Aerospace Transparency Optics Engineer

PPG Industries

14d•$100,000 - $120,000•Onsite

About The Position

As an Aerospace Transparency Optics Engineer, you will specialize in the optical engineering of transparent materials, with a focus on the design and optimization of cockpit windshields and fighter jet transparencies. Your responsibilities will include advanced analysis and enhancement of optical performance parameters such as composite material uniformity to ensure accurate ray tracing and straight light propagation, surface planarization, and reduction of optical aberrations. You will work to improve the detection and understanding of light interaction with multi-layered transparent materials, ensuring excellent clarity, minimal distortion, and compliance with stringent aerospace optical standards. This position is based on-site at the Sylmar, CA facility and reports to the Plant Operations Engineering Manager.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree or greater in Optical Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field is required.
Five (5) or more years of related experience required.
Only U.S. Citizens, Green Card holders, and political asylees or refugees are eligible to apply.

Nice To Haves

Strong knowledge of geometric and physical optics, including aberrations, ray tracing, and visual perception related to light behavior in transparent materials preferred.
Software Proficiency: Experience with optical design and simulation software such as Zemax, Code V, or LightTools preferred.
Proficiency in data processing and analysis using languages like MATLAB, Python, or Mathcad preferred.
Hands-on experience with optical fabrication processes (e.g., polishing, coating) and metrology equipment (e.g., interferometers, spectrophotometers).

Responsibilities

Research and Development: Conduct research to enhance existing transparency systems, materials, and manufacturing processes. This includes developing advanced optical polishing techniques, automation solutions, and vision systems to improve process capabilities and reduce variability.
Design and Analysis: Design, simulate, and analyze optical outcomes resulting from various fabrication and polishing processes, inspection techniques, and other critical variables to drive continuous improvement. This includes engaging with industry partners and experts to evaluate and enhance inspection methods, ensuring the highest standards of optical quality and process reliability.
Testing and Validation: Conduct experimental testing and simulations to validate optical enhancement methods, ensuring they meet or exceed performance specifications.
Problem-Solving: Identify and resolve optical issues such as distortion, lensing, or light deviation that adversely affect the optical clarity and visibility of transparent components.
Collaboration: Work closely with tooling, manufacturing, process, and quality engineers to optimize and integrate supporting processes that enhance optical performance. This includes contributing to projects such as thermoplastic forming improvements and other manufacturing initiatives that impact transparency quality.
Documentation and Reporting: Prepare detailed technical reports, documentation, and data analyses to effectively communicate findings, progress, and recommendations.
Staying Updated: Maintain current knowledge of advancements in optical technologies and industry trends to inform and enhance engineering processes.