Optical Engineering Manager

The Opportunity

We are seeking a highly experienced and motivated Optical Engineering Manager to lead our talented team of optical engineers. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of laser systems, optical design, and laser materials processing. They will be responsible for driving the development and implementation of cutting-edge optical solutions for our next-generation semiconductor equipment.

This position is designed for an experienced technical leader who is passionate about building strong teams, setting engineering standards, and enabling others to do their best work.

Responsibilities

● Lead, mentor, and manage a team of optical engineers, fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration.

● Provide technical leadership and problem-solving support across multiple optical development efforts, stepping in when deeper analysis or escalation is needed.

● Partner cross-functionally with Mechanical, Electrical, Systems, and Software Engineering to align optical designs with overall system architecture and performance goals.

● Lead the development of optical specifications, tolerance analyses, and performance models.

● Provide technical expertise in laser systems, including laser sources, beam delivery, and laser-material interaction.

● Oversee laser safety, including training, culture, record-keeping, and compliance.

● Ensure adherence to quality standards and regulatory requirements.

● Manage vendor relationships and procurement of optical components.

● Oversee the creation of detailed technical documentation, including design specifications, test reports, and user manuals.

● Establish and evolve optical engineering processes, best practices, and design standards to support a growing, multi-project environment.

Requirements:
Basic Qualifications

• Ph. D in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, or a related field
• 10+ years of experience in optical system design and development, preferably in the semiconductor or laser/laser processing industry
• Background that includes both hands-on technical contribution earlier in career and people management responsibility.
• Extensive experience with laser systems, optical design and optical metrology.
• Experience designing optical systems with reliability, lifetime, and manufacturability in mind.

Preferred Qualifications

• Clear communicator who can translate technical complexity into aligned decisions across teams.
• Comfortable operating in a fast-growing, multi-project startup environment while respecting existing knowledge and designs.
• Strong understanding of light matter interactions.
• Deep understanding of optics, laser physics, and optical instrumentation.
• Experience with laser materials processing.
• Experience using and designing optical systems for medium (>200 W) or high power lasers.
• Experience in semiconductor manufacturing processes
• Experience with optical design software (e.g., Zemax, Code V)
• Experience with project management.
• Experience with machine vision systems.
• Strong knowledge of optical component selection.

Benefits:
• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
• Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)
• Free Food & Snacks
• Stock Option Plan
• Bonus Plan Eligible
• Short Term & Long Term Disability
• Base salary $180,000 - $200,000

Additional Information

We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all team members feel valued and supported. We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds, including those from underrepresented communities in STEM. If you meet most of the qualifications and are excited about this opportunity, we encourage you to apply.