Principal Optical Manufacturing Engineer

Day in Your Life

As a Principal Manufacturing Engineer in the MKS Irvine Development Group, you will partner with Operations and the wider Engineering team to develop manufacturing and metrology methods for fabricating cutting‑edge optics. In this role, you will report to the Senior Manager of the Development Group.

• Develop, implement and maintain methods, operation sequences and processes in the manufacture or fabrication of optics, machined ceramic and glass components, and internal test stands.
• Interface with the operations team to coordinate the release of new products.
• Estimate manufacturing cost, determine time standards and make recommendations for tooling and process requirements of new or existing product lines.
• Maintain records and reporting systems for coordination of manufacturing operations.
• Lead brainstorming sessions, reviews, and cross‑departmental meetings to ensure collaboration and cohesion of designs as part of the NPI process.
• Apply lessons learned and develop standardized design and process criteria across all product lines.

Up to 5 % of travel is required.

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Physics, Material Science, Chemistry, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• 5+ years of related experience, optics fabrication and/or metrology development.
• Strong analytical, communication, and organizational skills.

• Metrology experience with complex Fizeau interferometer setups.
• Hands‑on optical test experience.
• Proficiency with ZeMax, Python, and/or Matlab.

Salary Pay Range: $115,000 to $180,000 per year. This is a good‑faith estimate based on qualifications, experience, and other factors. It is not typical to be hired at or near the top of the range for this role.

Bonus: Discretionary annual bonus, amount determined by MKS.

Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package including health insurance (medical, dental, vision), 401(k) with company match, life and disability insurance, 12 paid holidays, sick time, 15 paid vacation days, 6 weeks fully paid parental leave, adoption assistance, tuition reimbursement, and participation in stock programs or signing bonuses.

MKS is an equal‑opportunity employer, including disability, veteran status and all categories protected by law. MKS will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act and the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers. MKS is committed to recruiting and hiring qualified applicants regardless of race, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy), religion, age, ancestry, physical or mental disability, marital status, membership in the uniformed services, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or any other category protected by applicable law.

Hiring decisions are based on merit, qualifications and business needs, and we conduct background checks and drug screens in accordance with applicable law and company policies. MKS is generally only hiring candidates who reside in states where we are registered to do business.

We are interested in a qualified candidate who is eligible to work in the United States. However, we will not be sponsoring work visas for this position at this time.