Position Overview
American Photonics is seeking an Optical Engineer to lead the design, testing, and optimization of optical components and beam delivery systems for industrial laser applications (including CO2, fiber, and diode lasers). The Optical Engineer will collaborate closely with manufacturing, product development, and quality teams to deliver high-performance lenses, mirrors, precision optics, and customized opto-mechanical solutions.
U.S. Citizenship Requirement: This position supports programs subject to U.S. government regulations and customer contractual obligations. Therefore, candidates must be a U.S. Citizen, Permanent Resident (Green Card Holder), or Authorized to work in the US.
Essential Responsibilities
- Optical Design & Tolerancing: Model, design, and analyze optical components (lenses, reflectors, output couplers, beam expanders) using optical simulation software.
- Prototype Testing & Metrology: Conduct laboratory setup, experimental testing, alignment, and optical characterization of prototype components and laser systems.
- RFQ Review: Perform end-to-end technical evaluations of incoming Requests for Quotation (RFQs) to assess alignment with manufacturing capabilities, tolerances, optical specifications, and material availability.
- Quoting Support: Generate accurate cost estimates, bill of materials (BOMs), and labor/lead-time projections in collaboration with sales, procurement, and operations teams to build competitive commercial proposals.
- Feasibility Review: Conduct rigorous design-for-manufacturability (DFM) and process capability analyses to identify technical risks, highlight tolerance tight spots, and validate production feasibility prior to bid submission.
- Customer Requirement Cross-Functional Support: Act as the primary technical bridge between customer engineering teams, internal sales, and shop-floor manufacturing to clarify drawings, resolve specification ambiguities, and ensure build execution aligns with customer requirements.
- Manufacturing Support: Collaborate with production engineers to establish coating specifications, substrate standards, and quality control procedures.
- Product Optimization: Evaluate field performance data, perform failure analysis, and optimize components to improve damage thresholds, transmission rates, and focal stability.
- Documentation & Compliance: Create engineering specifications, test procedures, build documentation, and technical support materials for internal teams and client integrations.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Photonics and Optoelectronics: Familiarity with lasers, photodetectors, fiber optics, and imaging systems.
- Design Software: Proficiency in industry-standard tools like Zemax or Code V for ray tracing and system simulation.
- Programming: Working knowledge of languages like Python, MATLAB, or C++ to automate tests and analyze data.
- Troubleshooting design flaws and evaluating alternative technical solutions.
- Collaboration: Working effectively with cross-functional manufacturing and research teams.
- Communication: Explaining complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.
Qualifications & Requirements
- Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
- Software Proficiency: Hands-on experience with optical design software (e.g., Zemax, CODE V) and CAD modeling tools (e.g., SolidWorks).
- Domain Knowledge: Strong understanding of geometrical/physical optics, laser-material interaction, anti-reflective coatings, and optical metrology techniques.
- U.S. Citizenship Requirement: This position supports programs subject to U.S. government regulations and customer contractual obligations. Therefore, candidates must be U.S. citizens to be eligible for employment.
- Experience: 2–5+ years of relevant experience working with industrial laser optics or precision optical manufacturing.
Physical Requirements
- Frequently stand, walk, bend, kneel, climb, and reach.
- Lift and carry up to 50 pounds regularly.
- Work around moving mechanical equipment.
- Occasionally work in confined spaces or elevated locations.
- Use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
Benefits
American Photonics offers a competitive compensation and benefits package, including:
- Competitive hourly pay based on experience
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
- 401(k)
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Paid Holidays
- Training and career advancement opportunities
American Photonics is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.
U.S. Citizenship Requirement: This position supports programs subject to U.S. government regulations and customer contractual obligations. Therefore, candidates must be a U.S. Citizen, Permanent Resident (Green Card Holder), or Authorized to work in the US.
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- Do you possess a Bachelor’s degree or higher in Optical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field?
- How many years of professional experience do you have working with industrial laser optics or precision optical manufacturing?
- Which optical design software tools do you have hands-on experience using?
- Do you have experience conducting design-for-manufacturability (DFM) reviews and technical RFQ evaluations for optical components?
- Which programming languages have you used for optical test automation or data analysis?
- Are you comfortable standing, walking, and working around moving mechanical equipment in a manufacturing environment?
- Are you able to reliably commute or relocate to the job location prior to starting? (there is no relocation package for this position)
- U.S. Citizenship Requirement: This position supports programs subject to U.S. government regulations and customer contractual obligations. Therefore, candidates must be a U.S. Citizen, Permanent Resident (Green Card Holder), or Authorized to work in the US.
Work Location: In person
