Optical Design Engineer

IDEX; United States; Remote; USD 127,000 - 191,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

401(k) retirement savings

Paid time off

Job summary

IDEX Corporation in the United States is seeking an Optical Engineer for Semicon Metrology and Inspection to partner with customers and internal teams. You will apply optical design skills, perform tolerance analysis, and lead from concept to prototype using Zemax OpticStudio, while ensuring manufacturability and customer satisfaction.

The role requires a BS in optics-related engineering (or MS with 2+ years) and experience in lens design, metrology, and cross-functional collaboration. Expect <25% travel, storytelling with technical reports, and opportunities to influence product direction across enterprise solutions.

Qualifications

• A Bachelor of Science degree in an optics-related Engineering discipline and 2 years of relevant experience, OR a Master’s degree in a directly related field with 2 years of relevant experience.
• 2+ years experience in lens design and optical tolerance analysis, including sensitivity and Monte Carlo analysis and compilation and interpretation of results to inform manufacturing specifications and processes.
• Strong grasp of spherical and aspheric optical components fabrication techniques and relevant specifications.
• Understanding of precision alignment & metrology techniques.
• Writing technical reports in both a detailed written format and a concise pictorial oral presentation format.
• Working knowledge of optical test and evaluation equipment and procedures.
• Direct experience in the specification and testing of optical-based integrated systems.
• Experience with Zemax and one or more optical design software packages.
• Excellent verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Proven ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Ability to travel as needed to meet with customers, partners, and attend industry events <25%>.

Responsibilities

• Lead in-person customer meetings on customer needs and IDEX solutions.
• Proficient in commercial tools for quantifying and qualifying customer opportunities for fit to Material Science Solutions.
• Skilled in Sequential and Non-Sequential optical modeling using Zemax OpticStudio or equivalent software.
• Strong understanding of optical design principles, geometrical optics and aberration theory, and optical metrology techniques and methods.
• Ability to model and optimize 3D optical systems.
• Good understanding of integrated optical systems involving the integration of light sources, imaging optics, precision mechanics, image processing, and other key sub-systems and technologies.
• Ability to generate optical components specifications and drawings based on higher-level specifications and models.
• Provide accurate and detailed requirements documentation for procurement and fabrication of optical components.
• Ability to generate lens requirements, coating requirements, and optical system requirements from customer interactions and documents.
• Interface with opto-mechanical and CAD designers to define tooling, optical mounting, and human interface requirements based on predicted worst-case optical tolerances.
• Design feasibility experiments for opto-mechanical sub-systems, at times using simulation tools in support of R&D prototypes and production processes.
• Represent the company at industry events, conferences, and trade shows.
• Work with cross-functional teams, including product managers, engineers, supply chain, and QA, to align the right solution for a customer and/or a market.
• Conduct troubleshooting on IDEX solutions for customer complaints and returns.
• Identify baseline product and solution value for the market, competitors, and key suppliers who can support IDEX.

Skills

Optical design

Zemax OpticStudio

Optical tolerance analysis

Customer meetings

Cross-functional collaboration

Technical reporting

Programming: C/C++, Python, MATLAB

Metrology

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor of Science in optics-related Engineering

Master’s degree in related field

Tools

Zemax OpticStudio

CAD

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. The Optical Engineer will report directly to the Enterprise Solutions Manager and will have direct reporting responsibility for customer facing commercial roles within the Enterprise Solution team and other product related roles. Duties and Responsibilities: The Optical Engineer for Semicon Metrology and Inspection is a highly skilled and market-focused professional. The ideal candidate will possess a strong engineering background in optical design, combined with a keen understanding of customer needs and requirements within the semiconductor metrology and inspection market. This role requires a thought leader who can partner with our customers on their most significant and complex challenges and, in turn, propose effective solutions. These solutions will require optical design and tolerance analysis using Zemax OpticStudio or similar software to meet customer specifications while maintaining manufacturability. This role will develop and lead solutions from concept to prototype through collaboration with internal and external key stakeholders, gaining alignment on specifications, testing protocols, and manufacturing methods throughout the process. Key accountabilities and responsibilities for the Optical Engineer, Semicon Metrology and Inspection Applications include but are not limited to:

Duties and Responsibilities

The Optical Engineer for Semicon Metrology and Inspection is a highly skilled and market-focused professional.

• Lead in-person customer meetings on customer needs and IDEX solutions.
• Proficient in commercial tools for quantifying and qualifying customer opportunities for fit to Material Science Solutions.
• Skilled in Sequential and Non-Sequential optical modeling using Zemax OpticStudio or equivalent software.
• Strong understanding of optical design principles, geometrical optics and aberration theory, and optical metrology techniques and methods.
• Ability to model and optimize 3D optical systems.
• Good understanding of integrated optical systems involving the integration of light sources, imaging optics, precision mechanics, image processing, and other key sub-systems and technologies.
• Ability to generate optical components specifications and drawings based on higher-level specifications and models.
• Provide accurate and detailed requirements documentation for procurement and fabrication of optical components.
• Ability to generate lens requirements, coating requirements, and optical system requirements from customer interactions and documents.
• Interface with opto-mechanical and CAD designers to define tooling, optical mounting, and human interface requirements based on predicted worst-case optical tolerances.
• Design feasibility experiments for opto-mechanical sub-systems, at times using simulation tools in support of R&D prototypes and production processes.
• Represent the company at industry events, conferences, and trade shows.
• Work with cross-functional teams, including product managers, engineers, supply chain, and QA, to align the right solution for a customer and/or a market.
• Conduct troubleshooting on IDEX solutions for customer complaints and returns.
• Identify baseline product and solution value for the market, competitors, and key suppliers who can support IDEX.

Requirements & Experience

• A Bachelor of Science degree in an optics-related Engineering discipline and 2 years of relevant experience, OR a Master’s degree in a directly related field with 2 years of relevant experience.
• 2+ years experience in lens design and optical tolerance analysis, including sensitivity and Monte Carlo analysis and compilation and interpretation of results to inform manufacturing specifications and processes.
• Strong grasp of spherical and aspheric optical components fabrication techniques and relevant specifications.
• Understanding of precision alignment & metrology techniques.
• Writing technical reports in both a detailed written format and a concise pictorial oral presentation format.
• Working knowledge of optical test and evaluation equipment and procedures.
• Direct experience in the specification and testing of optical-based integrated systems.
• Experience with one or more optical design software packages, such as Zemax
• Excellent verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Proven ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Ability to travel as needed to meet with customers, partners, and attend industry events <25%>.

Desired Skills

• Experience with stray light and thermal analysis in optical modeling
• Experience with programming (C++, Python, MATLAB, or other) and native optical design programming languages, including development of scripts and API tools to streamline design, tolerancing, and analysis.

Characteristics

• Attention to detail and a commitment to quality.
• Creative thinker with the ability to develop innovative solutions.
• Flexibility to adapt to changing requirements and technologies.
• Self-motivated and proactive in identifying and addressing issues.
• Strong focus on customer satisfaction and delivering value.
• Strong analytical skills to interpret market data, customer feedback, and product performance metrics.
• Strong collaboration skills to work effectively with engineering, sales, marketing, and other cross-functional teams.
• Low Ego. Lives the IDEX Values of Trust, Team, and Excellence.

Total Rewards

The compensation range for this position is $127,200.00 - $190,800.00, depending on experience. This position may be eligible for performance based bonus plan.

Benefits Package

Our comprehensive U.S. benefit offerings include: 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/

IDEX 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.

IDEX (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 driving has a 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.