Systems Engineer (Product Development & Sustaining)

Company Description

Simco-Ion, Technology Group, a division of Illinois Tool Works (ITW), is the world's largest manufacturer of static control products, serving industries since 1936. As a global leader in static control, Simco-Ion is committed to developing innovative solutions, reducing costs, and improving operational quality for its diverse customer base. The company offers a comprehensive range of products, including ionizing air bars, blowers, air guns, and advanced process monitoring systems, backed by superior technical expertise and worldwide support. Headquartered in Alameda, CA, with ISO 9001 certification, Simco-Ion continues to focus on new product development for industries such as life sciences, semiconductor manufacturing, and electronic assembly.

Role Description

Simco-Ion Technology group located in Alameda CA, an ITW Company, a global leader in Static Control and Monitoring is seeking a Systems Engineer to support product development activities from early concept and prototyping through engineering release and production transition within the Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) industry. This role emphasizes hands-on engineering work, system-level testing, documentation, and cross-functional coordination to ensure designs are manufacturable, reliable, and compliant. The Systems Engineer will also contribute to sustaining engineering efforts, including RMA analysis and continuous product improvement. 

RESPONSIBILITIES

Product Development & Prototyping

• Support system-level product development activities from concept through engineering release.
• Build, configure, and evaluate prototypes to validate system functionality, performance, and ESD requirements.
• Assist in defining system requirements, interfaces, and performance criteria in collaboration with design engineers.
• Participate in design reviews, providing system-level input on manufacturability, reliability, and testability.

Testing & Verification

• Plan and execute functional, system-level, and validation testing on prototypes and pre-production units.
• Develop and follow test procedures, document test results, observations, and recommendations.
• Support design verification and validation activities prior to engineering release.
• Assist with troubleshooting and root cause analysis during development and pilot builds.

Engineering Documentation & Release

• Create, review, and maintain engineering documentation including BOMs, specifications, test reports, and manuals.
• Support the engineering release process, ensuring documentation accuracy and configuration control.
• Coordinate release activities with manufacturing, purchasing, and quality to ensure production readiness.
• Support ECO/ECR activities resulting from design improvements or test findings.

Manufacturing & Supply Chain Coordination

• Collaborate with manufacturing during prototype builds, pilot runs, and production ramp-up.
• Support component selection and BOM development, including evaluation of alternate or replacement components.
• ·Assist purchasing and suppliers with technical clarification during sourcing and qualification.

Sustaining Engineering & RMA Support

• Provide sustaining engineering support for released products as needed.
• Assist with RMA evaluations, hands-on testing, and failure analysis.
• Contribute to RMA reports, corrective actions, and product improvement recommendations.
• Support component lifecycle management, including EOL and obsolescence mitigation.

Continuous Improvement & Compliance

• Support ISO and quality system requirements through proper documentation and testing practices.
• ​ Identify opportunities for design, reliability, cost, or process improvements.
• Maintain working knowledge of ESD standards, materials, and applicable regulations

POSITION QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in systems, Electrical, Mechanical, or related Engineering discipline required, master's degree preferred.

Experience Skill:

• 3 years of experience in product development, systems engineering, or sustaining engineering roles.

·        Hands-on experience with prototyping, testing, and engineering release activities.

• Familiarity with system-level troubleshooting and root cause analysis.
• Experience creating and maintaining BOMs and engineering documentation.
• Working knowledge of ECO/ECR processes and manufacturing handoff.
• Exposure to RMA analysis and sustaining engineering required.
• Knowledge of ESD standards and electronics manufacturing is strongly preferred.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams including manufacturing, purchasing, and quality.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills, including technical reporting.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office products and common engineering tools (CAD, AutoCAD, SolidWorks etc.).
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced development environment.
• Adaptable to changing priorities
• Proficient with standard Bench test equipment, i.e. Oscilloscope, DMM, etc.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS AND CONDITIONS

Physical/Visual Activities or Demands: Physical/visual activities or demands that are commonly associated with the performance of the functions of this job.

1.      While performing the duties of this job, the employee is constantly required to talk, hear, twist/turn, reach outward, handle/manipulate and grasp objects, stand, walk, and bend. Employees will frequently reach above shoulders and occasionally climb or squat.

2.      The employee must carry up to 25 pounds constantly and up to 50 pounds occasionally and push and pull up to 10 pounds constantly and up to 50 pounds occasionally.

3.      Specific vision abilities required by this job include concentrated attention, close vision, far vision, depth perception, color vision, and the ability to bring objects into sharp focus. 

Working Conditions: Working conditions commonly associated with the performance of the functions of this job.

1.      50% typical office environment, 50% engineering lab.

2.      Occasional overnight domestic or international travel (5% or less)

Machines, Tools, Equipment and Work Aids that may be representative but not all inclusive of those commonly associated with this position: Office equipment, cell phone, desk phone, laptop, printer, copier, scanner.

Compensation Information:

The expected starting annual base salary range for the Systems Engineer role is $110,000–$140,000. This range reflects the responsibilities of the position and current market compensation data.

Final compensation within this range will depend on factors such as:

•   Relevant professional experience

•   Specialized skills aligned with the role’s global scope

•   Interview performance and overall alignment with the role

This position is also eligible for a comprehensive benefits package, which includes:

•   Paid time off

•   401(k) plan with employer match

•   Health, dental, and vision insurance coverage eligibility

ITW is an equal opportunity employer. We value our colleagues’ unique perspectives, experiences and ideas and create workplaces where everyone can develop their careers and perform to their full potential. 

As an equal employment opportunity employer, ITW is committed to equal employment opportunity and fair treatment for employees, beginning with the hiring process and continuing through all aspects of the employment relationship. 

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected Veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.