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).

About the role

IDEX Materials Science Solutions (MSS) is a newly formed group comprising 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 and executing strategic programs supporting space and defense initiatives in North America and Europe.

GSD is pursuing high-risk, high-reward business with strategic customers, requiring best-in-class optical design engineering expertise. We are seeking a customer-focused Enterprise Optical Engineer to develop and lead solutions from concept through prototype, collaborating with key internal and external stakeholders. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of IDEX MSS’s optical capabilities and a proven ability to partner with customers on complex challenges, proposing innovative, manufacturable solutions that evolve from prototype to full-scale OEM production.

Responsibilities

• Translate customer needs and requirements into manufacturable designs using CAD, coating design, and COTS and custom optical system simulation tools.
• Design and develop optical component, optical assembly, and optomechanical solutions for responding to market needs targeted by GSD’s Strategic Intent.
• Thoroughly understand the capabilities of IDEX’s GSD manufacturing sites and identify new opportunities with existing and growth customers to deploy MSS manufacturing capabilities.
• Perform tolerance analysis and feasibility studies to ensure alignment with IDEX GSD manufacturing capabilities; generate detailed technical documentation for prototypes.
• Lead the prototype-to-production process at manufacturing sites.
• Directly interface with customers for technical and commercial matters, providing technical expertise and developing customer 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 hand-off to Operations for high-volume OEM production.
• Support system-level discussions by bringing an optical system-level view.
• Support the commercial, program management, and site teams to drive growth and meet new market needs aligned with GSD Strategic Intent, including 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 determined.
• Represent the GSD Team and GSD Strategic Intent, exhibiting GSD Team Behaviors to customers, MSS site teams, and at industry events, conferences, and trade shows.

Requirements

• Master’s degree or above in Optical Engineering, Physics, Mechanical Engineering (with optics focus), or 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 or system new product development or new product introduction required.
• Experience with optical component and/or optical assembly manufacturing, including metrology, required.
• Experience in a customer-facing technical role is preferred; strong communication skills and comfort in customer-facing roles required.
• Proficiency with optical design simulation (such as Code V, OpticsStudio) required. Familiarity with SolidWorks, MATLAB, and/or Python is a plus.
• Experience in technical documentation and specification generation required.
• Ability to work in ambiguous environments, manage multiple projects, and meet deadlines.
• Ability to travel as needed to meet with customers, attend industry events, and provide 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 who can connect 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; lives the 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 more information)