Optical Fabrication Engineer

SCHOTT; Duryea (Luzerne County); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

SCHOTT, a global leader in advanced optical materials, seeks an Optical Fabrication Engineer to join our manufacturing engineering team. The role focuses on precision optics, yield, throughput, and product quality, with hands-on responsibility in polishing and metrology.

The candidate will develop spherical/prism generation, analyze workflows, and mentor technicians while aligning with ISO 9001 and continuous improvement initiatives. A strong collaboration mindset is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Physics; Master’s preferred.
• Equivalent combination of education and 10+ years of relevant experience considered.
• Minimum 2–5 years of hands-on optical fabrication experience.
• Familiarity with glass and ceramic materials, abrasives, diamond tooling, and fixturing.
• Understanding of optical metrology systems with data interpretation for corrective actions.
• Exposure to optical assembly techniques a plus; SAP systems and MS Office skills.
• Six Sigma Green Belt or equivalent continuous improvement training preferred.
• U.S. work authorization is required.

Responsibilities

• Develop, refine, and maintain spherical generation, prism generation, and CNC g code expertise for optics.
• Analyze and improve workflows and equipment utilization to boost throughput.
• Author and maintain process documentation per ISO 9001 and internal standards.
• Train technicians and junior engineers on polishing, metrology interpretation, and process discipline.
• Use interferometers, autocollimators, profilometers, and CMMs to evaluate surfaces.
• Collaborate to define critical-to-quality characteristics and data-driven control systems.
• Lead or participate in root cause investigations and implement corrective actions.
• Contribute to continuous improvement with SPC and lean manufacturing principles.

Skills

Spherical generation

Prism generation

CNC programming

Education

Optical Engineering

Materials Science

Mechanical Engineering

Physics

Tools

SAP

Microsoft Office

Data analysis tools

Job description

We are a global leader in advanced optical materials and precision component manufacturing from melting specialty glasses to fabricating finished assemblies for the most demanding applications in science, defense, and industry. Our vertically integrated approach allows us to engineer every step of the process, ensuring unmatched quality and performance.

We’re seeking an Optical Fabrication Engineer to join our manufacturing engineering team. This role is ideal for an experienced professional passionate about precision optics and process excellence, someone who thrives in a hands‑on, collaborative environment and is driven to optimize yield, throughput, and product quality.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, refine, and maintain spherical generation, prism generation, and CNC g code expertise for glass and ceramic optics, ensuring precision, repeatability, and efficiency across multiple product lines.
• Analyze and improve existing workflows and equipment utilization to remove production bottlenecks and enhance overall throughput.
• Author and maintain process documentation, including work instructions, operation sheets, and inspection procedures, in accordance with ISO 9001 and internal quality standards.
• Train and mentor technicians and junior engineers on polishing best practices, metrology interpretation, and process discipline.
• Utilize metrology tools including interferometers, autocollimators, profilometers, and CMMs to evaluate surface form, finish, and alignment.
• Partner with quality and production teams to define critical-to-quality characteristics and establish data-driven control systems for monitoring process health.
• Lead or participate in root cause investigations, implement corrective actions, and deliver technical reports and presentations to management.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives, leveraging statistical process control and lean manufacturing principles.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Optical Engineering, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or a related field; Master’s preferred.
• (Equivalent combination of education and 10+ years of relevant experience considered.)
• Minimum 2-5 years of hands‑on experience in optical fabrication, including spherical generation, prism machining, and other optical fabrication.
• Understanding of glass and ceramic materials, abrasives, diamond tooling, and fixturing
• Familiarity in CMM’s, profilometers, goniometers, and other optical metrology systems, with the ability to interpret test data to guide corrective actions.
• Familiarity with
• optical assembly techniques a plus.
• Exposure to working with SAP systems, and competency with Microsoft Office and data analysis tools.
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively within cross‑functional technical teams.
• Good written, verbal, and presentation skills; capable of clearly communicating technical concepts to diverse audiences.
• Six Sigma Green Belt or equivalent continuous improvement training preferred.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.

Why Join Us

• Be part of a team that controls the full optical lifecycle, from raw material to final component.
• Work with world‑class experts and cutting‑edge polishing and metrology equipment.
• Make measurable impact on high‑performance optics used across aerospace, defense, and semiconductor industries.
• Competitive compensation, growth opportunities, and a culture that values innovation and precision.