Sr. Principal Optical Engineer/Technical Lead

MKS Instruments; Richmond; On-site; CAD 123,000 - 229,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology company based in Metro Vancouver is seeking a Sr. Principal Optical Engineer to lead advanced development projects in optical sensing solutions for semiconductor fabrication. The role requires significant experience in engineering, leadership, and customer interaction while contributing to innovative advancements in technology. Candidates should possess a Master’s or PhD in relevant fields and a proven track record in developing optical products.

Benefits

Bonus Percentage Plan

RRSP Matching Program

Healthcare Including Medical, Dental and Vision

Global Employee Assistance Program

Referral Program

Recognition Awards

Additional Flex Day Off

Transit Zone 1 Reimbursement

Active Social Committee Programs

Qualifications

• 20+ years of experience in physics or engineering is essential.
• Experience with photonics is required.
• Leadership experience with engineering teams needed.

Responsibilities

• Lead advanced development projects for measurement solutions.
• Mentor and coach engineers while fostering a collaborative culture.
• Develop product and technical roadmap strategies.

Skills

20+ years of progressive experience in physics or engineering

Experience developing components involving photonics

Demonstrated leadership experience

Hands-on experience with relevant industries

Ability to interpret technology and market trends

Proven track record of delivering optically based product solutions

Knowledge of product management

Ability to document and participate in intellectual property

Education

Master’s and/or PhD in Engineering, Physics, Photonics

Job description

Sr. Principal Optical Engineer / Technical Lead

A Day in Your Life at MKS:

Are you naturally curious? At MKS, our collective curiosity drives us to be an innovation leader in many industries. Our products drive advancements in a wide range of technical fields like cloud computing, the generation of clean drinking water, self-driving cars, and space exploration. We are a collaborative team that values fresh thinking and believes in mutual respect, constructive candor, diversity, and inclusion. Our customers value us as a partner and trust us to continually push the boundaries of possibility. We believe in creating technology that transforms and improves our world and are looking for new team members who share our vision. If this appeals to you, we want to meet you.

Photon Control Inc. is part of the MKS Instruments Vacuum Solutions Division, providing a wide range of highly specialized opto-mechanical solutions to enhance our customer’s capabilities and productivity in the semiconductor, advanced electronics, and specialty industrial markets. At Photon Control we design and manufacture high performance optical sensors and systems to measure temperature and position. These products improve performance and enable innovation for our customers and are used in the semiconductor and other high technology industries. Our clients provide solutions to some of the biggest semiconductor manufacturers whose products can be found in everyday electronic devices, cellphones, smart watches, TVs, and computers.

We are looking for an exceptional Sr. Principal Optical Engineer to lead advanced development projects in the design, simulation, development, and delivery of cutting-edge measurement solutions required for advanced semiconductor fabrication. Reporting directly to the General Manager this position will be responsible for the vision, leadership, technical management, and growth of our engineering team. This is a hands-on position combining attention to detail and big picture thinking.

Expected Contributions:

• Work to conceive, develop and deliver differentiated advanced optical sensing solutions for customers

• Foster a culture of excellence, growth, innovation, empowerment, and support, and inspire others to be their best self. As the Sr. Principal Optical Engineer, you will be expected to lead by example and be the change agent to challenge existing approaches and drive new practices, policies, and culture within the team.

• Provide technical leadership and experience while working in high-functioning collaborative teams, including mentoring and coaching engineers in multiple disciplines

• Establish very high standards and expectations to support a results-oriented technical team

• Collaborate, help develop, and manage multi-year product and technical roadmap and strategy

• Create and evolve engineering plans that support Photon Control’s business objectives, taking into account technical capabilities, cost constraints, growth plans and building footprint

• Provide technical guidance, resources, and budget accountability to support engineering projects

• Foster innovation and sharing of best practices with other cross-functional groups while creating an environment of continuous improvement

• Conduct feasibility studies and testing on new and modified designs

• Direct support personnel in the preparation of detailed design, design testing and prototype fabrication

• Work collaboratively with sales, marketing, finance and other functions to help achieve company goals

• Work closely with customers when required to validate product specifications and collaboratively develop products that meet or exceed specifications

Additional Skills You Bring:

• 20+ years of progressive experience in physics or engineering

• Experience developing components, products or equipment involving photonics

• Demonstrated leadership experience setting vision and building, leading and motivating engineering teams; leads by example with creativity, strategy thinking and innovation

• Hands-on experience working with customers in relevant industries including precision equipment, sensors, semiconductors, medical products and devices, aerospace and defense manufacturing companies

• Ability to interpret technology and market trends as a foundation for technology and product roadmaps

• Proven track record of successfully delivering optically based product solutions on-time / on-budget

• Knowledge of product management, customer marketing, and strategic partnerships

• Ability to document and actively participate in the company’s intellectual property, both strategy and execution

Preferred Skills:

• Master’s and/or PhD in Engineering, Physics, Photonics or related field preferred

Physical Demands and Working Conditions:

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.

• Perform activities such as sitting, standing, or typing for extended periods of time

• Dedication to safety to mitigate hazards that may include heat, cold, fumes, strong magnets, confined spaces, lasers, microwaves, and vacuum/pressure systems

• Flexible and willing to work in very fast-paced environment where tasks and priorities may change often

• Excellent time management skills and commitment to meet deadlines

Benefits:

• Bonus Percentage Plan

• RRSP Matching Program

• Healthcare Including Medical, Dental and Vision, Life Insurance and AD&D, Medical Travel Insurance

• Global Employee Assistance Program

• Referral Program

• Recognition Awards

• Additional Flex Day Off with Spending Allowance

• Transit Zone 1 Reimbursement

• Active Social Committee Programs

Compensation:

• Salary Pay Range: $123,200 - $228,800 per year. This range is a reasonable expectation of pay for this position, based on a wide range of factors including qualifications, experience, education, training, operational and business needs and other considerations.

Globally, our policy is to recruit individuals from wide and diverse backgrounds. However, certain positions require access to controlled goods and technologies subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) or Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Applicants for these positions may need to be “U.S. persons.” “U.S. persons” are generally defined as U.S. citizens, noncitizen nationals, lawful permanent residents (or, green card holders), individuals granted asylum, and individuals admitted as refugees.

MKS Instruments, Inc. and its affiliates and subsidiaries (“MKS”) is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer: diverse candidates are encouraged to apply. We win as a team and are committed to recruiting and hiring qualified applicants regardless of race, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions), religion, age, ancestry, physical or mental disability or handicap, marital status, membership in the uniformed services, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, or any other category protected by applicable law. Hiring decisions are based on merit, qualifications and business needs. We conduct background checks and drug screens, in accordance with applicable law and company policies. MKS is generally only hiring candidates who reside in states where we are registered to do business.

MKS is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process due to a disability, please contact us at: [e-mail]

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