Optical Components Procurement Engineer

Optimax Systems • Ontario, NY

2d

About The Position

The Optical Components Procurement Engineer provides technical expertise throughout the outsourced optical component lifecycle, from defining specifications and supporting sourcing decisions through supplier production, incoming inspection, and acceptance. The role partners with Procurement, Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, and suppliers to ensure purchased precision optical components meet Optimax requirements.

The position monitors the global precision optics market, identifies qualified suppliers and sourcing opportunities, supports technical requirements for RFQs and purchase orders, and provides technical support throughout the purchase order lifecycle. It also serves as a technical resource for incoming inspection and collaborates on inspection plans and acceptance criteria. The engineer participates in supplier qualification and performance improvement, visits supplier facilities, and attends industry events to assess technologies and potential suppliers. Growth is supported by developing optical engineering expertise, supplier knowledge, cross-functional influence, and contributions to sourcing and quality improvements.

Requirements

• Associate's degree in Optical Technology, Engineering Technology, Manufacturing Technology, Mechanical Engineering Technology, or a closely related technical field.
• Strong working knowledge of precision optics, optical components, and relevant manufacturing processes.
• Ability to read, interpret, edit, and draft technical drawings, specifications, and manufacturing documentation.
• Ability to translate technical requirements into practical supplier manufacturing and incoming inspection criteria.
• Experience collaborating with engineering, procurement, quality, or external suppliers in a technical manufacturing environment.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to evaluate technical risks and proposed solutions.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills and the ability to build trust across cross-functional teams.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, maintain accurate technical records, and follow issues through resolution.
• Willingness and ability to travel to supplier sites, conferences, and industry events as business needs require.
• Intellectual curiosity, sound technical judgment, and willingness to challenge assumptions and develop new expertise.
• Collaborative, supportive mindset and ability to apply scientific knowledge to practical manufacturing challenges.
• Must be a U.S. Person as defined by applicable regulations or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Photonics, or a related discipline.
• Experience with precision optical manufacturing, optical metrology, coatings, tolerancing, and inspection methods.
• Familiarity with CAD software, geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T), and technical drawing revision control.
• Experience with supplier qualification, RFQs, purchase orders, supplier quality, and outsourced component manufacturing.
• Knowledge of quality management systems, root cause analysis, and supplier performance metrics.

Responsibilities

• Monitor the global precision optics market, identify qualified suppliers and sourcing opportunities, and advise Procurement on outsourcing strategy.
• Partner with Manufacturing Engineering to define product specifications, process requirements, and technical drawings for purchased optical components.
• Support RFQs by ensuring suppliers receive complete, accurate technical requirements and reviewing supplier quotations for feasibility and technical risk.
• Collaborate with Procurement to ensure purchase orders accurately communicate specifications, drawings, inspection requirements, and acceptance criteria.
• Provide technical support throughout the purchase order lifecycle, including supplier clarifications, proposed solutions, manufacturing issues, delivery, and acceptance.
• Serve as the primary technical resource for Quality during incoming inspection and collaborate with Quality Engineering to establish inspection plans and acceptance criteria.
• Participate in supplier qualification, capability assessments, performance reviews, and improvement initiatives addressing quality, delivery, responsiveness, cost, and sourcing risk.
• Visit supplier facilities to evaluate manufacturing capabilities, equipment, process controls, quality systems, and improvement opportunities.
• Attend industry trade shows, technical conferences, and manufacturing events to assess emerging technologies and potential suppliers.
• Build collaborative, trust-based relationships across Procurement, Engineering, Quality, and external supplier teams.

Benefits

• Monthly profit-sharing bonus of 25%.
• Tuition assistance for continuing education.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance options.
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer match.
• Generous paid time off and paid holidays.
• Life insurance.
• Disability insurance.
• Health Savings Account (HSA).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: Associate degree