Optical Components Procurement Engineer

Optimax Systems Inc.•Ontario, NY

3d•$65,000 - $95,000

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 supports sourcing strategy, supplier technical evaluation, and purchasing documentation, and provides technical assistance throughout the purchase order lifecycle. It also contributes to supplier qualification and improvement efforts, incoming inspection planning, and evaluation of supplier capabilities. The role offers opportunities to expand optical engineering expertise, supplier knowledge, cross-functional influence, and contributions to sourcing and quality improvements. The position requires at least 40 hours per week, with overtime as needed. It is based in a manufacturing environment with potentially varying noise levels, exposure to moving mechanical parts and fumes, possible use of oils and solvents, and assignments to different production areas. Travel to supplier sites, conferences, and industry events may be required. Applicants must be a U.S. Person under applicable regulations or eligible to obtain required authorizations to meet export-control compliance requirements.

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 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.
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.
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.

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 and 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.