Enterprise Optical Engineer

IDEX; Boulder (CO); Hybrid; USD 124,000 - 186,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

401(k) retirement savings program with

PTO

Job summary

IDEX is seeking an Enterprise Optical Engineer to develop and lead solutions from concept through prototype, collaborating with internal and external stakeholders.

The role focuses on translating customer needs into manufacturable designs, leading prototype-to-production, and supporting high-volume OEM production. Ideal candidates have advanced optics education, hands-on metrology experience, and strong communication in a customer-facing role.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or above in Optical Engineering, Physics, Mechanical Engineering with optics focus.
• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant STEM discipline is required.
• 3-5 years’ experience in an optical manufacturing environment preferred.
• Experience with optical component and/or system new product development or introduction required.
• Experience with optical component and/or optical assembly manufacturing, including metrology.
• Experience in a customer facing technical role is preferred.
• Strong communication skills; comfortable in customer-facing role required.
• Proficiency with optical design simulation (Code V, OpticsStudio) required.
• Familiarity with SolidWorks, MATLAB, and/or Python is a plus.
• Ability to travel to meet with customers and attend events; ITAR/EAR requirements may apply.

Responsibilities

• Translate customer needs and requirements into manufacturable designs using CAD, coating design, and optical tools.
• Design and develop optical components, assemblies, and optomechanical solutions for MSS.GSD.
• Understand capabilities of IDEX GSD manufacturing sites.
• Identify new opportunities with existing and growth customers to deploy MSS capabilities.
• Perform tolerance analysis and feasibility studies to ensure alignment with capabilities.
• Generate detailed technical documentation for prototypes.
• Lead prototype-to-production process at manufacturing sites.
• Directly interface with customers for technical and commercial matters.
• Provide technical expertise and develop customer-specific solutions, including feasibility, costing, and lead time estimates.
• Lead new product innovation from concept through qualification, quotation, prototype delivery, and hand-off to Operations.
• Support system-level discussions and cross-functional collaboration.
• Travel as needed to meet customers and industry events.

Skills

Optical design engineering

CAD design

Tolerance analysis

Customer-facing

Strong communication

Code V

OpticsStudio

SolidWorks

MATLAB

Python

Education

Master's degree in Optical Engineering

Bachelor's degree in a relevant STEM field

Tools

Code V

OpticsStudio

SolidWorks

MATLAB

Python

Job description

If you're looking for a special place to build or grow your career, you've found it. Whether you're an experienced professional, a recent college graduate or somewhere in between, IDEX is a place where you can apply your existing skills and learn new ones in an environment where you can make an impact. With interesting opportunities in engineering, marketing, sales, supply chain, operations, HR, finance, and more across more than 40 diverse businesses around the globe, chances are, we have something special for you. This role could be hybrid, home based, site based or a bubble assignment (if current employee). IDEX Materials Science Solutions (MSS) is a newly formed group made up of 11 Materials Sciences businesses across 14 locations within the US and Europe.

The Global Space and Defense (GSD) group within MSS will double revenue in five years by securing and successfully executing against strategic programs supporting some of the most exciting work in space and defense within North America and Europe.

Position Summary: Global Space and Defense (GSD) is pursuing high risk, high reward business with a select few strategic customers. Achieving our strategic intent will require best in class optical design engineering expertise in support of our customers and their mission critical, innovative needs. In support of this strategy, we are seeking a customer-focused Enterprise Optical Engineer to develop and lead solutions from concept through prototype, in collaboration with key internal and external stakeholders. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of the optical capabilities of IDEX MSS and proven facility to partner with customers on their most complex challenges and propose innovative, manufacturable solutions that begin with prototype and NPI engagements and evolve into full-scale OEM solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Translate customer needs and requirements into manufacturable designs using CAD, coating design, and COTS and custom optical system simulation tools.
• Design and develop optical component, optical assembly, and optomechanical solutions for responding to market needs targeted by GSD's Strategic Intent.
• Thoroughly and comprehensively understand the capabilities of IDEX's GSD manufacturing sites.
• Identify new opportunities with existing and growth customers to deploy MSS manufacturing capabilities.
• Perform tolerance analysis and feasibility studies to ensure alignment with IDEX GSD manufacturing capabilities.
• Generate detailed technical documentation for prototypes.
• Lead prototype-to-production process at manufacturing sites.
• Directly interface with customers for technical and commercial matters.
• Provide technical expertise and develop customer application-specific solutions, including feasibility, costing, and lead time estimates.
• Lead new product innovation, development, and introduction process for custom-engineered solutions from concept through qualification, quotation, prototype delivery, and hand-off to Operations for high volume OEM production.
• Supports system level discussions by bringing an optical system level view.
• Supports the commercial, program management, and site teams to drive growth and meet new market needs aligned with GSD Strategic Intent, including new product development, technology deployment, and ensuring scalability.
• Troubleshoot technical issues and support customer returns and complaints.
• Creates, effectively writes, and communicates multi-site proposals to customers.
• May serve as an interim primary point of contact for customers until an account manager is determined.
• Represent the GSD Team and GSD Strategic Intent, and consistently exhibit GSD Team Behaviors to customers and MSS site teams as well as at industry events, conferences, and trade shows.

Requirements & Experience

• Master’s degree or above in Optical Engineering, Physics, Mechanical Engineering (with optics focus), or related field preferred.
• A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant STEM discipline is required.
• 3-5 years’ experience in an optical manufacturing environment preferred.
• Experience with optical component or system new product development or new product introduction required.
• Experience with optical component and/or optical assembly manufacturing, including metrology, required.
• Experience in a customer facing technical role is preferred.
• Strong communication skills; comfortable in customer-facing role required.
• Proficiency with optical design simulation (such as Code V, OpticsStudio) required.
• Familiarity with SolidWorks, MATLAB, and/or Python is a plus.
• Experience in technical documentation and specification generation required.
• Ability to work in ambiguous environments, manage multiple projects, and meet deadlines.
• Ability to travel as needed to meet with customers, attend industry events, and to provide site support.
• Must meet ITAR/EAR requirements (U.S. Citizenship, Permanent Residency, or contract-specific licensure).

Key Characteristics

• Attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• System-level thinker that can connect optical performance to assembly processes.
• Ability to develop innovative solutions.
• Flexibility to adapt to changing requirements and technologies.
• Strong customer presence and communication capabilities.
• Comfortable with ambiguity and evolving technical requirements.
• High 'say-do' ratio; ability to make and keep commitments.
• Self-motivated and proactive in identifying and addressing issues.
• Strong focus on customer satisfaction and delivering value.
• Pragmatic, hands-on builder comfortable in cleanroom alignment environments.
• Analytical skills to interpret market data, customer feedback, and product performance.
• Collaborative mindset to work effectively across engineering, sales, and operations.
• Low Ego.
• Lives the IDEX Values of Trust, Team, and Excellence.

Total Rewards

The compensation range for this position is $124,000.00 - $186,000.00, depending on experience. This position may be eligible for performance based bonus plan.

Benefits Package

• Health benefits
• 401(k) retirement savings program with company match
• PTO
• and more.
• More information on our benefits and rewards can be found on our career page: https://www.idexcorp.com/careers/our-benefits-and-rewards/

IDE is an Equal Opportunity Employer. IDEX gives consideration for employment to qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, creed, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other consideration or protected category made unlawful by federal, state or local laws.

Attention Applicants: If you are an individual with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application process, please let us know. Likewise, if you are limited in the ability to access or use this online application process and need an alternative method for applying, we will determine an alternate way for you to apply. Please contact our Talent Acquisition Team at [e-mail] for assistance with an accommodation. These contact tools may be used only by individuals with a disability for accommodation requests. Do not inquire as to the status of an application. This posting is for an existing vacancy. Artificial intelligence is not used to screen, assess or select applicants.

IDE (NYSE: IEX) is a company that has undoubtedly touched your life in some way. In fact, IDEX businesses make thousands of products that are mission-critical components in everyday activities. Chances are the car you're aiming at has BAND-IT clamp holding your side airbag safely in place. If you were ever in a car accident, a Hurst Jaws of Life rescue tool may have saved your life. If you or a family member is battling cancer, your doctor may have tested your DNA in a quest to find the best targeted medicine for you. It's likely your DNA test was run on equipment that contains components made by our growing IDEX Health & Science team.

Are you ready to join a different kind of company where our people, our culture, and our commitments are centered around providing trusted solutions that improve lives around the world?