Senior Engineer/Scientist – X-ray Source Development

Carl Zeiss X-ray Microscopy, Inc.; 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 in Dublin, CA, seeks a Senior Engineer/Scientist for X‑ray Source Development to lead next‑generation source design, HV electronics, and closed‑loop control systems. You will drive electron optics, prototype X‑ray sources, and integrate them into high‑performance imaging systems.

Applicants should have a PhD or Master’s in physics/engineering, hands‑on prototype experience, and strong cross‑functional collaboration skills. Competitive salary and robust benefits offered.

Qualifications

• PhD or Master’s degree 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.

Responsibilities

• Electron Gun & Beam Optics: Design advanced electron gun architectures and high‑performance lens systems using simulation tools.
• X‑ray Target Physics: Analyze interactions to enhance X‑ray output and efficiency; develop novel target designs and cooling strategies.
• Prototype Development: Lead prototyping of X‑ray sources and characterize performance to refine designs.
• System Integration: Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to integrate X‑ray sources into imaging systems and solve integration challenges.
• Technical Leadership: Drive projects from concept to completion and mentor junior engineers.

Skills

Electron optics experience

High voltage electronics

System integration

Cross-functional collaboration

English fluency

Education

PhD or Master in Physics/EE/Materials Science

Tools

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!

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 ZEISZ 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.

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.

Benefits:

• 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.

The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of requirements, duties, or responsibilities. The Company reserves the right to interpret, amend, or otherwise modify, in whole or in part, any job description at any time, at its sole discretion.

Your ZEISS Recruiting Team: Tina Eilerman

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).

Step out of your comfort zone, excel and redefine the limits of what is possible. That’s just what our employees are doing every single day – in order to set the pace through our innovations and enable outstanding achievements. After all, behind every successful company are many great fascinating people. In a spacious modern setting full of opportunities for further development, ZEISS employees work in a place where expert knowledge and team spirit reign supreme. All of this is supported by a special ownership structure and the long‑term goal of the Carl Zeiss Foundation: to bring science and society into the future together. Join us today. Inspire people tomorrow.

Diversity is a part of ZEISS. We look forward to receiving your application regardless of gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, philosophy of life, disability, age, sexual orientation or identity.