Careers

Systems & Controls Engineering Manager​

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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 Manager 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.
 

How to apply:

Please ensure you follow ALL instructions below. Applications without a thoughtful cover letter may not be considered.

• Step 1: Please review our website and LinkedIn page and learn about what we do. 

• Step 2: Apply through LinkedIn here: Systems & Controls Engineering Manager

• Step 3: After applying on LinkedIn, please send a cover letter to careers@turnerlasersystems.com

  • In your own words, include an introduction about your background, your passions, why you chose your career path, your long term vision, and how your career and interests fit with this position at TLS.

  • Attach your resume again to this email.

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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 (currently overs 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

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