Senior Director, Engineering

MKS Instruments•Irvine, CA

2d•$260,000 - $300,000•Onsite

About The Position

MKS Systems Irvine continues to make significant strategic investments in the development and fabrication of cutting-edge, high precision opto-mechanical assemblies and systems. We are seeking an influential and inspiring leader as Senior Director of Engineering. In this position, you will lead a world-class team developing and testing optical, opto-mechanical, and laser systems for a wide array of applications and markets.

Requirements

BS in STEM (advanced degree a plus) with 12+ years leading optics, opto‑mechanics, lasers, or photonics teams and scaling high‑impact engineering organizations.
Defines architectures and requirements, drives trade studies, and integrates hardware/software/manufacturing/test to deliver reliable, high‑performance products.
Builds and executes roadmaps that align engineering investment to customer needs and business strategy—balancing innovation, risk, cost, and time‑to‑market.
Data‑driven problem solver fluent in PDP/FMEA/DfX/8D with strong executive communication to drive alignment, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Nice To Haves

advanced degree a plus

Responsibilities

Leading and inspiring a high‑performing, multidisciplinary Development Engineering team, setting engineering strategy and technical vision.
You will be the senior authority making engineering decisions with clear accountability for financial performance, program execution, and long‑term business impact.
Driving product development and product test from definition through production, ensuring programs are appropriately resourced, delivered on time and within budget, and meet performance, quality, and reliability targets.
Developing long‑term technology and R&D roadmaps aligned with customer and market needs, guiding engineering priorities and investment decisions.
Partnering cross‑functionally with manufacturing, automation, quality, supply chain, operations, and product management partners to align engineering strategy with business objectives, customer needs, and production readiness.