Optical Systems Engineer

Axcelis; Beverly (MA); On-site; USD 132,000 - 198,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Team Incentive bonus plan

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

Axcelis is seeking an Optical Systems Engineer in Beverly, MA to lead the development of advanced optical and opto-mechanical systems for semiconductor equipment and metrology. The role spans concept to prototype validation and production deployment, requiring hands-on execution and cross-disciplinary collaboration.

The ideal candidate holds an MS or PhD in a relevant field, has 8+ years in complex optical systems, and can translate theory into manufacturable solutions with strong MATLAB/Python

Qualifications

• MS or PhD in Optical Engineering, Physics, Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
• 8+ years of experience developing complex optical systems.
• Strong understanding of geometrical optics, physical optics, imaging systems, lasers and photonics, and optical metrology.

Responsibilities

• Lead the architecture, design, analysis, and development of optical systems for semiconductor manufacturing and metrology.
• Develop novel optical approaches for process monitoring, wafer alignment, implant verification, materials characterization, and related applications.
• Perform optical modeling, simulation, tolerancing, and performance analysis using appropriate engineering tools.
• Design and specify optical subsystems including lasers and illumination, polarization optics, imaging, spectroscopy, sensors, and calibration methodologies.
• Build and evaluate proof-of-concept systems and engineering prototypes.
• Develop experimental plans, execute measurements, and analyze data across complex physical phenomena.
• Translate lab concepts into manufacturable systems for production environments.
• Define system requirements and performance budgets; collaborate with mechanical, electrical, software, and process engineers.

Skills

Geometrical optics

Physical optics

Imaging systems

Lasers & photonics

Optical metrology

MATLAB/Python

Education

MS or PhD in Optical Engineering/Physics or related

Tools

Zemax

Code V

FRED

COMSOL

Job description

## Optical Systems EngineerApply: Beverly, MA: Full time: Posted Today: 12020**JOB DESCRIPTION****Location:** Beverly, MA (On-Site) **Business Unit:** Technology Development, IBU**Position Summary**Axcelis is seeking a highly motivated Optical Systems Engineer to lead the development of advanced optical and opto-mechanical systems for semiconductor equipment and metrology applications. This role will be responsible for creating innovative optical solutions that enable next-generation process control, wafer alignment, materials characterization, and implant verification technologies.The successful candidate will serve as the company's principal optical expert, translating physical concepts into practical, manufacturable systems. They will work across disciplines including mechanical, electrical, software, controls, process, and systems engineering to develop optical instruments from initial concept through prototype validation and production deployment.This is a hands-on role requiring both deep theoretical knowledge and practical engineering execution.**Key Responsibilities*** Lead the architecture, design, analysis, and development of optical systems for semiconductor manufacturing and metrology applications.* Develop novel optical approaches for process monitoring, wafer alignment, implant verification, materials characterization, and related applications.* Perform optical modeling, simulation, tolerancing, and performance analysis using appropriate engineering tools.* Design and specify optical subsystems, including: Lasers and illumination systems; Polarization optics; Imaging systems; Spectroscopic systems; Sensors and detectors; and Optical assemblies and calibration methodologies* Build and evaluate proof-of-concept systems and engineering prototypes.* Develop experimental plans, execute measurements, analyze data, and draw conclusions from complex physical phenomena.* Convert laboratory concepts into robust, manufacturable systems suitable for semiconductor production environments.* Define system requirements and performance budgets.* Work closely with mechanical, electrical, software, controls, and process engineers to implement complete solutions.* Support vendor selection and development of custom optical components and assemblies.* Troubleshoot optical, mechanical, and system-level issues during development and deployment.* Generate technical documentation, design reviews, specifications, test procedures, and engineering reports.* Evaluate intellectual property, technical risks, and competitive technologies related to optical systems.* Provide technical leadership and mentorship in optical engineering across the organization.**Required Qualifications*** M.S. or Ph.D. in Optical Engineering, Physics, Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering, or related field.* 8+ years of experience developing complex optical systems.* Strong understanding of: Geometrical optics; Physical optics; Imaging systems; Lasers and photonics; and Optical metrology* Experience moving systems from concept through prototype and validation.* Demonstrated ability to perform both theoretical analysis and hands-on experimental work.* Experience developing optical test methods and calibration techniques.* Strong data analysis and problem-solving skills.* Programming experience with MATLAB, Python, or similar scientific computing tools.* Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.* Ability to work independently with minimal technical guidance.**Preferred Qualifications*** Semiconductor equipment or semiconductor metrology experience.* Experience using Zemax, Code V, FRED, COMSOL, or similar modeling tools.* Experience designing opto-mechanical assemblies for industrial environments.* Knowledge of statistical analysis and measurement-system validation.* Experience developing production-worthy systems from early-stage research concepts.**Success Profile**The ideal candidate is:* A self-starter who can identify opportunities and drive technical solutions with limited direction.* Comfortable working in ambiguous, early-stage development environments.* Equally capable of deriving a theoretical model, aligning optics on a laboratory bench, and explaining results to senior leadership.* Passionate about turning physics into products.* Driven to create practical solutions that can operate reliably in semiconductor**EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT**It is the policy of Axcelis to provide equal opportunity in all areas of employment for all persons free from discrimination based on race, sex, religion, age, color, national origin, disability status, medical condition (including pregnancy), veteran status, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. Axcelis will provide reasonable accommodation necessary to enable a disabled candidate or employee to perform the essential functions of the position, unless the accommodation would create an undue hardship for the Company.**U.S. BASE SALARY RANGE**$132,073.00 - $198,109.00This base salary range reflects the typical compensation for this role across U.S. locations.Our salary ranges are determined by role and level; individual pay is determined based onmultiple factors, including job-related skills, experience, relevant education or training, worklocation, and internal equity. The range provides the opportunity for growth and progression asyou develop within the role.Base pay is one part of our U.S. total compensation package which includes eligibility in theAxcelis Team Incentive bonus plan, and comprehensive benefits package (for regularemployees working 20+ hours a week).