Optics Process Engineer
About The Position
L3Harris’s Optics department in Rochester, NY is seeking a dedicated Optical Process Engineer to support the production of top‑tier optical components for advanced astronomical, high‑energy laser, and earth‑imaging applications. As an Optical Process Engineer specializing in CNC fabrication, you will play a key role in developing and advancing machining processes used to manufacture mission‑critical optical components. You will leverage your expertise in CNC grinding and milling to improve performance, reliability, and throughput across our optical fabrication cell. This is a hands‑on engineering role where you will drive complex process initiatives, collaborate with cross‑functional teams, and ensure our CNC machining operations meet demanding optical tolerances and production goals. You will have the opportunity to innovate, mentor others, and directly influence the quality and capability of next‑generation optical products.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Optical, or a related engineering field and a minimum of 6 years of prior relevant experience; or a graduate degree and a minimum of 4 years of related experience; or, in lieu of a degree, a minimum of 10 years of prior relevant experience
Nice To Haves
- Strong, specialized knowledge of CNC optical fabrication consistent with senior‑level technical roles
- Expertise in CNC machining (3‑axis and 5‑axis), including grinding, milling, toolpath strategies, and machining dynamics
- Demonstrated ability to lead or own complex technical processes or projects
- Experience machining optical materials such as glass, crystals, or ceramics
- Proficiency with GD&T, SPC, process capability analysis, and root‑cause investigation
- Ability to collaborate across functions and influence adoption of process changes or improvements
- Experience with CNC machining platforms such as OptiPro, DMG MORI, or Haas
- Understanding of advanced finishing technologies (MRF, CNC polishing, diamond turning)
- Working knowledge of CAD/CAM (Mastercam) and CNC programming for complex or freeform surfaces
- Background in design for manufacturability (DFM) for optical components
Responsibilities
- Develop, optimize, and validate CNC machining processes for high‑precision optical components, including grinding and milling of glass, crystals, ceramics, and optical metals
- Lead complex fabrication improvement projects that enhance precision, capability, and throughput
- Introduce new optical designs into manufacturing by creating process plans, selecting tooling, defining fixturing, and establishing inspection methods
- Apply structured problem‑solving to diagnose machining issues using root‑cause analysis, process data, and metrology results
- Partner with quality and metrology teams to verify process capability and ensure compliance with strict optical tolerances
- Collaborate across engineering, manufacturing, programming, and quality teams to standardize machining best practices and implement process innovations
- Provide technical coaching and daily support to engineers, technicians, and CNC programmers within the fabrication area
- Ability to obtain US Government security clearance
Benefits
- health and disability insurance
- 401(k) match
- flexible spending accounts
- EAP
- education assistance
- parental leave
- paid time off
- company-paid holidays
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
