Manufacturing Engineer Photonics (Automation & Fiber Alignment) - Bedford, MA

Role Summary
The Manufacturing Engineer – Photonics is responsible for developing, sustaining, and improving automated and semi-automated manufacturing processes for advanced laser products. This hands-on role focuses on automation ownership, fiber alignment and attach processes, yield improvement, and production scalability. The position works cross functionally with Manufacturing, Quality, Process Engineering, and R&D to transition robust photonics assembly processes into volume manufacturing and support them through the full product lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities
Automation and Equipment Ownership

• Design, develop, and sustain automated and semi-automated laser assembly equipment.
• Specify and integrate motion systems, machine vision, metrology, dispense/weld tools, and cure platforms.
• Define equipment requirements, acceptance criteria, run-at-rate plans, and lead equipment release to production.
• Establish preventive maintenance, calibration plans, spares strategies, and equipment lifecycle management.
• Improve equipment reliability using uptime metrics and structured root-cause analysis.
• Design fixtures and tooling using CAD.

Fiber Alignment and Attach Process Engineering

• Own fiber alignment and attach processes, including active alignment, attach, cure, and verification.
• Develop and control process windows for alignment algorithms, welding/adhesives, curing, and thermal management.
• Execute DOE-based characterization for coupling efficiency, power stability, and long-term reliability.
• Define in-line controls and acceptance tests such as insertion loss, return loss, mechanical strength, and inspection.
• Create and maintain work instructions, process specifications, travelers, and training documentation.

Yield, Quality, and Scale

• Lead yield improvement and defect reduction using structured problem-solving methodologies.
• Implement SPC, control plans, MSA/Gage R&R, and traceability systems.
• Partner with Quality on nonconformances, CAPAs, and audit readiness.
• Support NPI activities including process transfer, pilot builds, and production ramp.

Data Systems and Documentation

• Build data pipelines from equipment into MES/SPC systems and define dashboards and alarms.
• Maintain PFMEAs, process flows, control plans, equipment documentation, and validation reports.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Electrical, Mechatronics, or related engineering field (advanced degrees preferred).
• 5+ years of manufacturing engineering experience in precision assembly; photonics or laser manufacturing preferred.
• Experience developing or supporting automation equipment in production environments.
• Demonstrated use of DOE, SPC, and root-cause methodologies.
• Hands-on troubleshooting experience in manufacturing environments.
• Proficiency with SolidWorks.