Senior Systems Engineer
Veeco Instruments
San Jose, CA · Posted November 3, 2026
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This listing does not state pay. Across 192 open senior systems engineer listings that state pay, the middle half runs $133,000 to $174,000 and the median is $133,000.
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About the job
About Veeco You probably don’t realize it, but what we do at Veeco touches the lives of every person, every day. It’s a bold statement, but it’s true. From the smartphones in our pockets that access the world’s collective knowledge, to the cloud-based services where all that information lives, to high-speed wireless communication and computing power needed to drive artificial intelligence, augmented and virtual reality, gaming and so much more, our technology is all around us.
We design, develop, manufacture, and service highly complex, cutting-edge machines used by our customers to create the essential devices that drive the digital age, connect the world, and improve the human experience. Along with the world’s leading technology companies, many of which are household names, we help solve their most difficult material science challenges, enabling technologies for a more connected, sustainable, and convenient world.
We’re looking for material difference-makers to join our growing team. Interested? Learn more at www.veeco.com/careers .
OVERVIEW
Advanced logic and memory devices require precise thermal processing within increasingly tight temperature limits, and Veeco needs systems leadership that can turn those requirements into reliable production equipment. As a Senior Systems Engineer, you will lead requirements, architecture, integration, verification, and qualification for Veeco’s laser annealing platforms, including the Laser Spike Annealing and Nanosecond Annealing product families. Your decisions will directly influence system performance, development speed, product quality, and customer readiness as Veeco expands its position in advanced semiconductor manufacturing. You will shape next-generation platform architecture while bringing complex mechanical, electrical, optical, software, thermal, gas-flow, and process technologies together into production-ready systems.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Own system requirements and architecture for new laser annealing products and major platform improvements, translating customer and business needs into measurable subsystem and component specifications.
Lead cross-functional integration of mechanical, electrical, optical, software, thermal, pneumatic, gas-flow, control, and process subsystems to deliver stable system performance and customer-ready functionality.
Define verification and qualification strategies that demonstrate performance, reliability, safety, and readiness for high-volume semiconductor manufacturing.
Design and execute experimental test plans, analyze system and process signals, and convert results into clear design decisions, risk reductions, and corrective actions.
Resolve complex system issues through structured root-cause analysis, disciplined experimentation, and coordinated action across engineering teams.
Drive continuous improvement and next-generation development projects that improve performance, productivity, quality, and cost of ownership while meeting program commitments.
Evaluate new concepts and technology trade-offs, then recommend platform architecture choices that support future device requirements and product roadmaps.
QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, optical engineering, systems engineering, physics, or a related technical field with at least 8 years of relevant experience; or a master’s degree with at least 6 years; or a doctorate with at least 3 years; or equivalent experience.
Demonstrated experience defining requirements and leading system integration, verification, and performance qualification for complex equipment.
Experience developing test plans and using experimental results to validate system-level performance.
Demonstrated ability to align cross-functional teams, resolve interface conflicts, and maintain ownership from concept through qualification.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Deep working knowledge of one or more relevant technology areas: laser systems, optical systems, electromechanical motion, thermal management, pneumatic or gas-flow control, control systems, or semiconductor metrology.
Skilled at converting high-level product needs into testable requirements, interface definitions, acceptance criteria, and technical risk plans.
Proficient in advanced data analysis for time-series signals, equipment telemetry, designed experiments, and system performance characterization.
Effective at breaking ambiguous, multi-variable problems into testable hypotheses and making sound engineering decisions with incomplete data.
Experience working across at least three engineering disciplines, such as mechanical, electrical, optical, software, controls, thermal, fluid, or process engineering.
Skilled at explaining complex technical findings through concise design reviews, test reports, and recommendations for technical and non-technical stakeholders.
Able to manage multiple technical priorities while protecting critical path milestones and following commitments through completion.
Salary and Benefits The expected salary range for this position is $152,836.00 - $193,593.00, plus a bonus opportunity. We will consider your location, experience, and other job-related factors when determining your pay.
Other benefits include:
Medical, Dental, and Vision
401(k) with Company Match
Holiday, Vacation, and Sick Time
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
Commuter Benefits
Life and Accident Insurance
Disability Insurance
Tuition Reimbursement
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Identity Theft Remediation
Emergency Travel Assistance
Veeco is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, and other legally protected characteristics. Veeco is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities.