Lead Process Development Engineer, Optical Fabrication

Lead Process Development Engineer, Optical Fabrication

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. If you thrive in a dynamic production environment and have expertise in optical fabrication, assembly, and test technologies, we invite you to bring your skills and experience to our team.

• Lead development and implementation of new manufacturing processes, tooling, and test fixtures related to grinding, polishing, shaping, and assembly of optics and optical systems.
• Identify, characterize, and control key process variables to maintain high quality and cycle time.
• Build and maintain manufacturing process documentation (Work Instructions, Routers, BOMs, ECN/ECO, SMP, data collection).
• Provide guidance, training, coaching, and feedback to manufacturing engineers and junior technicians.
• Support quoting activities by evaluating technical requirements, estimating costs, and assessing manufacturability.
• Support NPI, Production, Process Development, Process Improvement, Training, Capacity/Throughput analysis, and facility/equipment requirements.

• Minimum 7 years of experience in production manufacturing of infrared 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, assembly and test technologies.
• Experience with IR ceramic materials manufacturing (preferred).
• Experience in optical assembly process development, metrology, and tests.
• Experience preparing and maintaining drawings, procedures, process routers, BOMs with full documentation and configuration control.
• Hands‑on manufacturing experience required.
• Familiarity with materials such as Ge, Si, ZnS, ZnSe, Sapphire, BK7, CaF2, BaF2, GaAs, Aluminum, and other exotic materials/ceramics.

• Strong verbal and written technical communication skills.
• Proficient in word processing, spreadsheet software, and CAD (Solid Works preferred).
• Strong analytical, fault isolation, and problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to read blueprints.
• Experience in conventional optical fabrication, assembly, and test technologies, including grinding, polishing, CNC generating/polishing, Diamond Turning, aspheric polishing, CP operation, double‑sided grinding/polishing, edging, CNC shaping.
• Experience with development of processes on materials such as Ge, Si, ZnS, ZnSe, etc.
• Experience in preparing and maintaining drawings, procedures, process routers, BOMs with full documentation and configuration control.
• Ability to logically develop planning within production flow.
• Excellent track record in developing and training junior opticians.
• Experience setting up production cells, equipment onboarding, and facility layouts.

Uses standard office equipment; moderate noise level; sedentary work. Requires walking, talking, hearing, reaching, using hands/fingers, grasping, stooping, lifting, and visual acuity.

Walk, talk, hear, reach, use hands/fingers, grasp, stoop, lift, sit, and possess visual acuity as described above.

Follow site EHS procedures and Coherent A&D EHS standards.

Execute and maintain ISO 9000, 9001, 14001 and other applicable QMS/EMS standards as required.

We adhere to company values (ICARE):
Integrity – create an environment of trust;
Collaboration – innovate through sharing of ideas;
Accountability – own the process and outcome;
Respect – recognize value in everyone;
Enthusiasm – find sense of purpose in work.

Coherent A&D is 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, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

This role involves access to technology, materials, software, or hardware subject to U.S. export control laws. Candidates must be classified as a "U.S. Person" under applicable regulations or be eligible for authorization under a U.S. government export license.

$88,550.00/yr - $/yr

Mid‑Senior level

Full‑time

Murrieta, CA;
Temecula, CA;
Fallbrook, CA