Manager, Optical Manufacturing Development Engineering

Divergent•Torrance, CA

3d•$150,020 - $206,280•Onsite

About The Position

Divergent is building the new industrial age. Every day, our teams design, manufacture, and assemble advanced systems for some of the world’s most demanding industries. Our integrated engineering and manufacturing platform transforms complex designs into production-ready solutions, helping customers move faster, build smarter, and deliver critical systems when they matter most. Divergent is a qualified Tier 1 supplier to global automotive OEMs and supports leading U.S. aerospace and defense companies. Join us and help push the boundaries of what can be built.

Requirements

Ability to lawfully access information and technology that is subject to US export controls
Bachelor's degree in Optics/Optical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related discipline
5+ years of experience in electro-optical or opto-mechanical systems design, integration, or calibration, ideally within capital equipment or industrial systems
Experience developing and validating calibration and verification processes for optical or laser systems
Hands-on experience integrating high-power lasers, scanners/galvos, or beam delivery optics
Experience with RCCA and technical troubleshooting of complex electro-optical systems
Strong technical documentation skills (work instructions, test procedures, calibration standards)
Demonstrated ability to lead or mentor others while remaining technically hands-on

Nice To Haves

Experience with LPBF or additive manufacturing systems
Prior experience managing or formally mentoring engineers/technicians
Familiarity with laser safety programs and standards
Experience with high-power lasers (0.5kW+), beam shaping optics, or high-speed imaging/camera systems
Knowledge of PLM/MES, configuration management, and change control
Experience supporting factory scale-up or multi-site manufacturing deployment

Responsibilities

Own optical subsystem integration and stabilization across LPBF machine builds, from initial bring-up through commissioning and steady-state production
Lead development of calibration procedures and, critically, verification methods that confirm calibration integrity is maintained over time — through drift, wear, and environmental variation
Build and lead a small team of optics engineers, working alongside them on builds, calibration, troubleshooting, and RCCA
Partner with hardware design, controls/software, process engineering, and operations to resolve optical performance issues affecting build quality, uptime, and throughput
Own documentation for optical subsystems: work instructions, calibration and verification procedures, acceptance criteria, and test plans
Lead RCCA on optical-related failures and escapes; own corrective and preventive actions to reduce recurrence
Establish metrics for optical system health (calibration hold time, drift rate, verification pass rate, MTBF) and drive continuous improvement
Train technicians and engineers on calibration, alignment, and laser safety practices
Support scale-up and replication of optical systems and processes across additional machines and factories
Lead and develop a small team with clear expectations, real-time feedback, and accountability, while remaining personally hands-on in the lab and on the floor
Model Divergent's core values of Respect, Clarity, Winning Spirit, Commitment, and Interdependence through disciplined execution and cross-functional collaboration