Staff System Engineer - Semiconductor Capital Equipment

Bruker; Santa Barbara (CA); On-site; USD 123,000 - 219,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with company match

Employee stock purchase plan

Medical and dental plans

Life insurance

Paid time off

Job summary

Bruker in Santa Barbara seeks a Staff Systems Engineer to lead the system architecture, requirements development, integration, and performance validation of advanced semiconductor capital equipment. You will bridge mechanical, electrical, software, and controls disciplines to deliver high‑performance instruments.

The ideal candidate has strong systems thinking and extensive experience bringing complex capital equipment from concept to commercialization, with a focus on reliability and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a technical field required.
• 10–15 years engineering experience; senior level preferred.
• Experience with system engineering of complex electromechanical equipment.

Responsibilities

• Lead system architecture, requirements definition, and product specifications.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams across mechanical, electrical, software, controls, process, and manufacturing.
• Drive system integration, verification, validation, and performance optimization.
• Conduct risk assessments, root-cause investigations, and reliability improvements.
• Support development from concept through commercialization and manufacturing transfer.

Skills

System architecture

Requirements management

Cross-functional leadership

Integration testing

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Job description

Staff System Engineer - Semiconductor Capital Equipment

Job Locations: US-CA-Santa Barbara

Job Function: Engineering and R&D

ID: 2026-20091

• Base Min: USD $122,850.00/Yr.
• Base Max: USD $218,500.00/Yr.

Overview

Bruker enables 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.

Bruker's comprehensive suite of specialized technologies for semiconductor capital equipment addresses the broadest range of metrology and process monitoring needs, from R&D to high-volume manufacturing process improvement. 75% of the world's top 25 semiconductor manufacturers rely on Bruker instrumentation for their front-end and back-end applications. Our commitment to innovation also drives the advances that enable continual development of next-generation semiconductor devices.

Today, worldwide more than 11,000 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 meet its customers' needs as well as to continue to develop state-of-the-art technologies and innovative solutions for today's analytical questions.

The Bruker Nano Surfaces and Metrology Division is seeking an experienced Staff Systems Engineer to lead the system architecture, requirements development, integration, and performance validation of advanced semiconductor capital equipment platforms. This role serves as a technical leader bridging mechanical, electrical, software, controls, optics, robotics, process, and manufacturing engineering disciplines to deliver innovative, reliable, and high-performance products.

The ideal candidate possesses strong systems thinking, a deep understanding of complex electromechanical systems, and experience bringing sophisticated semiconductor manufacturing equipment from concept through commercialization.

Responsibilities

• Lead system architecture, requirements definition, and product specifications.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams including mechanical, electrical, software, controls, process, and manufacturing engineering.
• Drive system integration, verification, validation, and performance optimization.
• Conduct technical risk assessments, root cause investigations, and reliability improvements.
• Support product development from concept through commercialization and manufacturing transfer.

Qualifications

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Physics, Mechatronics, or related technical field.
• Minimum 10 to 15 years of engineering experience, including experience in system engineering or technical leadership roles. Will consider candidates with 5 to 10 years of experience but at a senior-level role.
• Experience developing complex semiconductor capital equipment, precision instrumentation, automation systems, robotics, or related high-technology products.
• Strong understanding of multidisciplinary system integration involving hardware, software, controls, and automation.
• Demonstrated experience in requirements management, system architecture, and product development processes.
• Experience conducting root cause analysis and resolving complex technical issues.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to lead technical teams without direct organizational authority.

At Bruker, base salary is part of our total compensation. The estimated base salary range for this full-time position is between $122,850 and $218,500 and 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.