Systems Engineering Manager

The Role

We are seeking a Systems Engineering Manager to lead the systems engineering function for complex, multi-disciplinary instrumentation products. This is a player-coach role: the manager leads a multi-disciplinary team of systems engineers, system test engineers, and optical engineers, and also serves as the system-level technical authority, driving system architecture, integration, and verification across the full product lifecycle. This position is foundational in strengthening and scaling systems engineering within the organization, and operates in coordination with other functional managers and project managers within a matrix stage-gate product development environment.

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. With the optical engineering team reporting into this role, a background in optics and photonics — or in systems whose performance is governed by complex optical subsystems — is central to success in the position.

Job Responsibilities

People and Functional Leadership

• Lead, develop, and grow a multi-disciplinary team of systems engineers, system test engineers, and optical engineers, including recruitment, mentoring, training, and evaluation.

• Set annual and ongoing goals and objectives for team members. Write and conduct annual appraisals, actively assessing the team’s needs and gaps, and maintain succession plans for critical roles.

• Define core competencies and functional strategy for the systems, system test, and optical engineering disciplines in support of overall business strategy. Plan skill evolution to meet strategic needs.

• Define functional headcount requirements and assign staff to projects. Define and oversee functional outsourcing and resource sharing arrangements to meet business needs.

• 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.

• Coordinate and collaborate with other functional managers, project managers, and product line managers within the matrix stage-gate product development environment.

Technical Leadership

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

• Serve as the system-level technical authority with clear decision rights: 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.

• Own system-level verification and validation through the system test team, including integration planning, test strategy, and performance characterization.

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

• Lead root cause analysis of complex system issues using analytical modeling and experimental methods. Ensure systems meet requirements across all operating conditions.

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

• 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.

• 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, Optical, Mechanical, Electrical, Physics, Computer Science) required. MS or PhD preferred.

• 10+ years experience in complex instrumentation or precision product development environments with specific experience of real time systems, optics and sensors, electro-mechanics, laser light scattering, imaging systems, and/or related subsystems.

• 3+ years of functional management, people leadership, or formal technical team leadership experience.

• 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

• Strongly preferred: background in optics and photonics, or in the development of systems whose performance is governed by complex optical subsystems, including an 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.

• Advanced degree in Engineering, Optics, or Physics.

• Experience managing or leading system test or verification teams, including test strategy and automation.

• 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).

• Working knowledge of stage/phase-gate and Agile product development processes.

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

o 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:

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

o 401(k) retirement plan with company match

o Vacation, holiday, and leave policies

o 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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