Optical Engineer

IDEX•Boulder, CO

5h•Hybrid

About The Position

Global Space and Defense (GSD) is pursuing high risk, high reward business with a select few strategic customers. Achieving our strategic intent will require best in class optical design engineering expertise in support of our customers and their mission critical, innovative needs. In support of this strategy, we are seeking a customer-focused Enterprise Optical Engineer to develop and lead solutions from concept through prototype, in collaboration with key internal and external stakeholders. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of the optical capabilities of IDEX MSS and proven facility to partner with customers on their most complex challenges and propose innovative, manufacturable solutions that begin with prototype and NPI engagements and evolve into full-scale OEM solutions.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Mechanical Engineering (with optics focus), or related field.
3-5 years’ experience in optical assembly support; tolerance alignment experience in defense or space preferred.
Proficiency with Code V or OpticsStudio and SolidWorks; familiarity with MATLAB/Python is a plus.
Hands-on experience with wavefront measurement, active alignment, and metrology setups.
Understanding of manufacturing processes for optical components and assemblies.
Experience in technical documentation and specification generation.
Strong communication skills; comfortable in customer-facing role.
Ability to work in ambiguous environments, manage multiple projects, and meet deadlines.
Ability to travel as needed to meet with customers, attend industry events, and to provide site support.
Must meet ITAR/EAR requirements (U.S. Citizenship, Permanent Residency, or contract-specific licensure).

Nice To Haves

System-level thinker that can connect optical performance to assembly processes.
Creative thinker with the ability to develop innovative solutions.
Flexibility to adapt to changing requirements and technologies.
Strong customer presence and communication capabilities.
Comfortable with ambiguity and evolving technical requirements.
High ‘say-do’ ratio; ability to make and keep commitments.
Self-motivated and proactive in identifying and addressing issues.
Strong focus on customer satisfaction and delivering value.
Pragmatic, hands-on builder comfortable in cleanroom alignment environments.
Analytical skills to interpret market data, customer feedback, and product performance.
Collaborative mindset to work effectively across engineering, sales, and operations.
Low Ego. Lives the IDEX Values of Trust, Team, and Excellence.

Responsibilities

Develop optical solutions for responding to priority market needs targeted by GSD’s Strategic Intent.
Identify new opportunities with existing and growth customers to deploy MSS capabilities.
Supports the commercial, program management, and site teams to drive growth and meet new market needs aligned with GSD Strategic Intent, including new product development, technology deployment, and ensuring scalability.
Directly interface with customers for technical and commercial matters.
Provide technical expertise and develop customer application-specific solutions, including feasibility, costing, and lead time estimates.
Supports system level discussions by bringing an optical system level view.
Thoroughly and comprehensively understand the capabilities of IDEX’s GSD manufacturing sites.
Lead NPI process for custom-engineered solutions from concept through qualification, quotation, prototype delivery, and hand-off to Operations for OEM production.
Translate customer needs and specifications into manufacturable designs using CAD, coating design, and COTS and custom optical system simulation tools.
Represent the GSD Team and GSD Strategic Intent, and consistently exhibit GSD Team Behaviors to customers and MSS site teams.
Represent GS&D at defense industry events, conferences, and trade shows.
Perform tolerance analysis and feasibility studies to ensure alignment with IDEX GSD manufacturing capabilities.
Generate detailed technical documentation for prototypes.
Support prototype-to-production process at manufacturing sites.
Troubleshoot technical issues and support customer returns and complaints.
Creates, effectively writes, and communicates multi-site proposals to customers.