Manager, Optical Process Engineering

black.ai; Milpitas (CA); On-site; USD 160,000 - 225,000; Full time

Job summary

black.ai is seeking an Optical Process Engineering Manager in Milpitas, California to oversee the development and optimization of optical manufacturing processes. This role emphasizes leadership and technical expertise in optics, materials, and high-volume production methods.

The ideal candidate will have 7–12 years of experience in optical manufacturing, with a solid educational background in related engineering disciplines. Skills in Lean/Six Sigma and team management are essential for ensuring high-quality production of optical products.

Qualifications

• 7–12+ years of experience in optical manufacturing or process engineering.
• 2–5+ years of leadership or people management experience.
• Experience with high-volume manufacturing and process scale-up.
• Proficiency in engineering software and data analysis tools.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and optimization of optical manufacturing processes.
• Support process transfer and troubleshoot manufacturing issues.
• Coordinate cross-functional collaboration across teams.
• Implement Lean and Six Sigma methodologies.

Skills

Optical Engineering

Process Engineering

Manufacturing Process Optimization

Statistical Process Control

Lean Manufacturing

Team Leadership

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Photonics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science

Tools

MATLAB

Python

CAD software

Optical metrology systems

Statistical analysis tools (e.g., JMP, Minitab)

Job description

Job Summary

An Optical Process Engineering Manager leads the development, optimization, and scale-up of manufacturing processes for optical components and systems. This role combines technical expertise in optics, materials, and manufacturing with leadership responsibilities to ensure the high-quality, cost-effective production of optical products, including lasers, photonic devices, fiber optics, and sensors.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and improve optical manufacturing processes.
• Optimize yield, throughput, cycle time, and product quality.
• Support process transfer from R&D to production.
• Develop process control methodologies and statistical monitoring systems.
• Troubleshoot manufacturing issues related to optics, fiber optics alignment, and length matching, or photonics assembly.
• Lead and mentor a team of process, manufacturing, and optical engineers.
• Assign project priorities and monitor execution timelines.
• Foster continuous improvement and technical innovation.
• Coordinate cross-functional collaboration between R&D, quality, supply chain, and operations teams.
• Ensure compliance with quality standards and regulatory requirements.
• Drive root cause analysis and corrective/preventive actions (CAPA).
• Implement Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Oversee equipment qualification, validation, and maintenance strategies.
• Manage engineering projects, budgets, schedules, and resource allocation.
• Support new product introduction (NPI) activities.
• Work with vendors and suppliers on process capability and equipment integration.
• Present technical updates and manufacturing metrics to senior leadership.
• Develop optical fabrication processes such as: Optical alignment and fiber optic education.

Experience / Qualifications

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in:

• Optical Engineering
• Physics
• Photonics
• Electrical Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Materials Science
• Related engineering discipline

Experience:

• 7–12+ years of experience in optical manufacturing or process engineering.
• 2–5+ years of leadership or people management experience.
• Experience with high-volume manufacturing and process scale-up.
• SPC (Statistical Process Control).
• DOE (Design of Experiments).
• FMEA.
• Lean/Six Sigma.
• Process validation.
• Experience with metrology and characterization tools.
• Proficiency in engineering software and data analysis tools.

Preferred Skills

• Semiconductor or photonics industry experience.
• Automation and robotics integration knowledge.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Typical Tools & Technologies.
• Optical metrology systems.
• Laser alignment equipment.
• CAD software.
• MATLAB, Python, JMP, Minitab.
• MES system.
• Cleanroom equipment.

Compensation

U.S. Base Pay Range: $160,000—$185,000 USD

Bay Area Pay Range: $200,000—$225,000 USD

PsiQuantum provides equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. PsiQuantum does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable laws.