Principal Optical/Laser Manufacturing Engineer

Excelitas Technologies•Billerica, MA

1d•$175,000 - $196,000•Onsite

About The Position

Excelitas is a global technology leader with over 7,500 employees, specializing in illumination, optical, detection, and imaging solutions for OEMs and end-users across various sectors including biomedical, semiconductor, industrial, consumer products, scientific, security, defense, and aerospace. Our Billerica, Massachusetts facility focuses on advanced photonics products using MEMS and micro-scale optical devices, particularly for Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) laser-based imaging tools used in ophthalmology and other medical specialties. We are looking for a Principal Optical/Laser Manufacturing Engineer to contribute to new technology and product development for our optical engine products. This role involves being the technical authority for tunable laser module and engine manufacturing processes, utilizing proprietary MEMS tunable optical devices and micro-optics. The position requires collaboration with Quality Engineering, R&D, Manufacturing Engineering, and Manufacturing, focusing on data tracking and analysis for continuous improvement, mentoring engineers, and resolving complex technical challenges.

Requirements

BS in Mechanical, Electrical, Optical, or Laser Engineering; advanced degree (MS or PhD) preferred and may substitute for experience.
10+ years of manufacturing engineering experience.
Strong working knowledge of optics, OCT or swept-source lasers, MEMS devices, or optoelectronic device processing required.
Hands-on skills with electro-optical equipment such as optical spectrum analyzers (OSAs), oscilloscopes, and power meters preferred.
Solid problem-solving skills based on design of experiments, characterization, and data analysis methodologies to drive process decisions.
Proven experience mentoring or leading engineers and cross-functional technical teams, with or without direct reports.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence senior leadership and cross-functional stakeholders.
Strong organizational skills with the ability to self-direct, prioritize across multiple programs, and work with minimal supervision.
Familiarity with software-based testing such as VB.NET and LabVIEW is a plus.
Knowledge of Power BI is a plus.
Six Sigma/Lean Manufacturing experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

Determine and specify the materials, equipment, and tooling required to meet manufacturing goals and product specifications.
Drive efficiency across the manufacturing organization by directing analysis of equipment layout, workflow, assembly methods, and workforce utilization.
Own the development of work instructions and training programs and mentor engineers and direct labor personnel on manufacturing processes.
Lead yield and performance improvement initiatives for modules, systems and subcomponents, identifying systemic issues across product families rather than isolated cases.
Serve as the technical authority for root cause analysis on the most complex manufacturing process issues and establish process controls that scale across product lines.
Lead failure analysis efforts for optical modules, systems and subcomponents, including complex or first-of-kind failure modes.
Implement and support effective SPC and continuous improvement programs.
Lead multiple concurrent projects and represent manufacturing engineering in cross-functional and leadership discussions to ensure commitments are met and quality is maintained.
Champion a safe work environment, proactively identifying and addressing risks before they become incidents.
Partner with Operations at a strategic level to support production goals and long-term capacity planning.
Support the transfer of new products from R&D to manufacturing, including harmonization strategy with previously released products across the site or business unit.
Provide technical mentorship to junior and mid-level engineers and act as a subject matter expert resource across the organization.