OPTICAL POLISHING ENGINEER

Support manufacturing precision optical components and systems. The ideal candidate will use their proven track record of engineering in grinding and polishing of glass and ceramic to implement workflow optimizations, process improvements, and documentation updates, with a strong focus on improving yield and throughput. In addition, they will use their strong communication skills to help diverse teams of engineers and technicians implement these solutions.

Required Skills:

Essential Functions

• Determine manufacturing capacity across product lines.
• Propose solutions to eliminate inefficiencies and bottlenecks, and implement these solutions.
• Create and update work instructions and operation sheets that describe the manufacture of polished optical components, in accordance with AS9100 standards.
• Train technicians and engineers to carry out documented manufacturing procedures.
• Read and interpret outputs of metrology tools such as interferometers, autocollimators, etc.
• Help to maintain the above metrology equipment
• Help define key characteristics of product performance, and report on these characteristics at regular intervals.
• Perform root cause analysis of production failures.
• Work with vendors to obtain subassemblies and components for use in existing and new products.
• Prepare and present reports on the above to management.

Critical Competencies:

• Hands-on experience with all of the above is required: laser interferometers, autocollimators, planetary polishing machines (single-sided and double-sided).
• Hands-on experience with at least one of the following is preferred: glass or ceramic machining, coordinate measuring machines (CMMs), thin-film deposition technologies, laser alignment, electronics assembly inertial navigation systems.
• Capable of working independently as well as within a cross-functional team of both engineers and technicians.
• Detail-oriented and a demonstrated background in process development and improvement.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills as well as presentation skills required. Experience with Microsoft Office Suite required.
• Past experience working with ERP systems required.
• Familiarity with electrical/mechanical design software and computational software preferred.

General Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in a science or engineering discipline from an accredited educational institution required, Master’s degree preferred.
• 5+ years experience in an optical fabrication and polishing facility.
• Previous experience in an aerospace manufacturing environment preferred.
• Previous experience working in ISO9001/AS9100 certified manufacturing facilities preferred.
• Previous experience working in cleanrooms (ISO Class 4 through Class 7) preferred.
• Minimum Six Sigma Green Belt required.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the US, visa sponsorship not available.

919-572-2292

#optics #photonics #polishing #aerospace #glass