Lead Process Development Engineer, Optical Fabrication

Lead Process Development Engineer, Optical Fabrication

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Are you passionate about cutting‑edge optical systems and advanced manufacturing processes? We’re looking for a talented engineer to lead the development of innovative processes for grinding, polishing, shaping, and assembling optical components and systems. In this role, you’ll drive process development, mentor junior team members, create robust documentation, and deliver precision‑engineered results that meet the highest quality standards. Apply now and help us shape the future of optical manufacturing.

Process Development and Process Control:
Lead the design and implementation of new manufacturing processes, tooling, and test fixtures primarily for grinding, polishing, shaping and assembly of optics and optical systems.

Process Documentation:
Build and maintain manufacturing process documentation (Work Instructions, Routers, BOMs, ECNs/ECOs, SMPs) that provide sufficient detail for successful fabrication and testing.

Personnel Development:
Provide guidance, training and coaching to manufacturing engineers and junior technicians.

Estimating:
Support quoting activities by evaluating technical requirements, identifying risks, and preparing cost/hours estimates for customer quotes; support NPI, production, process improvement, training and capacity analysis.

• Minimum of 7 years of production manufacturing experience in IR lens and window manufacturing.
• Bachelor’s in Materials Engineering, Optical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics or Materials Science (preferred). Masters or Ph.D. is a strong plus.
• Experience in conventional optical fabrication and assembly/test technologies is required.
• Experience with IR ceramic materials & manufacturing (strong plus).
• Experience in preparing and maintaining drawings, procedures, process routers and BOMs with full documentation and configuration control.
• Hands‑on manufacturing experience is required.
• Knowledge of optical fabrication techniques such as grinding, pitch polishing, pad polishing, CNC generating, CNC polishing, asphere polishing, MRF, CP operation, edging, shaping, diamond turning, aspheric polishing, and double‑sided polishing.
• Proficiency in interferometric characterization and analysis of optical surfaces and parameters such as wavefront, MTF, stray light, focal length and magnification.

• Strong verbal and written technical communication skills.
• Computer skills in Word, Excel and CAD (Solid Works preferred).
• Analytical thinking, fault isolation and problem‑solving.
• Excellent organization and attention to detail.
• Ability to read blueprints.
• Experience with a wide range of materials (Ge, Si, ZnS, ZnSe, sapphire, BK7, CaF₂, BaF₂, GaAs, aluminum, and other exotic ceramics).
• Training and mentoring experience.
• Experience setting up production cells, equipment onboarding, and facility layouts; familiarity with equipment manufacturers and capital equipment selection.

Routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and office machinery.

Walk, talk, hear, reach, use hands/fingers to type/handle, grasp, stoop, lift, sit, and maintain visual acuity as needed for the job.

All employees must follow site EHS procedures and Coherent A&D EHS standards.

Responsible for the execution and maintenance of ISO 9000, 9001, 14001 and other applicable standards within the Quality Management System and Environmental Management System.

Ensure adherence to Coherent A&D values: Integrity, Collaboration, Accountability, Respect, Enthusiasm.

We are an equal‑opportunity/affirmative‑action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

This role involves…