Systems Engineering Project Manager (Precision Optical & Electromechanical Systems) – Hybrid

e''re hiring a Staff Systems Engineering Project Manager to lead the design, development, and commercialization of next-generation thin-film optical metrology instruments. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced engineering leader who enjoys balancing 70% hands-on systems engineering with 30% technical project management.

📍 Location: Santa Barbara, CA (Relocation assistance available)

What You''ll Do

• Lead the architecture, design, integration, and validation of advanced precision optical and electromechanical systems.
• Develop system-level specifications, modeling, simulation, optimization, and performance analysis for optical metrology platforms.
• Design and evaluate:
  • Nano-positioning systems (piezos, voice coils, precision motors, flexures)
  • High-precision sensors (optical, capacitive, interferometric, strain-based)
  • Electro-mechanical and opto-mechanical assemblies
• Build, test, and characterize prototype systems using advanced laboratory instrumentation.
• Perform system modeling and control-system analysis using ZEMAX, MATLAB, Simulink, LabVIEW, ANSYS, and related engineering tools.
• Lead cross-functional projects from concept through commercialization while coordinating Mechanical, Electrical, Software, Manufacturing, Reliability, and Service teams.
• Manage project schedules, technical documentation, risks, deliverables, and stakeholder communication.

Required Qualifications

• BS/MS in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Optics/Photonics, or a related STEM field. Master''s or PhD strongly preferred.
• 8-15 years of experience in systems engineering and technical project management.
• Strong background in optical metrology, precision instrumentation, electro-mechanical systems, or semiconductor equipment.
• Experience with optical inspection, system design, integration, automation, and wafer inspection tools is highly desirable.
• Strong understanding of precision motion systems, sensors, control theory, and system modeling.
• Experience managing multidisciplinary engineering programs in a fast-paced product development environment.
• Proficiency with MATLAB, Simulink, ZEMAX, LabVIEW, ANSYS, Jira, MS Project, and Microsoft 365.
• PMP certification is a plus.

Preferred Industry Experience

• Semiconductor equipment
• Optical metrology and inspection systems
• Precision instrumentation
• Medical device or related high-tech manufacturing