Optical Engineer

Overview:

The Optical Engineer designs, develops, tests, and supports optical components, assemblies, and systems for existing products and new product development initiatives. This role evaluates optical design feasibility based on performance requirements, tolerances, manufacturing capabilities, and cost considerations. The Optical Engineer serves as a technical resource in optical design, thin film coatings, optical testing, and manufacturing while partnering with internal teams and customers to develop innovative optical solutions in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
 

Key Responsibilities:

• Generate optical system and component specifications from system-level performance requirements.

• Design, analyze, develop, and tolerance optical components and systems to meet or exceed product specifications.

• Evaluate optical design feasibility considering requirements, tolerances, manufacturing processes, and cost objectives.

• Develop fabrication, inspection, and test requirements and support design verification and validation activities.

• Perform and interpret optical testing using equipment and techniques including interferometry, ellipsometry, polarimetry, spectrophotometry, and custom test methods.

• Integrate optical and mechanical designs using software tools such as Zemax and SolidWorks.

• Collaborate with optomechanical, mechanical, manufacturing, quality, sales, planning, and production teams to support new and existing products.

• Translate customer requirements into manufacturable optical solutions and technical specifications.

• Support manufacturing, quality, and production teams in resolving optical product, process, and customer-related issues.

• Support Design for Manufacturability (DFM) initiatives to improve product performance, manufacturability, yield, quality, and cost.

• Lead optical design and development projects through established product development and engineering change processes.

• Identify, recommend, and support implementation of product, process, and capability improvements.

• Lead technical reviews, project meetings, and cross-functional discussions.

• Prepare and present technical reports, analyses, and presentations.

• Perform other duties as assigned.
 

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Optics, Optical Engineering, Physics, or a related technical discipline.

• Minimum of three (3) to five (5) years of experience in optical engineering, optical design, optical testing, or a related field.

• Theoretical and practical understanding of geometrical optics, aberration theory, interference, lasers, thin film coatings, and optical coating performance.

• Experience supporting optical product development, optical testing, or optical system design.

• Ability to read, interpret, and apply engineering drawings, specifications, and technical documentation.

• Experience with New Product Development (NPD), stage gate processes, and Design of Experiments (DOE) preferred.

• Experience leading technical projects preferred.
 

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

• Proficiency with optical design and simulation software including Zemax OpticStudio, Code V, or similar tools.

• Working knowledge of SolidWorks or similar CAD software.

• Experience with MATLAB, Python, LabVIEW, or similar scientific computing, automation, and data analysis tools.

• Familiarity with optical metrology techniques including interferometry, spectrophotometry, polarimetry, ellipsometry, or similar measurement methods.

• Familiarity with JDE ERP or similar manufacturing ERP systems preferred.

• Ability to support laboratory testing, optical characterization, and prototype evaluation activities.

• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within cross-functional teams.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including technical report writing and presentations.

• Strong organizational, prioritization, and time management skills.

• Ability to learn new technologies, manufacturing processes, and business systems.

• Demonstrated commitment to continuous improvement, quality, and operational excellence.
 

Working Conditions & Physical Demands:

• Work performed in a combination of office, laboratory, cleanroom, and manufacturing environments.

• Requires handling of optical components, fixtures, tools, and test equipment.

• May require standing, walking, bending, reaching, and performing repetitive tasks throughout the workday.

• May involve exposure to manufacturing equipment, chemicals, lasers, and the use of required personal protective equipment (PPE).

• Requires regular use of computers, engineering software, laboratory instrumentation, and test equipment.

• Occasional travel may be required.
 

Additional Requirement:

Certain positions with IDEX Corporation and its business units require access to controlled goods and technologies subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations or the Export Administration Regulations. Applicants for these positions may need to be "U.S. Persons," as defined in these regulations. Generally, a "U.S. Person" is a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, lawful permanent resident, or an individual who has been granted refugee or asylum status.