Optical Systems Engineer

TTM•Stafford Springs, CT

12h

About The Position

TTM Technologies is seeking an Optical Systems Engineer with strong optics and photonics fundamentals and a hands-on approach to designing, building, and evaluating optical systems. The engineer will connect optical theory and modeling with experimental results, translate evolving technical needs into practical designs and measurement approaches, and collaborate across mechanical, electrical, controls, and manufacturing disciplines. The role provides optical engineering expertise for emerging technologies, experimental platforms, and manufacturing capabilities. Work spans feasibility studies and optical architecture through prototype integration, performance characterization, and support for manufacturing implementation. Opportunities are available at early-career through senior technical levels; independent design ownership and technical leadership will depend on demonstrated capability. Experienced engineers may serve as optical subject matter experts and guide system-level technical decisions. The position requires compliance with TTM Export Control Policies and Procedures and applicable export-control laws, including ITAR, EAR, and OFAC requirements. Responsibilities include recognizing restricted products and technical data, following procedures for foreign visitors, understanding export requirements for shipments leaving the United States, and managing vendor approvals for ITAR manufacturing and services.

Requirements

B.S. in Optical Engineering, Photonics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related discipline, with substantial optics-related education or demonstrated practical experience.
Strong understanding of optical fundamentals and ability to apply them to practical design and measurement problems.
Hands-on experience building, aligning, testing, or troubleshooting optical systems, with an understanding of the physical principles governing their operation.
Experience using analytical methods, optical simulation, scientific programming, or experimental data analysis to inform engineering decisions.
Working understanding of mechanical positioning and stability, sensors and actuators, data acquisition, and feedback concepts sufficient to collaborate on integrated systems.
Ability to distinguish optical behavior from measurement artifacts, identify important uncertainties, and design experiments to resolve technical questions.
Ability to work through incomplete requirements, seek appropriate guidance, and revise an approach based on evidence and feedback.
Clear technical communication, reproducible documentation, and commitment to applicable optical and laser safety practices.
For senior-level opportunities, ability to independently define optical architectures and validation strategies, assess technical risk, and provide subject matter guidance across disciplines.
Must comply with TTM export-control policies and procedures and applicable laws, including ITAR, EAR, and OFAC.

Nice To Haves

An advanced degree with relevant experimental or design work.
Experience in fiber optics, waveguides, optical interconnects, or free-space optical systems.
Experience in interferometry, optical sensing, imaging, illumination, polarization, or laser-based instrumentation.
Experience with optical design and simulation tools such as Zemax, LightTools, COMSOL, or comparable software.
Scientific programming, instrument control, and data analysis using Python, MATLAB, LabVIEW, or comparable tools.
Experience with optical alignment automation, machine vision, or closed-loop optimization.
Experience with thermal, mechanical, or material effects on optical performance.
Experience transitioning experimental optical systems into robust products, repeatable test platforms, or manufacturing applications.

Responsibilities

Translate functional objectives into optical requirements, system concepts, and verification approaches; identify critical unknowns, evaluate alternative architectures, and define interfaces with mechanical, electrical, and control systems.
Develop and evaluate optical designs using analytical methods and appropriate simulation tools, applying ray optics, wave optics, or coupled physical models as needed.
Develop optical performance budgets and assess sensitivity to component variation, alignment, source and detector characteristics, and environmental conditions.
Design, assemble, align, and troubleshoot optical experiments and prototype systems; select and integrate appropriate sources, detectors, optical components, positioning hardware, and instrumentation.
Develop characterization methods, test configurations, reference measurements, calibration needs, and acceptance criteria while accounting for measurement uncertainty and artifacts.
Collaborate with mechanical and controls engineers on mounting, stability, motion, sensing, and feedback requirements, and help resolve integration issues.
Develop or support instrument control, automated measurements, signal processing, and data-analysis workflows; compare experimental results with model predictions and investigate discrepancies.
Specify optical components and instruments, assess supplier capabilities and technical data, support make-or-buy decisions, and work with vendors or external specialists to resolve performance issues.
Identify optical performance drivers to control during assembly, inspection, and operation; support manufacturing tests and evaluate performance under relevant environmental conditions.
Prepare optical specifications, design analyses, test procedures, and technical reports, and clearly communicate assumptions, limitations, and recommendations.
At more experienced levels, establish optical development strategies, lead technical reviews, mentor others, and identify when additional specialist expertise is needed.