Staff Electrical Engineer

TitleStaff Electrical Engineer

Department Engineering - Development

LocationNiwot/Hybrid

Reports To Research Director

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. Were 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

This position is critical to sustaining the companys technical leadership and innovation pipeline. The Staff Engineer will shape next-generation sensing technologies influence product direction and ensure continuity of specialized expertise essential to the companys success.

The Role

We are seeking a highly experienced Staff Electrical Engineer to lead the research design and development of advanced photonic detection systems and ultra-low-noise front-end electronics used in precision particle counting instrumentation. This role combines deep theoretical expertise with hands-on engineering and cross-disciplinary collaboration in optics electronics physics and signal processing. The successful candidate will serve as a technical authority and innovation driver for next-generation sensing platforms by turning concepts into practical engineering solutions through agile fail-fast industrial research.

Job Responsibilities

Technical Leadership

• Serve as the organizations technical expert in photonic detectors optical sensing and low-noise analog front-end design.

• Lead architecture development for new sensing systems from concept through validation.

• Define performance requirements noise budgets and system-level tradeoff studies.

• Guide engineering teams in solving complex detection and measurement challenges.

Research & Innovation

• Design and evaluate advanced detection techniques involving optical scattering photon detection and signal extraction in low-signal environments.

• Develop new methods for improving signal-to-noise ratio through optical electrical and algorithmic approaches.

• Remain current with emerging technologies in detectors lasers optics and instrumentation electronics.

• Identify and prototype novel technologies for future products.

System Design & Analysis

• Design precision analog circuits including TIAs charge amplifiers and low-noise signal chains.

• Model noise sources detector behavior and system performance.

• Collaborate on optical system design including light collection focusing and imaging.

• Drive simulation lab validation and performance characterization.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with mechanical optical firmware and systems engineers.

• Mentor engineers and support knowledge transfer across teams.

• Provide technical guidance during product development troubleshooting and field investigations.

• Lead design reviews and technical decision making.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelors Masters or PhD in Electrical Engineering Opto-Electronics or Physics (or equivalent experience)

• 15 years of experience in hands-on development of precision instrumentation photonics or scientific detection systems.

• Strong background in low-noise analog Amplifier circuit design and schematic capture

• Deep understanding of photodetectors (APDs photodiodes photon-counting devices etc.).

• Experienced development with signal processing for weak signal detection.

• Demonstrated ability to lead complex technical projects

• Demonstrated use of rapid development methods to enable quick cycles of learning

Preferred Qualifications

• Understanding of the semiconductor fabrication process and chemical usage desirable.

• Experience with optical system design or close collaboration with optical engineers.

• Knowledge of scattering physics and optical measurement techniques.

• Familiarity with modeling/simulation tools (SPICE MATLAB Zemax etc.).

• Prior experience serving as a subject matter expert or technical lead.

• Background in scientific or analytical instrumentation.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• This is an in-office position 80-100% of the time. The remainder of the time you may work from home. These percentages are targets with the actual schedule to be determined in conjunction with the Managers expectations for the position.

• 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. independently may be required

• This role involves occasional working in laboratory environments that include exposure to X-rays radiation and biological materials. All work is performed following established safety protocols and regulatory guidelines

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

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive base salary range: $140000 - $175000 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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