Enterprise Optical Engineer

If you’re looking for a special place to build or grow your career, IDEX offers opportunities in engineering, marketing, sales, supply chain, operations, HR, finance, and more across more than 40 diverse businesses globally. This role could be hybrid, home-based, site-based, or a bubble assignment (if current employee).

IDEX Materials Science Solutions (MSS) is a newly formed group of 11 Materials Sciences businesses across 14 locations in the US and Europe. The Global Space and Defense (GSD) group within MSS aims to double revenue in five years by securing strategic programs supporting space and defense initiatives in North America and Europe.

About the role

The Global Space and Defense (GSD) group is pursuing high-risk, high-reward business with strategic customers. We seek a customer-focused Enterprise Optical Engineer to develop and lead optical solutions from concept through prototype, collaborating with internal and external stakeholders. The ideal candidate will deeply understand IDEX MSS’s optical capabilities and partner with customers to propose innovative, manufacturable solutions for complex challenges.

Responsibilities

• Translate customer needs and requirements into manufacturable designs using CAD, coating design, and COTS/custom optical system simulation tools.
• Design and develop optical components, assemblies, and optomechanical solutions aligned with GSD’s Strategic Intent.
• Thoroughly understand IDEX GSD’s manufacturing capabilities and identify new opportunities with existing and growth customers.
• Perform tolerance analysis and feasibility studies to ensure alignment with manufacturing capabilities; generate detailed technical documentation for prototypes.
• Lead the prototype-to-production process at manufacturing sites.
• Interface directly with customers on technical and commercial matters, providing expertise and developing application-specific solutions, including feasibility, costing, and lead time estimates.
• Lead new product innovation, development, and introduction for custom-engineered solutions from concept through qualification, quotation, prototype delivery, and handoff to Operations.
• Support system-level discussions with an optical system perspective.
• Collaborate with commercial, program management, and site teams to drive growth, new product development, technology deployment, and scalability.
• Troubleshoot technical issues and support customer returns and complaints.
• Create, write, and communicate multi-site proposals to customers.
• May serve as an interim primary point of contact for customers until an account manager is assigned.
• Represent the GSD Team and Strategic Intent at industry events, conferences, and trade shows, exhibiting GSD Team Behaviors.

Requirements

• Master’s degree or above in Optical Engineering, Physics, Mechanical Engineering (with optics focus), or a related field preferred. A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant STEM discipline is required.
• 3-5 years’ experience in an optical manufacturing environment preferred; experience with optical component/system new product development or introduction required.
• Experience with optical component and/or assembly manufacturing, including metrology.
• Experience in a customer-facing technical role is preferred; strong communication skills required.
• Proficiency with optical design simulation tools (e.g., Code V, OpticsStudio); familiarity with SolidWorks, MATLAB, and/or Python is a plus.
• Experience generating technical documentation and specifications.
• Ability to work in ambiguous environments, manage multiple projects, and meet deadlines.
• Ability to travel as needed for customer meetings, industry events, and site support.
• Must meet ITAR/EAR requirements (U.S. Citizenship, Permanent Residency, or contract-specific licensure).

Skills

• Attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• System-level thinker connecting optical performance to assembly processes.
• Ability to develop innovative solutions.
• Flexibility to adapt to changing requirements and technologies.
• Strong customer presence and communication capabilities.
• Comfortable with ambiguity and evolving technical requirements.
• High ‘say-do’ ratio; ability to make and keep commitments.
• Self-motivated and proactive in identifying and addressing issues.
• Strong focus on customer satisfaction and delivering value.
• Pragmatic, hands-on builder comfortable in cleanroom alignment environments.
• Analytical skills to interpret market data, customer feedback, and product performance.
• Collaborative mindset to work effectively across engineering, sales, and operations.
• Low ego; alignment with IDEX Values of Trust, Team, and Excellence.

Pay

The compensation range for this position is $124,000.00 - $186,000.00, depending on experience. This position may be eligible for a performance-based bonus plan.

Benefits

Our comprehensive U.S. benefit offerings include:

• Health benefits.
• 401(k) retirement savings program with company match.
• Paid time off (PTO).
• Additional benefits and rewards (see our career page for details).