- The ideal candidate will play a critical role in process development, optimization, and sustaining support for optics manufacturing technologies
This position focuses on driving yield improvement, reducing scrap, and enhancing overall process efficiency across various polishing and fabrication operations while supporting industrialization of new development processes for production integration
- Champion a safety-first culture through the identification of potential hazards, application of risk assessment methodologies, and implementation of mitigation controls in accordance with Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) standards
Ensure all tasks are executed in compliance with site-specific safety procedures and regulatory requirements such as of wearing all required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including but not limited to safety glasses, hearing protection, and other task-specific protective equipment within manufacturing areas
- Drive a quality-motivated approach through rigorous process validation, consistent quality metrics monitoring, and zero-defect mindset
- Maintain focus on on-time delivery by balancing process improvements with production schedules and customer commitments
- Develop, optimize, and sustain optical fabrication processes, including generating, grinding, high-speed polishing, pad polishing (PP), and continuous polishing (CP)
- Implement process controls and lead troubleshooting efforts for process-related issues, including root cause analysis and corrective/preventive actions
- Ensure all processes meet ISO9001 and ISO14001 standards, maintaining traceability, compliance, and audit readiness
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams including production, quality, metrology, and equipment maintenance to resolve technical challenges and implement sustainable solutions
Define process specifications and control limits; utilize statistical analysis tools (e.g., JMP, Minitab) to evaluate process capabilities and drive data-driven decision-making and maintain 6P=P from feasibility to production readiness phases
- Apply Six Sigma principles to continuous process improvement initiatives, and support cost reduction projects using structured problem-solving methodologies to identify and address sources of variation in optical fabrication processes
- Perform hands-on process trials and support qualification of new equipment, materials, and process changes to enhance production performance
- Document and maintain process specifications, work instructions, and standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure knowledge retention and standardization
- Provide training and mentorship to junior engineers and technicians to build process expertise within the team
- Regularly report on process Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) with data-backed findings and report progress to management
- Support process control initiatives, lead troubleshooting efforts for process-related issues, and implement solutions to prevent recurrence
- The physical demands described below represent those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this Process Engineer role
- Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions
- Frequent movement within the optics fabrication floor and office environments
- Occasional need to lift or move equipment, tooling, or materials weighing up to 35 pounds
- Work performed primarily in an optics fabrication environment that may include exposure to noise, vibration, and various processing equipment
Must be comfortable working around lasers, working with ladders, working on platforms, and working around chemicals