Systems Design Engineer III

About the role

• Work Schedule
• Standard (Mon-Fri)
• Environmental Conditions
• Office

About the role

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. is the world leader in serving science, with annual revenue exceeding $40 billion. Our Mission is to enable our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer. Our team of more than 100,000 colleagues delivers innovative technologies, purchasing convenience, and pharmaceutical services through our industry-leading brands.

Location

This is a fully onsite role based at our Fremont, CA site.

The Materials and Structural Analysis Division designs, manufactures, and supports high-performance microscopy workflows that provide images and answers at micro-, nano-, and picometer scales. The team combines expertise in electron, ion, and light microscopy with application knowledge in materials science, life sciences, electronics, and natural resources to help customers advance discovery and address global challenges.

How will you make an impact?

The System Design Engineer III is a technical role in the Electrical Failure Analysis (EFA) business unit's R&D Engineering group in Fremont, CA. The role designs, develops, and optimizes advanced systems for semiconductor failure analysis, integrated circuit analysis, and circuit editing.

This position focuses on high-performance optical systems for fault isolation, including infrared microscopy, laser stimulation, and photon emission detection. Working with R&D, systems engineering, electronics, software, and hardware teams, the engineer develops precise, manufacturable solutions for next-generation semiconductor analysis tools. The ideal candidate brings expertise in system design, laser-based instrumentation, and hands-on experimental validation, along with the ability to lead complex product development in a global, matrixed organization.

What will you do?

Design and develop electrical failure analysis tools, with responsibilities that include:

• Assist in the design and optimization of optical subsystems, including infrared (IR) imaging for silicon inspection, laser-based stimulation and probing (LIVA, OBIRCH, TIVA), and photon emission detection in the visible and near-infrared (NIR) ranges.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams to translate product requirements into prototypes that meet specifications, and conduct experiments to validate performance.
• Investigate applications of existing technologies in other domains, working with product applications engineers and marketing to identify unmet needs and requirements.
• Support operations and applications teams in resolving customer issues.
• Conduct proof-of-concept studies and report findings to the team.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline. A Master's degree is preferred.

Experience

• 3+ years of relevant experience in design, integration, or testing of complex instrumentation. Relevant post-graduate research experience may be considered.
• Hands-on expertise in designing, setting up, and conducting experiments involving optics, electronics, measurement systems, and motion systems.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Deep understanding of systems engineering principles.
• Proficiency in Python, or similar tools for data analysis, statistical methods, and automation.
• Familiarity with CAD tools, such as SolidWorks, and design for manufacturability (DFM) principles.
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills, with a creative, resourceful approach to problem solving.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to influence cross-functional teams.
• Self-motivated, organized, customer-focused, and comfortable taking on challenges.

Preferred

• Strong hands-on experience with laser systems and beam delivery, IR optics and imaging through silicon, and photon detection systems such as photomultiplier tubes (PMTs), avalanche photodiodes (APDs), and cameras.
• Experience with high-resolution microscopy and scanning systems.
• Familiarity with semiconductor failure analysis techniques such as LIVA, OBIRCH, and TIVA is preferred.

Compensation and Benefits

The salary range estimated for this position based in California is $107,800.00-$150,000.00.

This position may also be eligible to receive a variable annual bonus based on company, team, and/or individual performance results in accordance with company policy. We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards package that our U.S. colleagues and their families can count on, which includes:

• A choice of national medical and dental plans, and a national vision plan, including health incentive programs
• Employee assistance and family support programs, including commuter benefits and tuition reimbursement
• At least 120 hours paid time off (PTO), 10 paid holidays annually, paid parental leave (3 weeks for bonding and 8 weeks for caregiver leave), accident and life insurance, and short- and long-term disability in accordance with company policy
• Retirement and savings programs, such as our competitive 401(k) U.S. retirement savings plan
• Employees' Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) offers eligible colleagues the opportunity to purchase company stock at a discount