Staff Systems Engineer

About the role

You will own the end to end systems integration for a critical utility platform within our R&D portfolio, acting as the central technical authority for performance, reliability, and safety. This position requires a rare combination of deep tool sense and structured program management, where you diagnose issues before they escalate and keep interdisciplinary teams aligned. You will serve as the primary troubleshooter during high stakes commissioning and integration phases, guiding the team through complex problem solving under tight timelines. You will lead the communication strategy across mechanical, electrical, and controls engineering groups, translating technical constraints into clear actionable plans. In this role, you will define and maintain the integration architecture, ensuring that all subsystems move in concert rather than in isolation. You will establish the verification and validation processes that prove each system meets its stringent operational requirements. You will mentor junior engineers on best practices for systems thinking, documentation, and cross functional collaboration. You will partner closely with our policymakers and suppliers to shape the future operating model of the energy industry.

Key facts

What you'll do

Coordinate the integration roadmap for utility subsystems, aligning mechanical, electrical, and controls teams around a unified schedule and definition of done.

Define and execute test protocols that validate subsystem interactions, using measured data to drive decisions and resolve conflicts.

Lead root cause analysis during commissioning events, applying first principles thinking to isolate variables and identify systemic issues.

Develop and maintain detailed integration diagrams and process flows that document handoffs, dependencies, and failure modes.

Serve as the escalation owner for cross functional issues, ensuring that resolution paths are transparent, timely, and well documented.

Partner with policymakers to translate regulatory and operational requirements into technical specifications for utility systems.

Collaborate with suppliers to evaluate component suitability, negotiate tradeoffs, and secure long term support for critical interfaces.

Drive the creation of runbooks, standard procedures, and training materials that enable other teams to operate and maintain complex systems.

Implement monitoring and feedback strategies that surface performance trends, allowing the team to act on risks before they impact operations.

Champion a culture of safety and rigor, ensuring that every integration decision is reviewed against reliability, maintainability, and scalability criteria.

Establish data collection frameworks that capture integration events, providing the evidence base for continuous improvement.

Support the development of digital twins and simulation models that predict how changes in one subsystem affect the entire platform.

Facilitate cross functional design reviews, ensuring that integration risks are identified early and mitigation plans are owned by the right teams.

Act as the day to day technical owner for at least one major utility system, guiding its lifecycle from concept through steady state operation.

Requirements

Candidates must hold a Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Physics, or a related technical discipline as a hard bar for this role.

You must have direct experience integrating complex machinery, where mechanical, electrical, and software systems must operate as a single coherent platform.

You must be comfortable working in a fast paced, rapidly evolving environment where priorities can shift based on technical and regulatory needs.

You must have strong written and verbal communication skills, enabling you to convey technical details to both engineers and non technical stakeholders.

You must be eligible to work in the United States without sponsorship, as this role requires immediate onsite presence in Milpitas, California.

You must have a proven track record of troubleshooting under pressure, using structured methods to isolate faults and restore normal operations.

You must demonstrate ownership of end to end program outcomes, balancing technical excellence with schedule, budget, and regulatory constraints.

You must be willing to travel as required for collaboration with partner teams, suppliers, and policymakers supporting the energy transition.

Nice to have

Preferred candidates will have experience with high power electrical systems, cryogenic platforms, or vacuum infrastructure commonly used in fusion experiments.

Experience with control systems and data acquisition platforms is highly valued, especially where real time monitoring informs operational decisions.

Familiarity with regulatory engagement processes in the energy sector will be viewed as a strong advantage for this role.

Experience leading cross functional initiatives in a matrixed organization will set you apart from other candidates.

Practical notes

This is a full time position based in Milpitas, California, requiring on site presence at our facility.

Travel may be required on an as needed basis to interface with suppliers, partner teams, and regulatory stakeholders.

This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship, and candidates must already possess the right to work in the United States.

There are no application deadlines specified, but early submission of materials is encouraged to ensure timely consideration.