Sr. Optical Engineer

Job Description:

We are seeking a skilled and hands-on Senior Optical Engineer to drive the design development validation and optimization of next-generation high-power fiber laser this role you will lead optical architecture prototyping and beam-shaping initiatives. Candidates with a proven track record of applying high-power lasers to industrial materials processing (specifically laser welding) are highly preferred. However expertise in optical engineering with the ability to develop competency in material processing will be considered.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in laser optics and beam delivery systems with hands-on experience translating laser technology into robust industrial manufacturing solutions.

This role will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams including welding engineers manufacturing engineers product development teams and research scientists to develop innovative laser-based solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Design develop validate and optimize high-power fiber laser systems and optical architectures.
• Lead integration of laser sources beam delivery components process heads sensors and automation systems into manufacturing environments.
• Develop test plans qualification procedures and process validation protocols.
• Ensure compliance with laser safety standards quality requirements and industry regulations.
• Analyze and improve laser beam propagation beam quality focusability and energy delivery.
• Develop and evaluate optical systems beam delivery components collimators focusing optics scanners and process heads.
• Support laser process development for industrial manufacturing applications.
• Perform optical simulations modeling testing and characterization.
• Troubleshoot laser system performance issues and implement corrective actions.
• Collaborate with suppliers customers and internal engineering teams on laser system integration projects.
• Stay current with emerging technologies in fiber lasers optics photonics and advanced manufacturing.
• Provide technical leadership and drive optical technology roadmaps for future laser platforms.

Required Qualifications

• M.S. or Ph.D. in Optical Engineering Physics Photonics Electrical Engineering or a related field.
• 5 years of experience working with high-power fiber laser systems ranging from 1 kW to 10 kW.
• Strong understanding of:
  • Fiber laser architectures
  • Optical components and beam delivery systems including combiners couplers and fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs)
  • Optical design and characterization
  • Diagnosing and mitigating high-power degradation mechanisms such as Stimulated Brillouin Scattering (SBS) thermal lensing mode stability and optical fiber damage.
• Experience with optical test and measurement equipment.
• Familiarity with laser safety requirements and standards.
• Strong analytical troubleshooting and experimental skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Direct experience with fiber laser welding processes.
• Experience with laser process monitoring and closed-loop control.
• Experience with simulation tools such as Zemax Matlab Python or equivalent.
• Understanding of beam shaping technologies and advanced laser processing techniques.
• Experience supporting production environments and manufacturing scale-up

Ideal Candidate Profile

The successful candidate will have a background similar to professionals who have experience in:

• Fiber laser source development
• Industrial laser processing
• Laser welding research and development
• Optical system design and characterization
• Photonics and advanced manufacturing technologies
• Candidates with demonstrated expertise in both high-power fiber lasers and laser welding applications will be strongly preferred.

ITW is an equal opportunity employer. We value our colleagues unique perspectives experiences and ideas and create workplaces where everyone can develop their careers and perform to their full potential.

As an equal employment opportunity employer ITW is committed to equal employment opportunity and fair treatment for employees beginning with the hiring process and continuing through all aspects of the employment relationship.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race color sex gender identity sexual orientation religion national origin age disability protected Veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal state or local laws.