopy platforms and gas measurement products. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys working with complex systems, assembling precision instruments, and collaborating closely with engineers to bring innovative designs to life.

As a Development Technician, you will be part of a world-class team working with cutting-edge technologies such as Cavity Ringdown Spectroscopy (CRDS) and broadband lasers. You'll play a key role in building, testing, and refining prototypes and pilot systems, helping to ensure our products meet the highest standards of performance and reliability.

This position reports to the Director of Opto-Mechanical Engineering.

The Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a hands-on technician who thrives on solving problems, learning new skills, and contributing to the development of high-performance systems. You'll be the first to assemble new designs, identify and troubleshoot issues, and work closely with engineers to improve processes and product quality. You're curious, adaptable, and eager to grow your expertise in optics, mechanics, electronics, and spectroscopy.

Key Responsibilities

* Assemble and test new electro-optomechanical systems and prototypes.

* Follow and help refine assembly procedures for new designs.

* Support engineering pilot builds and assist in transferring products to manufacturing.

* Set up and operate tooling stations; assist in developing and documenting new tools and processes.

* Collaborate with engineers to troubleshoot and resolve technical issues.

* Maintain detailed records of builds, tests, and process improvements.

* Train other technicians on new procedures and tools.

Technical Skills and Expertise

* Assembly & Troubleshooting: Skilled in assembling precision systems and identifying issues during build and test phases.

* Optical Components: Familiarity with or willingness to learn about lasers, detectors, isolators, and coated optics.

* Mechanical Precision: Comfortable working with tight mechanical tolerances and alignment processes.

* Attachment Techniques: Exposure to or interest in learning UV/thermal epoxies, soldering, and laser welding.

* Testing & Reliability: Assist in reliability testing and reporting; support mitigation efforts.

* Tooling & Process Development: Participate in the setup and improvement of tooling and assembly processes.

* Documentation: Detail-oriented with a commitment to maintaining accurate and thorough documentation.

Qualifications and Experience

* Associate's degree in a technical field (e.g., Mechanical Technology, Electronics, Optics) or equivalent hands-on experience.

* 1-3 years of experience in a technician role, preferably in a development or manufacturing environment.

* Basic understanding of optics, mechanics, electronics, and software systems.

* Experience using hand tools, measurement instruments, and assembly equipment.

* Strong communication and teamwork skills.

* Ability to adapt to a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

Preferred Qualifications

* Passion for working at the intersection of research and product development.

* Experience supporting engineering teams in prototype builds and process development.

The salary range for this role is $50K-$55k annually. Our total compensation packages includes base salary, bonus eligibility, and equity.

About Picarro

Picarro, Inc. empowers the world with timely, trusted, and actionable data for environmental monitoring. Our innovative technologies help industries detect and manage emissions, comply with regulations, and improve air quality. Based on patented Cavity Ring-Down Spectroscopy (CRDS), our solutions offer unmatched precision and reliability across applications in atmospheric science, greenhouse gas measurement, gas leak detection, food safety, hydrology, and more.

Our headquarters in Santa Clara, California, is home to our design and manufacturing operations, and our products are used worldwide.