Optical Manufacturing Engineer

Optical Manufacturing Engineer

At Endress+Hauser, progress happens by working together. As the global leader in measurement instrumentation, our ~18,000 employees shape the future in the field of process automation. Whether developing and realizing new technology as a team, collaborating to build instrumentation, or strengthening vital relationships with countless global industries, we work to create trusted relationships that help everyone thrive. As a family-owned company, we look beyond short-term moves and work to create a vision that is forward-thinking for our people, our clients, and the world at large.

We are looking for an Optical Manufacturing Engineer to join Endress+Hauser Optical Analysis, the global leader in Raman spectroscopy, tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy (TDLAS), and quenched fluorescence (QF) instrumentation for laboratory, process, and manufacturing environments. Our laser-based analyzer systems perform high-performance chemical composition and concentration measurement of all phases of matter in any installation environment.

What is the role about?

The Optical Manufacturing Engineer is part of the Manufacturing Engineering team and reports to the Manufacturing Engineering Manager. This team is responsible for developing, improving, and supporting manufacturing processes for optical-based gas analytical equipment. This position specifically will be responsible for designing, developing, and improving the processes involved in manufacturing optical components.

Which essential functions will you perform?

Optical Process Development & Manufacturing

• Optimize optical alignment, calibration, assembly, and inspection processes for lasers, lenses, mirrors, detectors, and other optical components.
• Specify, qualify, and support optical test equipment, including interferometers, spectrometers, and beam profilers.
• Troubleshoot optical performance, alignment issues, yield losses, and failure modes using root cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Establish and improve cleaning, contamination control, optics handling, bonding, curing, torque control, alignment locking, and environmental control practices.
• Ensure optical assemblies meet performance requirements through testing, validation, and metrology activities.

Production Systems & Process Improvement (Up to 50%)

• Develop, implement, and sustain automated and semi-automated optical assembly, alignment, calibration, inspection, and test processes.
• Create data acquisition, monitoring, and analysis tools to support process control, drift detection, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement.
• Apply SPC, process capability analysis, measurement system analysis, test method validation, and other statistical tools to improve process performance.
• Define manufacturing processes, select and design equipment/tooling, qualify processes, and support pilot builds, validation, and production readiness reviews.
• Develop work instructions, process documentation, safety improvements, and control plans to support repeatable, scalable production.

Production Support & New Product Introduction (Up to 50%)

• Provide technical support, floor support, training, and mentoring for production technicians and operators.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives using Lean and Six Sigma methodologies to improve safety, quality, throughput, and cost.
• Collaborate with R&D, Engineering, Quality, and Production to resolve issues, transfer new products into manufacturing, and implement robust production processes.
• Provide DFM, DFA, and DFT feedback to improve manufacturability and support successful new product introductions and design transfers.
• Design and implement manufacturing lines, workstations, tooling, procedures, and process controls while supporting ERP, quality system, and alternative design/material initiatives.

What do we expect from you?

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (or equivalent education/experience) with 7+ years of manufacturing experience and a proven record in optical manufacturing projects.
• 3+ years of mechanical design experience, including tooling and fixture design for opto-electrical assembly; experience with compressed gases is preferred.
• Experience with complex opto-electrical systems, gas phase spectroscopy, and optical components such as lenses, mirrors, windows, coatings, and alignments.
• Strong knowledge of mechanical tooling, fixture development, and Design for Manufacturability, Testability, Quality, and Assembly (DFM&T, DFQ, DFA).
• Electronics expertise including oscilloscopes, meters, D/A and A/D systems, RS-232, Ethernet, embedded firmware, and analog/digital electronics.
• Experience with automated or semi-automated optical test systems, including motion control, sensors, cameras, power meters, spectrometers, lasers, data capture, and equipment communication.
• Proficiency in manufacturing data analysis, dashboarding, and automation tools such as Python, LabVIEW, MATLAB, SQL, Power BI, and advanced Excel.
• Experience applying statistical and quality methodologies including SPC, process capability analysis, control charts, Gage R&R, and measurement system analysis.Lean manufacturing experience, including Kaizen, 5S, continuous improvement initiatives, and the ability to independently operate and manage 3D printing equipment.
• Strong safety mindset, communication, organizational, and computer skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across engineering, production, and leadership teams

What can you expect from us?

• Family-owned, highly committed global company with a sustainable vision of the future.

• Lifelong learning encouraged by versatile training, tuition reimbursement, and further education opportunities.

• Comprehensive benefit package (to include medical, dental, vision) and 401(k) savings with company match.

• Compensation is competitive and includes bonus opportunities.

• Work-life balance encouraged through our 10 company-paid holidays, paid time off, paid parental leave, and employee assistance programs (financial, mental, and physical health and wellbeing).

• Employees work in a safety-first, climate controlled, clean manufacturing facility with utilization of Lean practices and ergonomic workstations to enhance productivity and comfort.

The listed annual salary range for this position is $90,000- $120,000 but the actual package offered may vary depending on different factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

How do you apply?

To apply, we kindly ask you to upload your documents on our career page. Endress+Hauser is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of any protected classification, including protected veteran and disability status.