Enterprise Optical Engineer

IDEX Corporation; Boulder (CO); Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

IDEX Corporation's Global Space and Defense (GSD) within MSS seeks an Enterprise Optical Engineer to lead optical solutions from concept through prototype, collaborating with customers and internal stakeholders. You will help translate needs into manufacturable designs and drive projects across multidisciplinary teams.

The role requires advanced optics expertise, strong communication, and willingness to travel. Hybrid/hub-based responsibilities and ITAR/EAR compliance are part of the role.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in optics/related field required or PhD preferred.
• Bachelor's degree in a relevant STEM discipline is required.
• 3–5 years in optical manufacturing; NPI experience preferred.
• Experience with optical component or system manufacturing and metrology required.
• Strong communication and customer-facing experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Translate customer needs into manufacturable optical designs using CAD, coatings, and simulation tools.
• Design and develop optical components, assemblies, and optomechanical solutions for MSS/GSD.
• Lead prototype-to-production processes at manufacturing sites and generate detailed technical docs.
• Interface with customers on technical and commercial matters, including feasibility, costing, and lead times.

Skills

Optical design

Customer-facing

Project management

Communication skills

Education

Master's degree in optics/related

Bachelor's degree in STEM

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 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.

“Certain positions with IDEX Corporation and its business units require access to controlled goods and technologies subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations or the Export Administration Regulations. Applicants for these positions may need to be “U.S. Persons,” as defined in these regulations. Generally, a “U.S. Person” is a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, lawful permanent resident, or an individual who has been granted refugee or asylum status.”

Are you ready to join a different kind of company where our people, our culture,