Principal Electrical Engineering Architect

Location: Redwood City, California, United States

Department: Pegasus

The Role & The Team 

This role will report to the Director of Systems Integration and join our team based in our Redwood Shores facility. 

We are seeking a highly skilled Electrical Engineering Architect to lead the electrical design of a next-generation mass spectrometer for life sciences applications. This role requires deep technical expertise in managing the complex electromagnetic environments inherent to charged particle beam instrumentation. You will be responsible for architecting systems that demand extreme precision, stability, and immunity to noise, ensuring optimal ion beam fidelity for advanced analytical workflows, including liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LCMS).

Responsibilities & Goals 

This special projects group is focused on using the latest product development and associated instrumentation for proteomics molecular profiling. Areas of specific responsibility and attention will include: 

• Architect the comprehensive electrical system layout for a novel TOF mass spectrometer.
• Specify high-voltage DC power supply architecture (up to 15 kV) for precision ion optics and flight tubes.
• Develop robust high-voltage RF systems (~1-2 MHz, ~4 kV amplitudes) for ion guides, funnels, quadrupoles, and traps. Ensure high stability and low temperature drift.
• Implement rigorous grounding, shielding, and isolation strategies to mitigate RF pickup on lenses and signal lines.
• Engineer component-level solutions to minimize electronic noise, voltage ripple, and thermal drift that negatively impact ion beam trajectories, mass resolution, and mass accuracy.
• Oversee the integration of high-voltage electronics within high-vacuum systems and define system-level cabling and interconnect strategies.

Background & Qualifications 

The successful candidate will have deep hands-on experience with mass spectrometry with expertise spanning sample preparations through data analysis. Candidates must bring a strong entrepreneurial orientation along with teamwork skills and commitment to competing with the highest level of integrity and engagement.

Requirements include:

• Master’s degree or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, or a closely related discipline.
• Minimum 10+ years of experience in an academic or life-sciences industry laboratory setting (biotech start-up experience preferred). 
• Demonstrated architectural design experience with mass spectrometers, electron microscopes, focused ion beam systems, particle accelerators or other similar technology.
• Proven track record of designs implementing high voltage DC and high amplitude RF electronics.
• Extensive practical knowledge of signal integrity, ultra-low noise analog circuit design, and precision timing circuits.
• Deep understanding of the physical challenges associated with guiding low-energy ion beams without introducing phase-space distortion.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, with demonstrated experience in cross-functional and timely communication. 
• Strong and collaborative work ethic; must be a self-starter and persistent in achieving objectives to support Seer’s scientific and business goals. 
• Must work well in a small team setting, with the ability to work independently and collaboratively, while meeting scheduled deadlines in a fast-paced environment

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Prolonged periods of standing
• frequently lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects with minimal force. Repetitive movements.
• Ability to wear PPE for prolonged periods
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times. 

At Seer, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. This provides the opportunity to progress as you grow and develop within a role. The base pay range for this role is between $175,000 and $205,000, and will depend on the candidates education, skills, qualifications, experience, and location. This position is also eligible for bonus, benefits, and participation in Company’s stock option plan.  

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