Product Engineer II

About Quantum Design

For more than 40 years Quantum Design (QD) has been providing technology solutions to researchers in the fields of physics, chemistry, biotechnology, materials science, and nanotechnology. Established in 1982, Quantum Design is the leading commercial source for automated materials characterization systems offering a variety of measurement capabilities. QD instruments are found in the world's leading research institutions and have become the reference standard for a variety of magnetic and physical property measurements.

The Opportunity

As Product Engineer II, you will independently drive the performance, quality, and lifecycle management of advanced scientific measurement instruments at Quantum Design. This role leads product and process improvements, resolves complex system and quality issues through data-driven analysis, and executes design changes with full consideration of cross-functional impacts. Acting as a key technical contributor, the Product Engineer II partners with manufacturing, quality, procurement, and global service teams to ensure product reliability and customer success. This role exercises strong ownership and independent decision-making while managing priorities, supporting critical initiatives, and driving continuous improvement across the product lifecycle.

Responsibilities

• Lead the implementation of product and process improvements for advanced instruments to enhance data accuracy, system reliability, and manufacturing efficiency, while lowering costs, and improving overall customer satisfaction.
• Analyze Installation Feedback Reports (IFRs) and leverage NCR review processes to diagnose and resolve complex performance and quality issues affecting measurement platforms, cryogenic systems, and associated instrumentation options.
• Define, scope, and execute complex engineering initiatives by developing project proposals, securing cross-functional resources, and leading formal design reviews to ensure technical integrity and alignment with product roadmaps.
• Evaluate installation and field service reports to ensure corrective actions are effectively implemented, coordinating with service teams to resolve outstanding technical issues and improve system performance in customer environments.
• Partner with manufacturing and production teams to improve product quality and consistency by refining technical documentation, optimizing assembly fixtures, auditing quality processes, and implementing sustainable process improvements.
• Serve as a technical subject matter expert for base systems, instrumentation, and platform architecture, providing guidance and mentorship to engineers responsible for system options and upgrades.
• Own full product lifecycle for assigned instruments and platforms by leading design changes and proactively assessing impacts across hardware, software, manufacturing, usability, and customer applications.
• Develop and facilitate product updates, field learnings, and design improvements to engineering teams by contributing technical content to internal communications, including recurring product or engineering updates.
• Prioritize and manage critical production fixtures and test systems essential to manufacturing operations, ensuring readiness, reliability, and alignment with evolving product requirements.
• Collaborate with Procurement and Quality teams to support supplier development and component quality, including direct engagement with vendors to resolve technical issues and drive continuous improvement.
• Provide advanced technical support to Customer Service Engineer and teams by analyzing complex system issues, including occasional direct interaction with customers and research institutions.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s degree in physics, engineering or related field
• Three years of professional experience supporting complex products, systems, or instrumentation in a technical engineering or academic environment

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD in Physics, Chemistry, or Materials Science with a focus on instrumentation and measurements
• Experience with MS Office, SOLIDWORKS, Python, Visual Basic, C
• Familiarity with CAN architecture and the ability to read firmware
• Extensive troubleshooting experience

Additional Information

• This position’s work mode is 100% onsite. The employee will report to our facility in San Diego, CA five days a week.
• Salary Range: $110,800 - $159,000 Annual

Quantum Design is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All employment decisions, policies and practices are in accordance with applicable federal, state and local anti-discrimination laws. Quantum Design will not tolerate or engage in unlawful discrimination including any form of unlawful harassment, on account of a person's sex, age, race, color, religion, creed, sexual preference or orientation, marital status, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, military status, veteran status, handicap, disability, or membership in any protected group.