Lead Systems Engineer

Title                                 Lead Systems Engineer

Department                    Engineering - Development

Location                          Niwot/Hybrid

Reports To                      Director of Engineering

About Us

Established in 1972, Particle Measuring Systems is a global leader for micro-contamination monitoring equipment improving the performance of clean manufactures in the semiconductor and pharmaceutical industries.  We’re a growing technology company in Niwot, Colorado, the heart of the Rocky Mountains.  We offer an exceptional and rewarding work environment in a great place to live.  Our employees enjoy challenging projects in the development and manufacture of light scattering particle counters and diverse technologies and applications.

Your Impact

We are looking for a Lead Systems Engineer who will contribute to the success of the Engineering Team, applying their expertise in system architecture and integration to support the achievement of team and company goals and deliver innovative, reliable solutions.  In this role, the successful candidate will collaborate effectively with colleagues and cross-functional teams, demonstrate strong problem-solving and decision-making skills, and maintain a commitment to professional excellence, quality and continuous improvement.

The Role

We are seeking a Lead Systems Engineer to serve as the system-level technical authority for complex, multi-disciplinary instrumentation products. This role will drive system architecture, integration, and verification across the full product lifecycle. This position is foundational in strengthening and scaling systems engineering within the organization. The successful candidate will establish best practices, drive cross-functional alignment, and help build systems engineering capability, with the opportunity to grow into formal team leadership as the function expands. Because the core performance and testability of our optical particle counters are determined at the interface of optics, photonics, and the detection signal chain, the role carries explicit design authority over system architecture, requirements, and verification adequacy, and is empowered to make and arbitrate cross-functional technical trade-off decisions across the optical, electrical, firmware, software, and mechanical disciplines.

Job Responsibilities

• Own system architecture development, including decomposition, interface definition, and performance budgeting across subsystems.

• Serve as the system-level technical authority, driving key architecture decisions and trade-offs.

• Hold clear decision rights at the system level: decide system architecture, interface definitions, and verification adequacy; recommend trade-offs that affect cost, schedule, and scope to program and portfolio leadership; and resolve cross-discipline technical disputes through the engineering leadership chain.

• Lead requirements engineering and maintain full traceability from customer needs through verification (JAMA or equivalent).

• Drive system-level integration strategy and execution, ensuring performance, reliability, and manufacturability.

• Identify and mitigate cross-functional risks and integration gaps early in development.

• Ensure alignment of subsystem design with overall system performance and interface definitions.

• Define and execute system-level verification and validation strategies, including integration planning and performance characterization.

• Lead root cause analysis of complex system issues using analytical modeling and experimental methods.

• Ensure systems meet requirements across all operating conditions.

• Partner closely with engineering, manufacturing, and quality teams to support design transfer, production ramp, and sustaining engineering.

• Participate in design reviews, technical planning, and compliance with engineering and quality standards.

• Lead technical trade studies, hazard analyses, and system-level risk assessments (DFMEA).

• Establish and evolve systems engineering processes, tools, and best practices across the organization. Own requirements governance and system-level knowledge capture and continuity, ensuring architecture rationale, interfaces, and verification evidence are documented and retained across programs.

• Mentor engineers and promote strong systems thinking across disciplines.

• Continuously evaluate processes for improvements in efficiency, quality, and safety

• This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive.  Responsibilities may evolve over time, and other related duties may be assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the company.

Required Qualifications

• BS in Engineering/Scientific discipline (Systems, Mechanical, Electrical, Computer Science) required.  MS or PhD preferred.

• 8+ years experience in complex instrumentation or precision product development environment with specific experience of real time systems, optics and sensors, electro-mechanics, laser light scattering, imaging systems, and / or related subsystems. Demonstrated understanding of the optical-to-electrical detection signal chain (detectors, analog front-end, signal conditioning, and FPGA/digital signal processing) and how it governs measurement performance and testability is strongly preferred.

• Experience operating as a system-level integrator across multiple engineering disciplines.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with experience in modelling and experimental validation.

• Experience with requirements management tools (JAMA, DOORS, etc.).

• Proficiency in MATLAB/Simulink, Python, and QBD methodology, e.g. LEAN, DMAIC, DFSS, DBS, etc.

• Knowledge of control systems, sensor integration, signal processing, and embedded systems.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Engineering.

• Demonstrated experience leading system architecture and integration on cross-functional programs.

• Experience helping establish or mature systems engineering practices within an organization.

• Experience in regulated or high-reliability industries (medical device, semiconductor, aerospace).

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• This role primarily operates in an office/lab/manufacturing environment.  Must be able to sit, stand, and use a computer for extended periods of time

• Occasional lifting of up to 20 lbs. may be required

• Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this role

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive base salary range: $120000 - 177000 depending on experience

  • Our compensation philosophy: we offer competitive pay based on market data, including local, national, and industry benchmarks.  For new hires, offers are generally within the established min- to mid-point of the range for the role, with flexibility to recognize experience, skills, and education.  Our approach ensures fair pay internally while remaining competitive externally and allows room for growth.

• Comprehensive benefits package:

  • Health coverage: medical, dental, vision, fsa, onsite clinic (CO employees), life insurance

  • 401(k) retirement plan with company match

  • Vacation, holiday, and leave policies

  • Tuition reimbursement, Employee recognition programs, Employee assistance programs

Particle Measuring Systems is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and are committed to building an inclusive and supportive workplace where everyone can thrive.

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