Senior Optical Engineer

The Optical Engineer's (OE) role includes planning, developing, analyzing, overseeing fabrication and assembly, as well as testing of high performance opto-mechanical and electro-optical systems used in various applications.   The OE will develop compliant optical designs, produce optical sensitivities and tolerance analyses in coordination with Mechanical and IA&T Engineering, document optical prescriptions and layouts, support fabrication, assembly, integration, and test, investigate and resolve performance and functional non-compliances discovered during the build phase, and provide a smooth transition into routine production.

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations (ITAR), applicant must be a U.S. person, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8. U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Design, modeling and simulation of high performance gimballed telescopes and optical devices for various environments including land, sea, air and space.
• Expert technical knowledge of a wide application of principles, theories and concepts in the field of precision optical system and subsystem design.
• Expert understanding of optical sensors and optical sensor technology, including the design and modeling of ultraviolet, visual and infrared waveband systems, optically-passive athermal sensors, illuminations and projection systems using coherent and incoherent sources. 
• Mastery level understanding of opto-mechanical design principles.
• Resource for laser technology expertise and physical beam propagation.
• Resource for information about properties and application of optical materials: crystalline, glass, and polymer materials for refractive systems in the IR, SWIR, NIR, Visible, and UV portions of the spectrum
• Resource for information associated with optical coatings, particularly ion-beam sputtered coatings used in high energy laser applications in which multi-wavelength, as well as ultra-low absorption and scatter are required.
• Ability to lead implementation of optical alignment techniques and optical alignment tools and metrology (interferometers, spectrophotometers, autocollimators, theodolites, measuring/toolmaker microscope, lasers, etc.)
• Advocate for clean room protocols and processes and best practice associate with optical element cleaning, handling, and packaging
• Vendor/supplier sub-contract management including optics, mechanics, tooling fabrication, and optical coatings
• Advanced understanding of materials and mounting methods for opto-mechanical systems; preparation and use of primers, one and two part adhesives, and elastomers
• Advanced understanding of mechanical metrology instruments and techniques and geometric dimensioning and tolerancing Knowledge of optical and mechanical materials and fabrication processes
• Mentoring other engineers and technicians in optical design, error budgets, error analysis, optical fabrication techniques, alignment methods, and optical meteorology tools
• Supports proposal activities and provides analysis, advising, and reporting on the feasibility of new projects

Education & Experience

• Requires a bachelor’s degree in Optical Sciences, Physics, or a related discipline.  
• An understanding of optical manufacturing, alignment and testing techniques and the ability to apply engineering theories and concepts are essential.
• Minimum of 12 years of related experience in a professional role with Bachelor’s degree; or equivalent experience.
• 10 years with Master’s or higher degree

Skills & Other Requirements

• Lead the development and detailed analysis and characterization of optical imaging and laser systems.
• Mastery level understanding of physical optics, optical aberration theory, and optical system performance criteria (including WFE, MTF, EE, and stray-light management).
• Provide leadership on formalized optical engineering content for design and technical reviews throughout the program life cycle (SRR, PDR, CDR, MRR, TRR, etc.)
• Experience addressing complex issues that arise during all phases of programs.
• Demonstrated ability to achieve results independently or working on teams.
• Ability to direct process improvement initiatives
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Experience with networked PC based computer system (MS Office, spreadsheets, access, graphics, Email, MRP systems, and accounting software)

Working Conditions

Physical Requirements

Safety Requirements

All employees are required to attend scheduled training, follow the site EHS procedures and II-VI Corporate EHS standards.  This includes the use of proper protective equipment (PPE) as required by the job responsibilities.

Managers will ensure that all safety and environmental procedures are followed consistently.  They will ensure that risk assessments are performed, proper training, work instructions, required PPE is available, and will monitor compliance.

Quality & Environmental Responsibilities

Depending on location, this position may be responsible for the execution and maintenance of the ISO 9000, 9001, 14001 and/or other applicable standards that may apply to the relevant roles and responsibilities within the Quality Management System and Environmental Management System. 

Culture Commitment

Ensure adherence to company’s values (ICARE) in all aspects of your position at Coherent:

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