Optical Fabrication Engineer

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

Job summary

SCHOTT AG is seeking an experienced Optical Process Engineer to develop, optimize, and sustain spherical and prism generation, and CNC programming for precision optics at our Duryea facility. You will analyze workflows, drive yields, and maintain process documentation to ensure quality.

The role requires 5–10 years in optical fabrication, strong metrology experience, and collaboration across cross-functional teams. SAP and Six Sigma Green Belt are a plus.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in optical/related field or equivalent experience.
• 5–10 years hands-on optical fabrication experience.
• Experience with optical metrology systems and data interpretation.
• SAP, Microsoft Office, and data analysis tools; Six Sigma Green Belt a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop, optimize, and sustain spherical generation, prism machining, and CNC programming for precision optics.
• Analyze workflows and improve yield, bottlenecks, and throughput.
• Create process docs and ensure ISO 9001 and internal quality standards compliance.
• Use metrology equipment to evaluate components and support data-driven decisions.
• Collaborate with production, quality, and engineering to define CTQ and controls.
• Lead root cause investigations and implement corrective actions.
• Train technicians and junior engineers on polishing and metrology.
• Drive continuous improvement using SPC, lean manufacturing, and best practices in optical fabrication.

Skills

Optical fabrication

Data analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication

Mentoring

Statistical process control

Lean manufacturing

Six Sigma Green Belt

Education

Bachelor's degree in Optical/Materials/Mechanical Eng

Advanced degree preferred

Equivalent experience considered

Tools

SAP

Microsoft Office

Data analysis software

CMMs

Profilometers

Goniometers

Job description

• Develop, optimize, and sustain spherical generation, prism generation, and CNC programming processes for precision glass and ceramic optics to ensure consistent quality, repeatability, and manufacturing efficiency.
• Analyze manufacturing workflows and equipment performance, identifying and implementing process improvements that increase yield, reduce bottlenecks, and improve throughput.
• Create and maintain process documentation, including work instructions, operation sheets, and inspection procedures, while ensuring compliance with ISO 9001 and internal quality standards.
• Utilize advanced metrology equipment such as interferometers, autocollimators, profilometers, and CMMs to evaluate optical components and support data-driven process decisions.
• Collaborate closely with production, quality, and engineering teams to define critical-to-quality requirements and establish effective process controls.
• Lead and support root cause investigations, implement corrective actions, and communicate findings through technical reports and presentations.
• Train and mentor technicians and junior engineers on polishing best practices, metrology interpretation, and process discipline.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives using statistical process control, lean manufacturing principles, and best practices in optical fabrication.

Your Profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Optical Engineering, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or a related field; advanced degree preferred. Equivalent experience may be considered.
• 5 to 10years of hands‑on experience in optical fabrication, including spherical generation, prism machining, and related manufacturing processes.
• Strong understanding of glass and ceramic materials, abrasives, diamond tooling, fixturing, and optical fabrication methods.
• Experience with optical metrology systems, including CMMs, profilometers, goniometers, or similar equipment, with the ability to interpret data and recommend corrective actions.
• Proven ability to work effectively across cross‑functional teams, communicate technical information clearly, and leverage tools such as SAP, Microsoft Office, and data analysis software. Six Sigma Green Belt certification or similar continuous improvement training is a plus.

At SCHOTT, you can expect a unique corporate culture where we emphasize equity, diversity, and inclusion. We know: motivated and committed employees are the precondition for the success of our company.

Discover a special corporate culture where everyone has the opportunity to develop their entire potential.

We offer a wide range of benefits to meet your needs to include medical, dental, vision, 401K, vacation, holidays, tuition reimbursement, short-term/long-term disability, etc.

Job Segment: Optics Engineering, Materials Science, Data Analyst, Lean Six Sigma, Six Sigma, Engineering, Science, Data, Management