Lead Process Development Engineer, Optical Fabrication

Are you passionate about cutting-edge optical systems and advanced manufacturing processes Were looking for a talented engineer to lead the development of innovative processes for grinding polishing shaping and assembling optical components and this role youll 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. Apply now and help us shape the future of optical manufacturing!

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

Process Development and Process Control: Leads development and implementation of new manufacturing processes tooling and test fixtures related primarily to the grinding polishing shaping and assembly of optics and optical skills are required in the basic principles of optical fabrication. manufacturing processes and planning assembly and test. Fabricationincludes various blocking methods fixture/tooling design grinding pitch polishing pad polishing HSPP generating HSPP polishing Diamond Turning aspheric polishing CP operation Double-sided grinding Double-sided polishing CNC edging and CNC shaping of optical components. Assembly includes alignment using both mechanical means and optical methods. Test includes interferometric characterization of surfaces: transmitted wave front reflection magnification and other important characteristics of optical materials components and processes developed are robust against product specifications and support quoted process variables are identified characterized and controlled sufficiently to consistently result in acceptable quality and cycle times. Process variables reduction is continuously engaged.

Process Documentation: Responsible for building and maintaining manufacturing process documentation for use by production personnel in the performance of their jobs. Manufacturing Process documentation includes Work Instructions Routers Bills of Materials (BOMs) ECN/ECO documentation Standard Manufacturing Procedures (SMP) and data collection for the use of process development or End-Item Data documentation packages must delineate the required steps in sufficient detail to successfully fabricate and test products as defined by customer and internal specifications.

Personnel Development: Provides guidance and training to manufacturing engineers and junior technicians. Provides feedback through coaching and mentoring. Provides administrative and technical support to engineering and operations management.

Estimating: Supports quoting activities by evaluating technical requirements identifying exceptions and preparing cost/hours estimates for customer quotes. Evaluates technical requirements identifies technical risks assesses manufacturability and provides recommendations. Supports NPI Production Process Development Process Improvement Training Capacity/Throughput analysis and facility/equipment requirements in support of the product realization lifecycle.

Education & Experience

• Minimum of 7 years of related experience working in a production manufacturing environment for IR lens and window manufacturing
• Bachelors in Materials Engineering Optical Engineering Mechanical Engineering Physics or Materials Science preferred. Masters or Ph.D. in related technical fields is a strong plus
• Experience in conventional optical fabrication is desired
• Experience in assembly and test technologies is required
• Experience in IR ceramic materials & manufacturing is a strong plus
• Experience in optical assembly process development & metrology & tests are required
• Experience in preparing and maintaining drawings procedures process routers and Bills of Materials with full documentation and configuration control required.
• Hands on Manufacturing experience required
• Optical fabrication includes any of the following areas: grinding pitch polishing pad polishing CNC generating CNC polishing Asphere polishing MRF CP operation edging and shaping of optical components.
• Test includes interferometric characterization of surfaces and transmitted wave front MTF stray light focal length magnification and other important characteristics of optical materials components and systems

Skills

• Strong verbal and written technical communication skills.
• Computer skills in word processing and spreadsheet software including MS Word Excel CAD software knowledge required (Solidworks preferred).
• Strong analytical fault isolation and problem-solving skills.
• Strong organization skills and attention to details required.
• Must be capable of reading blueprints.
• Experience in conventional optical fabrication assembly and test technologies are required. Optical fabrication includes various blocking methods fixture/tooling design grinding pitch polishing pad polishing CNC generating CNC polishing Diamond Turning aspheric polishing CP operation Double-sided grinding Double-sided polishing edging and CNC shaping of optical components. Assembly includes alignment using both mechanical means and optical methods. Test includes interferometric characterization of surfaces: transmitted wave front reflection magnification and other important characteristics of optical materials components and systems.
• Experience with fabrication methodologies and development of processes on a variety of materials such as Ge Si ZnS ZnSe Sapphire BK7 CaF2 BaF2 GaAs Aluminum and other exotic materials/ceramics.
• Experience with various optical and mechanical fabrication techniques and development for various sizes of windows lenses domes prisms waveplates various materials above.
• Experience in process design development and project planning is desired.
• Experience in preparing and maintaining drawings procedures process routers and Bills of Materials with full documentation and configuration control required.
• Must understand production flow and be capable of logically developing planning within this flow that correctly and efficiently builds product.
• Excellent track record in developing and training junior opticians to upper levels.
• Experience in setting up production cells equipment onboarding and facility layouts. Familiarity with equipment manufacturers technology and capability evaluation and selection of capital equipment.

Working Conditions

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

Noise level Usually moderate.

Physical Requirements

Walk. Occasionally move about inside the office to access file cabinets office machinery etc.

Talking. Expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word. Those activities in which they must convey detailed or important spoken instructions to other employees accurately loudly or quickly.

Hearing. Perceiving the nature of sounds at normal speaking levels with or without correction. Ability to receive detailed information through oral communication and to make the discriminations in sound.

Reaching. Extending hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction.

Use hands/fingers to type/handle. Operating a computer and other office productivity machinery such as a calculator copy machine and computer printer.

Grasping. Applying pressure to an object with the fingers and palm.

Stooping. Bending body downward and forward by bending spine at the waist. This factor is important if it occurs to a considerable degree and requires full motion of the lower extremities and back muscles.

Lifting. Raising objects from a lower to a higher position or moving objects horizontally from position-to-position. This factor is important if it occurs to a considerable degree and requires substantial use of upper extremities and back muscles.

Sedentary Work. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met.

Visual acuity. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and ability to adjust focus.

Safety Requirements

All employees are required to follow the site EHS procedures and Coherent A&D EHS standards.

Quality and Environmental Responsibilities

Depending on location this position may be responsible for the execution and maintenance of the ISO 9000 and/or other applicable standards that may apply to the relevant roles and responsibilities within the Quality Management System and Environmental Management System.

CultureCommitment

Ensure adherence to companys values (ICARE) in all aspects of your position at Coherent A&D:

Integrity Create an Environment of Trust

Collaboration Innovate Through the Sharing of Ideas

Accountability Own the Process and the Outcome

Respect Recognize the Value in Everyone

Enthusiasm Find a Sense of Purpose in Work

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