Staff Engineer, System Design
Job Description
Work Schedule
Standard (Mon-Fri)Environmental Conditions
OfficeJob Description
As part of the Thermo Fisher Scientific team, you’ll discover meaningful work that makes a positive impact on a global scale. Join our colleagues in bringing our Mission to life every single day to enable our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer. We provide our global teams with the resources needed to achieve individual career goals while helping to take science a step beyond by developing solutions for some of the world’s toughest challenges, like protecting the environment, making sure our food is safe or helping find cures for cancer.
DESCRIPTION:
We are seeking a Staff Engineer – Systems Designto lead the architecture and development of advanced instrumentation platforms within our imaging, detection, and materials analysis portfolio. This role focuses on delivering integrated system solutions across technologies such as X-ray fluorescence (XRF), radiation detection systems, Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and advanced electron microscopy platforms (SEM/TEM), along with associated high-performance analytical and sensing systems.
You will translate customer and application needs into scalable system architectures, ensuring seamless integration of hardware, software, electronics, detectors, vacuum systems, and data processing capabilities. Operating within a global, cross-functional environment, you will drive technical excellence from concept through commercialization while influencing next-generation platform strategy.
REQUIREMENTS:
Lead system architecture and design for complex instrumentation platforms, including XRF analyzers, radiation detection devices, FTIR spectroscopy systems, and electron microscopy technologies (SEM/TEM)
Translate customer workflows and application requirements into robust system-level specifications and design solutions
Drive end-to-end systems engineering activities, including requirements definition, system decomposition, integration, and validation
Collaborate with global teams across R&D, product management, manufacturing, and service to deliver scalable, high-performance solutions
Define and execute verification and validation strategies aligned with performance, reliability, and regulatory expectations
Apply structured engineering methodologies (e.g., FMEA, DOE, root cause analysis) to improve system robustness and lifecycle performance
Provide technical leadership across programs, guiding architectural decisions and resolving complex, multi-domain engineering challenges
Mentor engineers and strengthen systems engineering capabilities across the organization
Support full product lifecycle activities, including sustaining engineering, platform enhancements, and next-generation innovation
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Master’s degree with 6+ years of experience, or Bachelor’s degree with 8+ years of experience in systems engineering or product development for complex instrumentation systems
Degree in Engineering, Physics, Electronics, or a related technical discipline
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Strong experience with instrumentation platforms such as XRF analyzers (e.g., handheld or portable systems), radiation detection devices, FTIR spectroscopy systems, and electron microscopy technologies (SEM/TEM)
Familiarity with product families and technologies such as Gas Analyzers,detectors, handheld radiation detection platforms, advanced Material analyzers, and FTIR-based analytical instruments
Deep understanding of system integration across detectors, optics, high-voltage systems, vacuum technologies, electronics, embedded systems, and software interfaces
Expertise in systems engineering methodologies, including requirements management and model-based systems engineering (MBSE)
Proven track record of delivering high-performance, precision instrumentation in regulated or quality-driven environments
Experience with verification and validation planning, system-level testing, and performance characterization
Proficiency in engineering tools such as MATLAB, CAD platforms, and requirements management systems
Strong knowledge of quality systems and regulatory frameworks applicable to scientific or industrial instrumentation
Experience working in Agile or hybrid development environments
Strong analytical and statistical capabilities, including DOE and reliability engineering approaches
Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional, global teams and influence technical direction
Excellent communication skills with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders
Ability to travel up to 20% to support global collaboration and program execution
KEY COMPETENCIES
Systems-level thinking with strong domain depth in imaging, detection, and spectroscopy technologies
Technical leadership and cross-functional influence
Structured problem-solving and data-driven decision-making
Ownership mindset with strong focus on quality and execution
Continuous improvement and innovation orientation