Manufacturing Process Engineer

VIAVI Solutions; Santa Rosa (CA); On-site; USD 99,000 - 183,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Health insurance

Life insurance

Disability insurance

401(k)

Bonus program

Job summary

VIAVI Solutions in Santa Rosa, CA, is seeking a Senior Manufacturing Process Engineer to develop, maintain, and evolve advanced production processes for thin‑film pigments. You will focus on data analysis, quality control, and continuous improvement across the manufacturing chain.

The role involves hands‑on work with PVD-based deposition, high‑vacuum systems, bulk‑solids handling, and safety systems, partnering with R&D, quality, and operations to qualify and scale new products.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of manufacturing engineering experience in a related field.
• MS or BS in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science, Physics, Mechanical Engineering, or similar related discipline.
• Proven track record supporting and improving manufacturing processes in an engineering role.
• Working knowledge of quality systems — PFMEA, CAPA, 8D root‑cause, SPC.
• Exceptional software & computer competency including MS Office and advanced Excel skills.
• Eligible for ITAR clearance.
• Fluent in English (reading and writing).
• Must be able to visually inspect, distinguish colors, and perceive depth and detail as required to perform essential job functions.

Responsibilities

• Design, evaluate, and enhance manufacturing systems and tools using expertise in processes, equipment, and quality standards.
• Own and lead assigned manufacturing value streams, ensuring effective manufacturing execution, problem‑solving, and continuous improvement.
• Work closely with manufacturing, engineering, and maintenance teams to support daily operations.
• Provide real‑time support to the manufacturing floor, including occasional off‑shift remote assistance.
• Drive improvements in cost, quality, productivity, and safety using Lean and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Maintain product BOMs, time standards, work instructions, and quality documentation systems.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Leadership

Strong communication

Education

MS in Chemical Engineering

BS in Chemical Engineering

Tools

PFMEA

CAPA

8D root-cause

SPC

MS Office

Excel

Job description

Summary:

VIAVI (NASDAQ: VIAV) is a global provider of network test, monitoring and assurance solutions for telecommunications, cloud, enterprises, first responders, military, aerospace, and railway. VIAVI is also a leader in light management technologies for 3D sensing, anti-counterfeiting, consumer electronics, industrial, automotive, government and aerospace applications.

Summary:

We are the people behind the products that help keep the world connected at home, school, work, at play, and everywhere in between. VIAVI employees are passionate about supporting customer success and we welcome people who bring their best every day to the company – to question, to collaborate and to push for solutions that will delight our customers.

Job Summary:

The Senior Manufacturing Process Engineer develops, maintains, and evolves advanced manufacturing processes and systems for thin-film-based pigments production. This role focuses on optimizing production through data analysis, quality control, and continuous improvement. The position involves hands‑on work with technologies such as PVD-based thin‑film deposition, high‑vacuum systems, bulk‑solids handling and powder processing, chemical processing, complex metrology, and safety systems.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Key Responsibilities

• Process Development & Optimization
  • Design, evaluate, and enhance manufacturing systems and tools using expertise in processes, equipment, and quality standards
• Process Engineering Ownership
  • Own and lead assigned manufacturing value streams, ensuring effective manufacturing execution, problem‑solving, and continuous improvement. Provide process engineering support for equipment, facility, and tooling improvements.
• Cross‑Functional Collaboration
  • Work closely with manufacturing, engineering, and maintenance teams to support daily operations
• Production Support
  • Provide real‑time support to the manufacturing floor, including occasional off‑shift remote assistance
• Continuous Improvement
  • Drive improvements in cost, quality, productivity, and safety using Lean and Six Sigma methodologies
• Production Documentation
  • Maintain product BOMs, time standards, work instructions, and quality documentation systems supporting daily production
• Failure Analysis
  • Conduct root cause investigations and implement corrective actions using statistical tools. Participate in non‑conformance and CAPA activities
• Training & Development
  • Create and deliver training and materials to support process knowledge and skill development
• New Product & Process Introduction (NPPI)
  • Partner with R&D, quality, and customers to develop and qualify new products from prototype through full‑scale production, ensuring manufacturability and repeatability at scale.
• Supplier Quality Engineering
  • Partner with quality, procurement, and vendors to develop and enhance raw materials supply‑chain
• Project Management
  • Effectively manage multiple projects with shifting priorities

Pre‑Requisites / Skills / Experience Requirements:

Job Qualifications

Required

• 5+ years of manufacturing engineering experience in a related field
• MS or BS in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science, Physics, Mechanical Engineering, or similar related discipline
• Proven track record supporting and improving manufacturing processes in an engineering role
• Working knowledge of quality systems — PFMEA, CAPA, 8D root‑cause, SPC
• Exceptional software & computer competency including MS Office and advanced Excel skills
• Eligible for ITAR clearance
• Fluent in English (reading and writing)
• Must be able to visually inspect, distinguish colors, and perceive depth and detail as required to perform essential job functions, with or without reasonable accommodation

Preferred Experience (candidates with one or more of the following will be prioritized)

• Transitioning products from prototype to production
• Pigment, coatings, thin‑films, or specialty materials manufacturing
• Chemical and bulk‑solids / powder process engineering
• Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) or high‑vacuum processes
• ISO 9001 / AS9100 quality systems
• MES (Manufacturing Execution Systems)
• Interfacing with external customers on technical and quality matters
• ITAR‑controlled or regulated‑product manufacturing

Key Attributes

• Self‑motivated, organized, and autonomous
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills
• Effective project and priority management
• Excellent interpersonal and leadership skills
• Fast learner with strong technical curiosity
• Hands‑on, shop‑floor‑engaged mindset
• Ability to influence and collaborate across teams
• Excellent communication and presentation abilities

VIAVI Solutions is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer – minorities/females/veterans/persons with disabilities.

Job Posting Pay Range:

98,700 to 183,300

Exceptional qualifications, experience and location may impact salary. VIAVI offers a competitive benefits package that includes paid time off, health, life and disability insurance, 401(k), and a bonus program.