Senior Optical Manufacturing Engineer

About the Role

Rigaku Americas is seeking a Senior Optical Manufacturing Engineer to join our advanced X-ray optics development team in Auburn Hills, Michigan. This role focuses on developing precision optics technology and X-ray optical components through advanced fabrication, grinding, polishing, metrology, and process optimization. The engineer will collaborate closely with scientists, engineers, and manufacturing teams to improve optical fabrication processes, support high-performance X-ray optics production, and ensure components meet demanding performance specifications.

Responsibilities

• Set up, operate, optimize, and improve CNC and manual grinding, polishing, and finishing processes for precision optical components.
• Develop and implement robust fixturing, work-holding, alignment, and datum strategies to achieve repeatable, high-precision manufacturing results.
• Perform in-process and final inspections using optical metrology equipment, including interferometers, profilometers, microscopes, and related systems.
• Analyze metrology data, evaluate results against specifications, and determine corrective actions to improve process performance and optical quality.
• Conduct equipment verification, calibration checks, repeatability evaluations, and traceability activities to ensure manufacturing and measurement integrity.
• Perform routine maintenance and basic troubleshooting of optical fabrication and metrology equipment.
• Support process development for advanced X-ray optical components and precision optical manufacturing technologies.
• Troubleshoot manufacturing challenges involving mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, cooling, pumping, and ventilation systems.
• Interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and optical manufacturing requirements.
• Collaborate with scientists and engineers to develop manufacturing methods that improve optical performance, yield, and process efficiency.
• Document process improvements, work instructions, inspection procedures, troubleshooting activities, and manufacturing best practices.
• Support prototype fabrication, development projects, and new technology initiatives related to X-ray optics.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, Engineering Technology, or a related technical discipline. Required.
• 3+ years of hands-on experience in precision manufacturing, optics fabrication, CNC machining, optical metrology, or related technical environments.
• Experience operating CNC equipment and performing setup, fixturing, offsets, compensation adjustments, and process optimization.
• Experience performing dimensional inspection and analysis using precision measurement equipment.
• Experience interpreting technical drawings, manufacturing specifications, and engineering documentation.

Skills

• Hands-on experience with optical fabrication processes such as grinding, polishing, smoothing, or finishing precision optical materials.
• Knowledge of optical metrology techniques and equipment, including interferometers, profilometers, microscopes, or other precision measurement systems.
• Working knowledge of CNC machine architecture, machine coordinate systems, work coordinate systems, offsets, compensation methodologies, and safe machine operation.
• Ability to read, edit, and troubleshoot CNC programs and common G-code/M-code functions.
• Experience utilizing setup verification methods, probing systems, touch-off procedures, and inspection feedback to improve process performance.
• Understanding of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T), including runout, flatness, concentricity, parallelism, and alignment requirements.
• Strong shop mathematics skills, including trigonometry, geometry, radii, runout calculations, and coordinate relationships.
• Ability to identify manufacturing challenges, evaluate alternatives, and develop practical solutions.
• Strong attention to detail, accuracy, and process discipline.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across engineering, manufacturing, and scientific teams.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Precision optics manufacturing and metrology.
• Deterministic polishing techniques and advanced optical fabrication methods.
• Precision optical component production.
• Optical surface characterization and measurement.
• Precision fixture design and alignment methods.
• CAD and CAM software such as SolidWorks, AutoCAD, Mastercam, or equivalent platforms.
• Programming or automation experience.
• Experience with X-ray optics, synchrotron optics, semiconductor optics, or other advanced optical systems.
• Knowledge of optical specifications, including figure error, slope error, surface roughness, and scratch/dig requirements.

Work Environment

This position operates in a combination of laboratory, engineering office, and manufacturing environments. Employees may work with advanced manufacturing equipment, precision metrology systems, CNC machinery, optical fabrication equipment, and laboratory instrumentation. Appropriate safety procedures and personal protective equipment may be required depending on the work being performed.