Manager, Optical Manufacturing Development Engineering
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. Purpose Lead the optical systems function within Divergent's Manufacturing Development Engineering (MDE) team, owning the integration, commissioning, and long-term calibration stability of optical subsystems (beam delivery, scanners/galvos, F-theta lenses, high-speed imaging) across the LPBF machine fleet. This is a player-coach role: you'll lead a small team of optics engineers while staying hands-on with builds, troubleshooting, and calibration verification — ensuring machines hold optical performance and repeatability from commissioning through full-rate production.
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
Benefits
- Competitive salary
- Equity plan
- Discretionary results-based incentive bonus opportunities
- Paid vacation
- Sick time
- Company holidays
- Year-end shutdown
- Paid parental leave
- Health and wellness benefits (HMO and Premium PPO options)
- Company-sponsored life insurance
- Short and long-term disability coverage
- Reimbursement opportunities for learning and development initiatives
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Manager
