Sr. Opto Mechanical Engineer

Description

VIAVI (NASDAQ: VIAV) is a global provider of network test, monitoring and assurance solutions for telecommunications, cloud, enterprises, first responders, military, aerospace, and railway. VIAVI is also a leader in light management technologies for 3D sensing, anti-counterfeiting, consumer electronics, industrial, automotive, government and aerospace applications.

We are the people behind the products that help keep the world connected at home, school, work, at play, and everywhere in between. VIAVI employees are passionate about supporting customer success and we welcome people who bring their best every day to the company – to question, to collaborate and to push for solutions that will delight our customers.

VIAVI Solutions has a 100+ year history of technical innovations that have evolved to keep pace and address our customers’ most pressing business issues. The Optical Security and Performance Products (OSP) business segment of VIAVI leverages its core technology strengths of optics, vacuum coatings, and materials science to deliver innovative and differentiated technologies that manipulate light to improve the performance of sensors, shape light from high-performance light sources, and create unique visual effects.

The Senior Opto-Mechanical Engineer is responsible for the design, development, analysis, and testing of complex mechanical systems that integrate optical components such as filters, lenses, lasers, and sensors. This role is crucial in ensuring precise alignment, stability, and thermal management to optimize optical performance across various applications, from aerospace/defense to handheld spectrometers and consumer electronics. The engineer will work with cross‑functional teams to ensure designs meet stringent performance, safety, and manufacturability requirements.

Additionally, the senior engineer may support development and commercialization efforts for other products and applications that leverage VIAVI’s proprietary vacuum deposition capabilities.

• Design and development of opto‑mechanical systems, including conceptualization, feasibility studies, detailed design, prototyping, and testing.
• Create detailed mechanical engineering drawings and layouts, ensuring proper application of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) and adherence to relevant design standards (e.g., ISO, MIL specifications).
• Lead or participate in the entire design process, including requirements specification, feasibility studies, conceptual and detailed design.
• Perform engineering analysis to understand the impact of loads and environmental factors (structural, thermal, vibration) on the optical/mechanical system performance.
• Utilize Finite Element Analysis (FEA) software (e.g., Solid Works Simulation) for structural, thermal, and vibration modeling of complex assemblies.
• Conduct tolerance stack‑up analyses, potentially including Monte‑Carlo analysis, to verify design capability within manufacturing and operational conditions.
• Apply optical modeling software (e.g., Zemax) to simulate and optimize optical performance under various conditions. Extensive knowledge of optical design tools is not required but highly desirable.
• Work with manufacturing teams to break down complex assemblies into logical sub‑assemblies and subprocesses, considering manufacturing capabilities, cost, and requirements.
• Interact with customers and suppliers, presenting technical information, and contributing to technical reviews.
• Travel 10% for in‑person meetings with customers.
• Position reports out of Santa Rosa.

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field with greater than 5 years’ experience in opto‑mechanical design.
• In‑depth knowledge of precision mechanical design principles, including kinematic design, adhesives, vacuum technology, and precision machining.
• High proficiency in CAD tools such as Solid Works, Auto Desk, Creo, etc. and experience with FEA tools (e.g., ANSYS, Solid Works Simulation) for structural, thermal, and vibration analysis.
• Strong understanding of optical principles, including geometrical optics, physical optics (ray aberrations, waves, diffraction), and lasers. Experience with optical design software and ray tracing (e.g., Zemax, Code V).
• Must be U.S. Persons as defined by ITAR.

If you have what it takes to push boundaries and seize opportunities, apply to join our team today.

VIAVI Solutions is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer – minorities/females/veterans/persons with disabilities.