Systems & Controls Engineering Manager

** TO APPLY PLEASE FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS AT THE END OF THE JOB DESRIPTION **

The TLS team is growing as we expand our core business and create more laser solutions for our customers.

During this growth, we've opened this Systems & Controls Engineering Lead position. This is a critical, high-impact, and technically challenging leadership role in our company. The primary function is to take end-to-end ownership of system performance for our tools—from software and motion controls to integration, testing, and field support.

We are looking for a "Player-Coach." This is a unique individual who is, first and foremost, a top-tier systems and controls engineer (the "Player") but who also has the passion and aptitude to lead, mentor, and build a world-class team (the "Coach").

You will be hands-on, working directly on our tools (approx. 70% of your time) while also providing the management and structure our team needs to scale (approx. 30%). This role reports directly to the CEO and offers a highly accelerated growth path into senior management for the right candidate.

We are a work culture that truly believes in living out and practicing our values. Everyone, including the CEO, works closely together. We believe in work-life balance, investing in people, work excellence, continuous growth, and open feedback. You will get to work with a small and impactful team of great people who really care about their work and each other.

Requirements:

• A mindset of full accountability. You take personal responsibility for problems and are energized by finding the solution.
• Master's degree (or higher)

in Engineering (e.g., Computer Science, Electrical, Mechanical, Mechatronics) or a related technical field.
- 5-8+ years of hands-on experience

in systems engineering for complex capital equipment, with a deep specialization in software, high-precision motion controls, and systems integration.
- Must be a master of precision motion and automation.

You must demonstrate a deep understanding of system-level repeatability, accuracy, and error budgets.
- Extensive experience with advanced metrology, including vision systems, non-contact sensors, and 3D sensors for in-situ measurement and qualification.
- Deep algorithm expertise

, with a strong understanding of the advanced mathematics required for complex systems engineering.
- Proven experience in system performance analysis and modeling.

You must be an expert in taking a proposed system configuration, analyzing customer specs, and doing the detailed calculations (e.g., statistical analysis, error budgets, throughput models) to validate performance and quantify risk.
- Sufficient knowledge of
mechanical and electrical engineering

to effectively collaborate with TLS ME or EE, provide valuable feedback at review designs, and provide a systems perspective.
- Must have at least 3 years of formal management experience

, including managing direct reports, conducting performance reviews, and providing career mentorship.
- A high level of emotional maturity and proven leadership skills are a must.

You must possess excellent interpersonal skills, value a collaborative and self-aware approach equally to technical brilliance, and believe deeply in the importance of a positive, high-trust team culture.
- Proven ability to be "hands-on." You are the person who can, and enjoys, "physically working on tools, programming tools, and debugging" to find a solution.
- Demonstrable experience in managing outsourced software development including defining new feature requirements and
testing/evaluating of the software.
- A "structure-builder" mindset. You see a lack of definition as an opportunity to build robust processes, not as a problem.
- Personal drive to work in an extremely creative, fast-paced, and start-up environment.
- This is an
onsite role

, you will be expected to be onsite the vast majority of the time.

Your key responsibilities will be to:

• Act as the primary technical owner for system performance

, from the pre-sale quotation phase to final sign-off. You will analyze customer requirements, validate proposed designs, and perform the detailed calculations (statistical analysis, error budgets) to guarantee we can meet performance specifications (accuracy, precision, throughput).
- Lead and own

all software and motion controls, including managing outsourced development, defining new features, and acting as the primary escalation point for all controls-related issues.
- Roll up your sleeves

for hands-on power-up, integration, and setup, personally debugging and verifying that all subsystems function as a cohesive whole.
- Manage the entire system verification and testing

lifecycle, from strategic scoping and risk management to developing new test algorithms and serving as the top-level expert for troubleshooting.
- Mentor and manage

our software and controls engineers, providing daily technical guidance and career development to maximize their productivity and engagement.
- Own the complete service lifecycle

for non-laser products, from Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and installation to post-sale field support, ensuring high customer satisfaction.
- Travel

to client sites to support service and installs where appropriate.
- Establish and run

a weekly leadership rhythm (e.g., Systems & Controls meetings) to drive proactive initiatives for documentation, product performance, and build efficiency.
- Exercise cross-functional influence

with humility and clarity—building trust, aligning teams around technical priorities, and engaging in constructive, even difficult, conversations with the openness and vulnerability confident leadership requires.

Benefits

• Culture-focused; purpose driven; people first
• Small company atmosphere with room for growth and flexibility on a tight-knit team
• Flexible time: we support flexible schedules, provided they align with your responsibilities, team needs, and project timelines. Flex time requires coordination and mutual accountability.
• Medical (covers 100% CA employee's premium), Dental, Vision, and Life insurance
• 401K match
• 15 PTO days/year to start. Can be used for vacation or sick days.
• Equity vesting opportunities

How to apply:

• Follow ALL the instructions below,
  generic applications without a thoughtful cover letter will not be considered
• Review our website, LinkedIn page and learn about what we do
• Send your application via email to
• Attach your Resume (2-3 page).
• Write an introduction about your background, your passions, why you chose your career path and your long term vision.
• How your career and interests fit with this position at TLS.