Senior Director, Optical Engineering

About the role

MKS Systems Irvine seeks a Senior Director of Optical Engineering to lead a team in developing and testing advanced optical, opto-mechanical, and laser systems for various applications and markets.

Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire a high-performing, multidisciplinary Development Engineering team, setting engineering strategy and technical vision.
• Make engineering decisions with clear accountability for financial performance, program execution, and long-term business impact.
• Drive product development and product test from definition through production, ensuring programs are appropriately resourced, delivered on time and within budget, and meet performance, quality, and reliability targets.
• Develop long-term technology and R&D roadmaps aligned with customer and market needs, guiding engineering priorities and investment decisions.
• Partner cross-functionally with manufacturing, automation, quality, supply chain, operations, and product management partners to align engineering strategy with business objectives, customer needs, and production readiness.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in STEM (advanced degree preferred)
• 12+ years of experience leading optics, opto-mechanics, lasers, or photonics teams and scaling high-impact engineering organizations
• Defines architectures and requirements, drives trade studies, and integrates hardware/software/manufacturing/test to deliver reliable, high-performance products
• Data-driven problem solver fluent in PDP/FMEA/DfX/8D with strong executive communication skills

Qualifications

• BS in STEM (advanced degree a plus)
• BS in STEM (advanced degree a plus)
• BS in STEM (advanced degree a plus)
• BS in STEM (advanced degree a plus)
• BS in STEM (advanced degree a plus)
• BS in STEM (advanced degree a plus)
• BS in STEM (advanced degree a plus)
• BS in STEM (advanced degree a plus)
• BS in STEM (advanced degree a plus)
• BS in STEM (advanced degree a plus)

Skills

• Defines architectures and requirements, drives trade studies, and integrates hardware/software/manufacturing/test to deliver reliable, high-performance products
• Data-driven problem solver fluent in PDP/FMEA/DfX/8D with strong executive communication to drive alignment, accountability, and continuous improvement
• Builds and executes roadmaps that align engineering investment to customer needs and business strategy—balancing innovation, risk, cost, and time-to-market
• Supervisory Scope: This position includes direct and second level management of a group of approximately 10 FTE, as well as managing associated budgets

Benefits

• Salary Pay Range: $260,000 - $300,000 per year
• This range is a good faith estimate of the expected salary range for this position, based on a wide range of factors including qualifications, experience and training, operational and business needs and other considerations permitted by law.
• Discretionary annual bonus, in an amount to be determined by MKS
• Comprehensive benefits package including health insurance coverage (medical, dental and vision), 401(k) with company match, life and disability insurance, 12 paid holidays, sick time, 15 paid vacation days, [6 weeks fully paid] parental leave, adoption assistance and tuition reimbursement

Pay

$260,000 - $300,000 per year

Schedule

Office and laboratory work is required, with work in a cleanroom environment up to 50% of the time. Wearing of Personal Protective Equipment as well as cleanroom garb is required.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

Office and laboratory work is required, with work in a cleanroom environment up to 50% of the time. Wearing of Personal Protective Equipment as well as cleanroom garb is required. Must be able to lift, move, or position equipment up to 35 pounds while working in a laboratory environment. Noise level in the laboratory environment can temporarily be elevated, but does not typically require PPE.

Travel Requirements

Up to 20% Travel is required, including international travel.

Compensation and Benefits

This position is eligible for a discretionary annual bonus, in an amount to be determined by MKS [or as applicable].

EEO Statement

MKS is an equal opportunity employer, including disability, veteran status and all categories protected by law.