Principal R&D Engineer (Optical)

About the role

Nordson Test & Inspection, a global leader in X-Ray & Test Systems and Optical Sensors and Metrology, is seeking an experienced and highly motivated individual to join our team. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace, and we are looking for candidates who share that same commitment.

Responsibilities

• Define the verification plan and acceptance criteria for builds and pilot runs; maintain requirements‑to‑test traceability.
• Design and implement calibration methods for optical and electro‑mechanical subsystems, including reference artifacts and uncertainty analyses.
• Build, maintain, and document automated test scripts and data pipelines; ensure configuration control and code quality standards.
• Plan and execute environmental, stability, and reliability evaluations; synthesize findings into design recommendations.
• Create and maintain controlled procedures, work instructions, and training for test and calibration activities.
• Design and release test fixtures and jigs (SolidWorks/Creo), including tolerance stack‑ups and GD&T suitable for fabrication.
• Support prototype bring‑up and integration (motion control, sensors, electrical harnessing, mechanical alignment, optical alignment as applicable).
• Conduct structured experiments to isolate contributors to measurement error and drive corrective actions.
• Serve as technical owner for test/calibration for the assigned product line; act as the counterpart to the Systems Engineer.
• Partner with Opto‑Mechanical, Electrical, Software, and Algorithm teams to resolve integration issues and close validation gaps.
• Align R&D test methods with factory test requirements; support DFM/DFT/DFC and pilot builds.
• Provide concise status reporting (risk register, decision logs) to stakeholders and leadership.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Mechatronics, Optical Engineering, or related discipline; Master’s preferred.
• 7+ years of experience developing mechatronic systems from prototype through pilot/transfer; experience in optical systems/metrology strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated proficiency in test automation and data analysis using Python and/or Matlab, LabView; familiarity with C# for instrument control is a plus.
• Proficiency in CAD (SolidWorks or Creo) with the ability to release build‑ready drawings (GD&T, tolerance stacks).
• Practical experience with motion stages, precision mechanics, sensors, DAQ, and lab instrumentation.
• Working knowledge of calibration design, error budgets, statistics, and Measurement Systems Analysis (MSA/GR&R).

Preferred Qualifications

• Optics/optomechanics (imaging, interferometry, alignment, light fundamentals).
• Exposure to manufacturing transfer and factory test development.
• Experience with reliability or environmental testing (thermal, vibration, shock), and regulatory compliance is a plus.

Skills

• Calibration design
• Measurement Systems Analysis (MSA/GR&R)
• Statistics and error budgets
• Test automation
• Environmental testing
• Reliability testing
• Regulatory compliance testing

Benefits

• Equity/stock
• 16 hours paid volunteer time
• Matching Gifts Program

Pay

Base Salary: $135,000–$170,000 annually; bonus target 3%.