Chief Engineer Metrology

Syntec Optics•Rochester, NY

About The Position

The Chief Engineer – Metrology at Syntec Optics serves as the technical authority for all optical measurement systems and methodologies. This role leads the development and deployment of advanced metrology solutions to ensure precise characterization of optical components and assemblies, supporting high-performance applications in aerospace, defense, medical, and semiconductor industries. The position requires deep expertise in interferometric measurement, surface metrology, active alignment, and system-level optical performance validation.

Requirements

Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field
10+ years of experience in optical metrology or precision measurement engineering within high-precision industries (optics, photonics, aerospace, semiconductor)
Advanced expertise in optical metrology, including Zygo scopes, interferometers, and optical profilometers
Strong experience with optical measurement techniques, including irregularity, centration, alignment, and active alignment systems with feedback control
Proficiency in system-level optical performance analysis, including sensor/image quality, MTF, and distortion
Proven ability to design, develop, and implement custom optical testers and automated inspection systems
Experience with reliability testing and qualification of optical assemblies
Expertise in calibration, measurement uncertainty, and statistical/data-driven analysis
Experience with automation and data analysis tools (e.g., LabVIEW, MATLAB, Python)
Familiarity with ISO 9001 / AS9100 quality standards and cleanroom manufacturing environments
Strong leadership, technical mentoring, and cross-functional collaboration skills
Demonstrated ability to drive innovation, continuous improvement, and operational excellence

Responsibilities

Lead the metrology engineering strategy across optical fabrication, coating, and assembly
Define best-in-class measurement methods for high-precision optical components and systems
Oversee and optimize advanced metrology equipment, including:
Zygo interferometric scopes and systems
Interferometers for transmitted and reflected wavefront measurement
Profilometers for surface form and roughness characterization
Develop and standardize measurement techniques for:
Surface irregularity and wavefront error
Optical element centration and alignment tolerances
Active alignment processes with real-time measurement feedback
Lead system-level optical performance validation, including:
Sensor quality assessment
MTF (Modulation Transfer Function) measurement
Distortion characterization and correction analysis
Architect, design, and deploy custom optical testers and automated metrology systems
Establish and manage reliability testing protocols for optical systems, ensuring durability under environmental and operational stress conditions
Define calibration processes, measurement uncertainty budgets, and Measurement System Analysis (MSA)
Ensure traceability to national standards (e.g., NIST)
Collaborate with Quality, Engineering, and Manufacturing teams to ensure measurement capability supports product specifications
Analyze metrology data to drive process improvements, yield enhancement, and defect reduction
Support root cause analysis of optical performance issues and measurement discrepancies
Provide technical leadership during customer audits and high-level engineering reviews
Mentor and develop metrology engineers and technical staff
When requested, may work on special projects and various related assignments.
Direct technicians as needed.
Provides employee coaching and development. Assists in employment or metrology-purchase decisions.
Performs other related duties and assignments as required.