Principal Opto-Mechanical Engineer II

About the role

The Principal II, Optical Engineering (Science/Tech/Engineering Path) role is part of Alcon's Engineering function, focusing on improving quality, processes, products, packaging, and materials across the company to deliver brilliant outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Oversee multiple optical engineering projects, leading teams in the design, validation, and optimization of optical components and systems
• Conduct advanced research on light behavior, material properties, and optical performance
• Ensure designs meet high-precision and regulatory requirements
• Apply deep expertise in optical modeling and decision-making on system architectures
• Collaborate cross-functionally to develop cutting-edge optical solutions
• Adhere to GxP regulations by strictly following Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), maintaining accurate and complete documentation, ensuring rigorous quality control, and completing all required training
• Commit to continuous improvement and contribute to the overall compliance of the organization
• Perform opto-mechanical design including lens barrel and lens housing design, lens bonding and mounting techniques, and opto-mechanical analysis including thermal, environmental, shock & vibration, system integration and stability tolerance study
• Conduct design, research, development, and process upscaling for new medical device products
• Investigate and evaluate existing technology and designs new methodology, materials, machines, or processes as needed for Ophthalmic medical device development
• Design, assemble, align, measure, test, analyze, and troubleshoot diagnostics and visualization devices
• Understand operation principles for optomechanical and electromechanical actuators and sensors and integrate these within complex sub-systems
• Generate detailed parts fabrication drawings including GD&T and tolerance analysis
• Support medical device development activities such as prototyping, testing, pilot builds, V&V, risk assessment, and ramp-up to production release
• Support all aspects of documentation and design control through PECN, ECN, ECP in Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) platform (Windchill preferred)
• Develop assembling and alignment fixtures for prototype fabrication and create associated manufacturing assembling (MAP) and manufacturing testing processes (MTP)
• Support concurrent engineering activities, design control and transition to manufacturing
• Technical lead for feasibility study and new product development ensuring that design activities are conducted following Alcon SOPs
• Derive product design requirements based on top-level commercial input
• Identify technical, project schedule, and commercial viability risks
• Run cross-functional design trade-off and technical reviews to drive design decisions
• Work effectively with cross-functional development teams including Optics, Mechanical, Electrical, Software, QA, Industrial Design and Manufacturing functions
• Team player/collaboration aptitude with strong sense of accountability and perseverance to lead and drive projects through to completion
• Make contributions to ideations, patent portfolio and the corporation strategy development

Requirements

• 10 Years of relevant experience preferred
• Proficiency in CREO (Pro-E), SolidWorks, or Equivalent CAD skills (CREO preferred) in PLM or Windchill environment
• Strong background with design and development of Imaging system such as Microscope, Eyepiece, telescope, zoom lens as well as ophthalmic related Diagnostic & Visualization devices
• Proficiency in opto-mechanical system design, optical alignment technology, tolerance analysis, material selection, design for athermalization, bonding and assembly processes
• Experienced with FEA tool such as ANSYS, and familiar with MATLAB, LabView
• Knowledge of optical design tool such as ZEMAX, Code V, and familiar with optical/mechanical design integrating process
• In-depth ophthalmic domain knowledge (Cataract, Vit-Ret, Refractive Surgery, or Diagnostics)
• Solid understanding of Design Controls according to 21 CFR 820 or ISO 13485
• Proficient in Failure Mode Effects Analysis and Risk Management application to medical devices
• Experienced with Motion Control and manufacturing automation is a Plus
• Broad knowledge of precision manufacturing techniques and familiarity with assembly of micro-optical and miniature optomechanical components
• Understanding of architecture design, requirements and risk management, medical device V&V, reusable, and single-use consumable medical devices
• Biomedical product or medical device development experience
• Vendor and supplier management for optical components, complex sub-systems, or OEM

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree or Equivalent years of directly related experience (or high school +13 yrs; Assoc.+9 yrs; M.S.+2 yrs; PhD+0 yrs)
• The ability to fluently read, write, understand, and communicate in English
• 5 Years of Relevant Experience