Senior Engineer/Scientist – X-ray Source Development

ZEISS Group; Dublin (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 175,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Vision

Dental

401k Matching

Employee Assistance Programs

Vacation and sick pay

Job summary

ZEISS is seeking a Senior Engineer/Scientist for X-ray Source Development in Dublin, CA. You will lead development of next‑generation X-ray sources focused on HV electronics, precision power delivery, and closed loop control.

You will drive simulation, prototyping, and system integration, coordinating across mechanical, electrical, software, manufacturing, and marketing teams to deliver high-brightness imaging performance.

Qualifications

• PhD or Master’s in physics, EE, materials science with specialization in electron optics.
• Experience designing electron guns or charged-particle transport systems.
• Experience with X-ray generation, high-vacuum systems, or miniaturized radiation sources.
• Hands-on prototype development and experimental setup experience.
• Strong cross-functional collaboration and communication skills.
• Fluency in English and technical terminology.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of next-generation X-ray sources from concept to prototype.
• Design electron guns and lens systems to achieve high-brightness beams.
• Analyze electron-target interactions and cooling strategies.
• Prototype and test assemblies, characterize performance.
• Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, software, and marketing teams.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship.

Skills

Electron guns design

Electron optics

X-ray source development

Prototype development

System integration

Technical leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

English proficiency

Education

PhD or Master’s in Physics/EE/Materials Science

Tools

Beam simulation software

Job description

About Us

How many companies can say they've been in business for over 179 years?! Here at ZEISS, we certainly can! As the pioneers of science, ZEISS handles the everchanging environments in a fast-paced world, meeting it with cutting edge of technologies and continuous advancements. ZEISS believes that innovation and technology are the key to a sustainable future and solutions for global change. We have a diverse range of portfolios throughout the ZEISS family in segments like, Industrial Quality & Research, Medical Technology, Consumer Markets and Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology. We are a global company with over 42,000 employees and have over 4,000 in the US and Canada alone! Make a difference, come join the team!

How many companies can say they've been in business for over 179 years?! Here at ZEISS, we certainly can! As the pioneers of science, ZEISS handles the everchanging environments in a fast-paced world, meeting it with cutting edge of technologies and continuous advancements. ZEISS believes that innovation and technology are the key to a sustainable future and solutions for global change. We have a diverse range of portfolios throughout the ZEISS family in segments like, Industrial Quality & Research, Medical Technology, Consumer Markets and Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology. We are a global company with over 42,000 employees and have over 4,000 in the US and Canada alone! Make a difference, come join the team!

Location/Region

This position is located in Dublin, CA.

What's the role?

As a Senior Engineer/Scientist – X-ray Source Development, you get to work with an astonishing team that plays a vital role ZEISS X-Ray Microscopy

We are seeking an accomplished engineer or scientist to lead the development of next-generation X-ray sources with a specialized focus on high voltage (HV) electronics, precision power delivery, and closed loop control systems. In this high-impact role, you will drive advanced electron optics and X-ray source design from simulation and research through prototyping and system integration, working cross-functionally to deliver breakthrough imaging performance and shape the future of X-ray technology.

Sound Interesting? Here's what you'll do:

Key Responsibilities

• Electron Gun & Beam Optics: Design advanced electron gun architectures (thermionic, field emission) and high-performance lens systems to deliver a stable, high-brightness electron beam. Use state-of-the-art simulation tools to optimize beam quality and focus.
• X-ray Target Physics: Analyze electron-target interactions to enhance X-ray output and efficiency. Develop novel target designs (e.g. rotating anodes, liquid metal, multi-layer) and cooling strategies to maximize flux and source longevity.
• Prototype Development: Lead prototyping of X-ray sources, including assembly and iterative testing of electron-optical assemblies and targets. Characterize performance (beam properties, spectra, flux, stability, thermal) to refine designs.
• System Integration: Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate X-ray sources into imaging systems, meeting resolution, contrast, and throughput requirements. Solve integration challenges (vacuum interfaces, alignment, high-voltage power, control systems) to ensure stable, long-term operation.
• Technical Leadership: Drive projects from concept to completion with clear technical direction and milestone management. Mentor junior engineers and foster innovation to keep our X-ray source technology at the cutting edge.

Do You Qualify

• PhD or Master's degree in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field with specialization in electron optics, charged-particle systems, vacuum devices, or radiation physics.
• Demonstrated experience designing or modeling electron guns, electron-optical lenses, or charged-particle transport systems.
• Experience with X-ray generation, X-ray targets, high-vacuum systems, or miniaturized radiation sources strongly preferred. Experience in X-ray tomography systems preferred.
• Hands-on prototype development, experimental setup design, and quantitative characterization experience.
• Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate across mechanical, electrical, software, manufacturing, and marketing teams.
• Fluency in English is required, including technical terminology.
• Ability to work with and understand the work product of team members from all R&D-related departments, as well as Manufacturing and Marketing. Exceptional communication skills to resolve technical challenges between mechanical, electrical, and software engineering; advanced development; manufacturing; and marketing.

We have amazing benefits to support you as an employee at ZEISS!

• Medical
• Vision
• Dental
• 401k Matching
• Employee Assistance Programs
• Vacation and sick pay

The annual pay range for this position is $140,000 - $175,000

The pay offered for this role may be influenced by factors such as job location, scope of role, qualifications, education, experience, & complexity/specialization/scarcity of talent.

This position is also eligible for a performance bonus or sales commissions. ZEISS also offers robust benefits, including medical plans, retirement savings plan and paid time off.

Zeiss provides Equal Employment Opportunity without unlawful regard to an Applicants race, color, religion, creed, sex, gender, marital status, age, national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, military or veteran status, citizen status, sexual orientation, pregnancy (includes childbirth, breastfeeding or related medical condition), genetic predisposition, carrier status, gender expression or identity, including transgender identity, or any other class or characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law of the employee (or the people with whom the employee associates, including relatives and friends).