Optical & Process Engineer

Pay rate: $70.00 - $80.00/hr.

About the role

We are looking for a hands-on optical & process engineer to join a cross-functional team advancing optical material and product development, supporting optical fingerprinting, characterization, measurement execution, and data analysis activities. The ideal candidate is a proactive team player who enjoys laboratory work, is comfortable with repetitive but critical measurement tasks, and demonstrates strong attention to detail and ownership.

Responsibilities

• Process Measurement & Characterization:
  • Execute optical process measurements and characterization tests across materials and components.
  • Apply techniques such as ellipsometry, interferometry, profilometry, and UV-Vis-NIR spectroscopy to evaluate thin-film and optical material properties.
  • Perform process validation, calibration, and optical reliability testing.
  • Maintain and operate benchtop metrology setups in optical and laser lab environments.
  • Work in cleanroom and laboratory settings with high accuracy and consistency.
• Process Data Analysis & Root-Cause Investigation (half operator - half engineer):
  • Collect, analyze, interpret, and report process data—going beyond routine reporting to identify trends, anomalies, and failure modes.
  • Pull and correlate datasets across optical, structural, and process engineering teams to support cross-functional root-cause analysis.
  • Use statistical methods (DoE, SPC, trend monitoring) to characterize process stability and drive continuous improvement.
  • Communicate findings through structured reports and team presentations.
• Metrology & Tool Development:
  • Design and build custom benchtop and pilot-scale process metrology setups to expand internal measurement capabilities.
  • Develop automated data collection and analysis pipelines to improve process monitoring and throughput—being sure to validate any work produced or supported by AI tooling.
  • Support process bring-up, design validation, GRR studies, and measurement system analysis.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration:
  • Work closely with optical, process, materials, and design teams.
  • Review and interpret microscopy and materials characterization data.
  • Contribute to documentation, reporting, and knowledge sharing across teams.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or master's degree in optics, physics, materials science, chemistry, optical engineering, or a related discipline. A PhD is a plus but not required.
• 3+ years of hands-on optical laboratory or process engineering experience.
• Industry background in optical process or materials engineering strongly preferred.
• Experience working in cleanroom environments—hands-on, ready to work.

Skills

• Technical Skills:
  • Optical process characterization techniques (Required): ellipsometry, interferometry, profilometry, UV-Vis-NIR spectroscopy, and/or confocal/optical microscopy.
  • Thin-film process characterization and optical stack analysis (Required): reflectance, transmission, and familiarity with deposition methods such as ALD or PVD.
  • Laser and optical lab safety protocols (Required).
  • Strong data analysis skills—Python required; MATLAB a plus.
  • Familiarity with statistical analysis tools: JMP, Minitab, MATLAB, or similar.
  • Strong communication, collaboration, and organizational skills.
  • Ability to work effectively across cross-functional teams.
• Preferred Qualifications:
  • AR/VR optics.
  • Statistical process tools: DoE, SPC, JMP, Minitab.
  • Clean room and wet chemistry process familiarity (conceptual understanding sufficient; minimal hands-on expected).
  • Microscopy and advanced characterization techniques: SEM, AFM, TEM (work cross functionally with these teams).
  • Mechanical testing: adhesion, hardness, and material property characterization.
  • Material characterization, including adhesive dispensing.
  • CAD tool familiarity.
  • Familiarity with AI-assisted data analysis and ability to validate AI-generated results.
  • Postdoctoral experience.
• Desired Soft Skills:
  • Eager to learn and develop new technical skills in a fast-moving environment.
  • Comfortable performing repetitive yet business-critical characterization and measurement work.
  • Demonstrates curiosity, a growth mindset, and a strong desire to build credibility amongst teams.
  • Proactive, self-driven, and ownership-oriented.
  • Possesses a strong "doer" mentality—hands-on execution.
  • Down-to-earth, collaborative, and easy to work with across teams.
  • Coachable and open to training.
  • Demonstrates strong teamwork and willingness to support broader project needs.

Pay

The typical base pay for this role across the U.S. is $70.00 - $80.00/hr. Non-exempt positions are eligible for overtime at a rate of 1.5 times the base hourly rate for all hours worked in excess of 40 in a work week, or as required by state or local law.

Benefits

• Full-time employees are eligible to select from different benefits packages, which may include:
  • Medical, dental, and vision benefits.
  • Health savings accounts with qualified medical plan enrollment.
  • 10 paid days off, 3 days paid bereavement leave.
  • 401(k) plan participation with employer match.
  • Life and disability insurance.
  • Commuter benefits.
  • Dependent care flexible spending account.
  • Accident insurance, critical illness insurance, hospital indemnity insurance.
  • Accommodations and reimbursement for work travel.
  • Discretionary performance or recognition bonus.
• Sick leave and mobile phone reimbursement provided based on state or local law.