Opto-Mechanical Process Engineer

Job Title:

Opto-Mechanical Process Engineer

Location:

Middlefield, CT, US, 06455

Business Unit:
Zygo

Posting Date:
Jul 7, 2026

At Zygo, your skills and insights will be integral to our core values of curiosity, collaboration, and persistence. For over 50 years, Zygo Corporation in Middlefield, CT, has been a global leader in designing and manufacturing advanced optical metrology systems, ultra-precise optical components, and complex electro-optical systems and assemblies. Join our team, where your expertise will drive cutting‑edge solutions, address complex technical challenges, and uphold the highest standards of precision and safety.

As a Opto‑Mechanical Process Engineer
, based in Middlefield, CT, you will support the design, build, alignment, and test of high‑precision opto‑mechanical systems. This role combines precision engineering, hands‑on laboratory work, tooling development, metrology, and data analysis for systems such as space telescopes, illumination systems, AR/AV optical assemblies, interferometers, encoders, and related precision optical platforms.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering with at least two years of relevant experience.
• Thorough understanding of precision engineering concepts such as kinematic mounting, controlling degrees‑of‑freedom, flexures, precision adjustments, and fine mechanics.
• Strong ability to perform opto‑mechanical analyses from first principles and apply sound engineering judgment to complex precision systems.
• Experience with solid modeling, preferably Solid Works, and finite element analysis (FEA).
• Familiarity with metrology techniques ranging from interferometry and optical profiling to practical shop‑floor measurement methods.
• Experience designing tooling that supports the alignment and assembly of complex optical systems.
• Experience with bolted and adhesive joints used in precision opto‑mechanical assemblies.
• Strong lab skills and practical experience building, aligning, and testing high‑precision systems.
• Ability to analyze and interpret experimental data, evaluate measurement uncertainty, and present results clearly.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to document processes, transfer them to manufacturing, and work effectively with engineers and technicians.
• Familiarity with geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T).

Preferred Qualifications

• Master of Science Degree in Mechanical or Precision Engineering.
• Basic understanding of geometrical optics and interferometry.
• Understanding of additive and subtractive manufacturing processes and their practical capabilities.
• Ability to write Python or MATLAB code for data analysis and automated data acquisition.

Bring your passion and commitment to Zygo, where we are curious, collaborative, persistent, and confident, where safety and quality guide every step of our journey. Grow with us as we solve complex challenges, inspire confidence, and drive excellence in manufacturing.

We offer competitive compensation, benefits, retirement (401k), and paid time off programs. Compensation and position level will be set based on experience.

Due to the nature of Zygo Navitar's programs and products, applicants must have the legal right to work in the US and additionally must be legally authorized to access export‑controlled information and source code.

Employee Type:
Salaried

Currency: USD

Salary Minimum: 105,000

Salary Maximum: 115,000

Incentive:
No

Disclaimer:
Where a specific pay range is noted, it is a good faith estimate at the time of this posting. The actual salary offered will be based on experience, skills, qualifications, market/ business considerations, and geographic location.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class. Individuals who need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process should call 1 .