Systems Engineering Project Manager - Santa Barbara, California, United States

Overview · Bruker is enabling scientists to make breakthrough discoveries and develop new applications that improve the quality of human life. Bruker's high-performance scientific instruments and high-value analytical and diagnostic solutions enable scientists to explore life and ...

Job description

Overview

Bruker is enabling scientists to make breakthrough discoveries and develop new applications that improve the quality of human life. Bruker's high-performance scientific instruments and high-value analytical and diagnostic solutions enable scientists to explore life and materials at molecular, cellular, and microscopic levels. In close cooperation with our customers, Bruker is enabling innovation, improved productivity and customer success in life science molecular research, in applied and pharma applications, in microscopy and nanoanalysis, and in industrial applications, as well as in cell biology, preclinical imaging, clinical phenomics and proteomics research and clinical microbiology.

Today, worldwide more than employees are working on this permanent challenge at over 90 locations on all continents. Bruker continues to build upon its extensive range of products and solutions, its broad base of installed systems and a strong reputation among its customers. Being one of the world's leading analytical instrumentation companies, Bruker is strongly committed to further fully meeting its customers' needs as well as continuing to develop state-of-the-art technologies and innovative solutions for today's analytical questions.

The Systems Engineering Project Manager leads the design, development, and delivery of advanced thin-film optical metrology instrumentation. This hybrid technical/managerial role integrates deep systems engineering expertise with full lifecycle project leadership.
You will architect next generation precision electromechanical and electro optical systems, develop and evaluate system models, and drive cross functional engineering programs from concept through commercialization. This role requires strong analytical capability, excellent communication skills, and the ability to guide multidisciplinary engineering teams in a fast paced environment.

Responsibilities

Systems Engineering (Technical – ~70%)

• Develop system‑level architecture, specifications, and modeling for precision optical metrology platforms.
• Lead design and evaluation of critical subsystems including:
• Nano‑positioning systems (piezos, voice coils, precision motors, flexures)
• High‑precision sensors (optical, capacitive, interferometric, strain‑based)
• Electro‑mechanical and opto‑mechanical assemblies
• Conduct advanced modeling, simulation, and system optimization using tools such as ZEMAX, ANSYS, MATLAB, Simulink, ANSYS, and LabVIEW.
• Build, test, and characterize prototype systems using interferometers, vibrometers, and advanced test setups.
• Drive system‑level performance analyses, control‑system tuning, and system stability evaluations.

Project Management (Leadership – ~30%)

• Lead cross‑functional engineering development programs with full accountability for project success.
• Define detailed project requirements aligned with customer, manufacturing, and business needs.
• Create, monitor, and maintain project schedules, deliverables, and dashboards.
• Coordinate engineering deliverables across hardware, optics, software, reliability, service, and manufacturing.
• Identify risks, drive mitigation plans, resolve open issues, and keep programs on track.
• Organize and maintain all technical documentation and ensure compliance with Bruker's NPD process.
• Communicate project status clearly to management, customers, and development partners.
• Capture lessons learned and support continuous improvement initiatives.

Qualifications

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Technical Expertise

• Strong background in optical, electro‑mechanical, precision motion, and/or instrumentation systems.
• Deep understanding of precision positioning (piezos, voice coils, motors) and sensor technologies (capacitive, optical, strain‑based, encoders).
• Experience with system modeling and control theories (Bode plots, state‑space, digital control).
• Proficiency with modeling tools such as ZEMAX, MATLAB, Simulink, LabVIEW, Mathcad; finite element modeling tools like ANSYS preferred.

Project Leadership

• Successful track record managing complex, interdisciplinary engineering programs.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize in fast‑paced environments.
• Skilled in structured problem‑solving, data‑driven decision making, and Design of Experiments (DOE).
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 and project management platforms (e.g., Jira, MS Project).

Communication & Collaboration

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively across Sales, Marketing, Product Management, Engineering, Operations, Service, and vendors.
• Customer‑facing communication experience is a strong plus.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• BS or MS in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Optics/Photonics, or related STEM field.
• 8-15 years of combined experience in systems engineering and project management roles.
• PMP certification preferred but not required.
• Willingness to travel up to 5%.

At Bruker, base salary is part of our total compensation. The estimated base salary range for this full-time position is between $107,100 and $190,000 provides an opportunity to progress as you grow and develop within a role. The base salary for the role will depend on a several job-related factors, including, but not limited to education, training, experience, the geographic location of the successful candidate, skills, competencies, job-related knowledge and travel requirements for this position. Full-time employees may also be eligible for a performance-related incentive in addition to a full range of benefits including 401(k) with company match, an employee stock purchase plan, medical and dental plans, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability insurance, employee assistance program and paid time off including vacation, sick time and holidays, and more.

Bruker is an equal-opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and

other legally protected characteristics.

Certain positions at Bruker require compliance with export control laws and as a result, all interviewed candidates for all positions will be screened pre-interview to determine their eligibility in light of export control restrictions

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