Optical Manufacturing Engineer

Ember Grey; New York (NY); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

401(k) with match

Medical, dental, vision

Job summary

Ember Grey in New York seeks an experienced Precision Optics Development Engineer to lead the development and optimization of high-precision optical fabrication processes for advanced mirrors, lenses, aspheres, and freeform optics used in semiconductor inspection systems.

You will design experiments, analyze optical performance, and collaborate with R&D, engineering, and manufacturing teams to scale prototypes into production-ready processes while mentor junior engineers and drive continuous

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Optics, Physics, or related STEM
• 5+ years in high-precision asphere fabrication for visible/DUV systems
• Hands-on with CNC-based optics fabrication equipment (grinders, polishers, MRF, IBF, sub-aperture)
• Experience with glass and crystal substrates
• Experience reducing mid-spatial frequency errors in optical surfaces
• Strong knowledge of optical metrology methods and surface measurements
• Experience developing, implementing, and optimizing precision manufacturing processes
• Proven ability to deliver new process capabilities on schedule and within budget
• Strong analytical, experimental, and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication across multidisciplinary teams
• Ability to manage competing priorities and collaborate across functions

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimise advanced polishing and fabrication processes for optical substrates
• Work with flat, spherical, aspherical, and freeform surfaces to meet precision requirements
• Design experiments to develop new manufacturing capabilities
• Analyse results and translate findings into process improvements
• Manufacture prototype optics for semiconductor inspection systems
• Operate and optimise precision fabrication equipment (CNC grinders, polishers, MRF, IBF, sub-aperture polishers)
• Identify and reduce mid-spatial frequency surface errors
• Apply optical metrology to assess surface quality and validate processes
• Collaborate with R&D, engineering, and manufacturing to advance readiness and production capabilities
• Communicate findings and recommendations to leadership and partners

Skills

Analytical skills

Experimental methods

Problem solving

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Optics or Physics

Master's or PhD in Optics or Physics

Tools

CNC grinders

MRF

IBF

Sub-aperture polishing

Diamond turning

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Precision Optics Development Engineer to join a leading technology and advanced manufacturing organisation in New York.

This is a specialist engineering position focused on the development, optimisation, and implementation of high-precision optical fabrication processes for advanced mirrors, lenses, aspheres, and freeform optics used in next-generation semiconductor inspection systems.

The successful candidate will combine strong hands-on expertise in precision optics manufacturing with the ability to develop new processes, conduct scientific experiments, analyse optical performance, and support prototype manufacturing. This role offers the opportunity to solve complex technical challenges and expand manufacturing capabilities for increasingly sophisticated optical systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and optimise advanced polishing and fabrication processes for glass, crystals, and other optical substrates
• Work with flat, spherical, aspherical, and freeform optical surfaces to achieve demanding precision and performance requirements
• Design and execute experiments using scientific and engineering principles to develop new manufacturing capabilities
• Analyse experimental results and translate findings into actionable process improvements
• Manufacture prototype optics for advanced optical systems used in semiconductor inspection and equipment applications
• Operate and optimise precision fabrication equipment, including CNC grinders, polishers, magnetorheological finishing (MRF), ion beam figuring (IBF), and sub-aperture polishing systems
• Identify and reduce mid-spatial frequency surface errors to improve optical quality and performance
• Apply optical metrology techniques to assess surface quality, validate manufacturing processes, and support process development
• Identify, assess, and manage technical risks across optics development programmes
• Collaborate with R&D, engineering, development, and manufacturing teams to advance process readiness and production capabilities
• Communicate technical findings, experimental results, and process recommendations to colleagues, leadership, and technology partners
• Stay up to date with emerging technologies, equipment, and innovations in precision optics manufacturing
• Support the development of increasingly complex, higher-performing optical systems and manufacturing processes
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers and technicians
• Deliver process development projects in line with agreed timelines, budgets, and technical objectives

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Optics, Physics, or a related STEM discipline
• 5+ years of experience in high-precision asphere fabrication for visible or deep ultraviolet (DUV) optical systems
• Hands‑on experience with CNC-based precision optics fabrication equipment, including grinders, polishers, MRF, IBF, or sub‑aperture polishing systems
• Experience working with glass and crystal optical substrates
• Demonstrated experience reducing or smoothing mid‑spatial frequency errors in optical surfaces
• Strong knowledge of optical metrology methods and surface measurement techniques
• Experience developing, implementing, and optimising precision manufacturing processes
• Proven ability to deliver new process capabilities on schedule and within budget
• Strong analytical, experimental, and problem‑solving skills
• Ability to interpret experimental data and use findings to drive process improvements
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present technical findings clearly to multidisciplinary teams
• Ability to manage competing priorities and work collaboratively across engineering, research, and manufacturing functions

Preferred Experience

• Master’s degree or PhD in Optics, Physics, or a related STEM discipline
• Experience with extreme ultraviolet (EUV) or X‑ray optical systems
• Experience with diamond turning or the fabrication of optical components from metals and alloys
• Understanding of cleanroom environments, protocols, and optical surface cleaning processes
• Experience applying Design of Experiments (DOE) methodologies and statistical analysis tools
• Experience developing precision optical components for semiconductor inspection, lithography, or other advanced optical applications
• Familiarity with advanced surface finishing techniques and high‑precision optical fabrication methods
• Experience supporting prototype development, process scale‑up, and manufacturing readiness
• Demonstrated ability to mentor junior engineers, technicians, or other technical personnel
• Strong project management skills, including the ability to balance multiple technical programmes and deliver against deadlines

What’s on Offer

• Opportunity to work on cutting‑edge precision optics and next‑generation semiconductor inspection technologies
• Hands‑on involvement in the development of advanced optical fabrication and surface finishing processes
• Exposure to complex engineering challenges involving mirrors, lenses, aspheres, and freeform optical systems
• Opportunity to contribute to new manufacturing capabilities and advanced technology development
• Collaborative working environment alongside experienced engineers, researchers, and manufacturing specialists
• Opportunity to provide technical leadership and mentor junior engineering and technical personnel
• Long‑term career development within a leading technology and materials science organisation
• Competitive salary based on experience
• Company‑wide bonus programmes and long‑term incentive opportunities
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Company‑funded pension benefits and a 401(k) savings plan with matching contributions
• Paid time off, paid parental leave, and family‑building support
• Company‑paid life insurance and disability benefits
• Employee Assistance Programme and additional health and wellness benefits
• Employee recognition programmes and professional development opportunities
• Primarily onsite position in Fairport, New York
• Full‑time position, typically requiring 40+ hours per week, with flexibility as needed