Development Engineer

Schott; Southbridge (MA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

SCHOTT's Lighting and Imaging unit is seeking a development and industrialization engineer to lead the creation and ramp of new products and variants, driving manufacturing processes from concept through pilot production. You will ensure projects meet schedules, budgets, and regulatory standards.

The role involves designing and validating equipment and production lines, coordinating with Production Engineering, Quality, Sales, and Purchasing, and maintaining thorough technical documentation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a related field with 0–3 years in optoelectronic/mechatronic systems and processes.
• Experience in high-volume manufacturing, including equipment development, precision automation, and equipment specification, procurement and validation.
• Strong problem-solving and collaborative skills across multi-disciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and industrialization of new products, variants, and manufacturing processes from concept to pilot production.
• Design, specify, validate, and commission equipment, production lines, prototypes, and test systems.
• Partner with Production Engineering, Quality, Application Engineering, Sales and Purchasing to support qualification, transfer, validation, supplier selection, and customer requirements.
• Create and maintain technical documentation including design/process FMEAs, validation plans, certifications, and manufacturing specifications.
• Support global manufacturing with problem-solving, continuous improvement, and process optimization.

Skills

Optoelectronic systems

Manufacturing process development

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in Physics, Electrical, Mechanical or Materials Engineering

Tools

Equipment development tools

Validation/testing tools

Job description

Our Business Unit Lighting and Imaging offers smart solutions for light delivery and image transmission in demanding environments from medical devices, industrial, and safety applications to aviation and automotive. With manufacturing sites in Europe and North America, and supported by SCHOTT’s global sales network, we are a leading supplier of high-quality fiber optic and LED components.

Your Contribution

Lead the development and industrialization of new products, product variants, and manufacturing processes from concept through pilot production, ensuring projects are completed on time, within budget, and in compliance with applicable standards and regulations.

Design, specify, validate, and commission equipment, production lines, prototypes, and test systems required for new products and processes.

Partner with cross-functional teams including Production Engineering, Quality, Application Engineering, Sales, and Purchasing to support product qualification, production transfer, process validation, supplier selection, and customer requirements.

Create and maintain technical documentation, including design/process FMEAs, validation plans, certifications, and manufacturing specifications.

Support global manufacturing operations with problem-solving, continuous improvement initiatives, complaint investigations, and process optimization.

Monitor emerging technologies, industry trends, and competitive developments to drive innovation and continuous product/process improvement.

Your Profile

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree (PhD a plus) in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Engineering, or a related field, with 0-3 years of experience in optoelectronic/mechatronic systems and processes (lasers, optics, fiber optics, electronics, and mechanical design).

Preferred 3+ years of experience in high-volume manufacturing environments, including equipment development, precision automation, and equipment specification, procurement, and validation.

Experience with fiber- or cable-based production processes, such as optical fibers, electrical wires, wire mesh, textiles, composites, or related manufacturing technologies.

Strong technical aptitude and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work independently, take initiative, and deliver results.

Effective written, verbal, and presentation communication skills, with the ability to collaborate successfully in a team environment.

Total Compensation (Salary + Bonus) Pay Range: $75,000-$140,000
Actual starting pay is determined by a number of factors including relevant skills, qualifications, and experience.

At SCHOTT, you can expect a unique corporate culture where we emphasize equity, diversity, and inclusion. We know: motivated and committed employees are the precondition for the success of our company.