Optical Systems Engineer

ttmtech; Stafford (CT); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

TTM Technologies, Inc. is seeking an Optical Systems Engineer with strong optics and photonics fundamentals to design, build, and evaluate advanced optical systems.

The role requires translating optical theory into practical designs, coordinating with mechanical, electrical, and manufacturing teams, and leading experimental validation from concept to manufacture. The candidate will contribute across feasibility studies, optical architecture, prototype integration, performance characterization,

Qualifications

• Education in a optics-related discipline with substantial relevant coursework or experience.

Responsibilities

• Translate functional objectives into optical requirements, system concepts and verification approaches.
• Develop and evaluate optical designs using analytical methods and simulations.
• Assess fabrication, alignment, environmental, and measurement factors affecting performance.
• Design, assemble, align, and troubleshoot optical experiments and prototype systems.
• Develop characterization methods and acceptance criteria with uncertainty analysis.
• Collaborate with mechanical and controls engineers on integration and testing.
• Prepare optical specifications, analyses, procedures, and reports.

Education

B.S. in Optical Engineering, Photonics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related discipline

Job description

TTM Technologies, Inc. - Publicly Traded US Company, NASDAQ (TTMI) - Top-5 Global Printed Circuit Board Manufacturer

About TTM

TTM Technologies, Inc. is a leading global manufacturer of technology products, including mission systems, radio frequency (\"RF\") components, RF microwave/microelectronic assemblies, and technologically advanced printed circuit boards (\"PCB\"s). TTM stands for time-to-market, representing how TTM's time-critical, one-stop design, engineering and manufacturing services enable customers to reduce the time required to develop new products and bring them to market.

Additional information can be found at www.ttm.com

We are seeking an Optical Systems Engineer with strong optics and photonics fundamentals and a hands-on approach to designing, building, and evaluating optical systems. The right candidate can connect optical theory and modeling with experimental results, translate evolving technical needs into practical designs and measurement approaches, and collaborate effectively across mechanical, electrical, controls, and manufacturing disciplines.

This role provides optical engineering expertise for emerging technologies, experimental platforms, and manufacturing capabilities. Work spans feasibility studies and optical architecture through prototype integration, performance characterization, and support for manufacturing implementation.

Opportunities span early-career through senior technical levels. The scope of independent design ownership and technical leadership will reflect demonstrated capability, with experienced engineers serving as optical subject matter experts and guiding system-level technical decisions.

Key Responsibilities:

• Optical Requirements & Architecture: Translate functional objectives into optical requirements, system concepts, and verification approaches. Identify critical unknowns, evaluate alternative architectures, and define interfaces with mechanical, electrical, and control systems.
• Optical Design & Modeling: Develop and evaluate optical designs using analytical methods and appropriate simulation tools. Apply ray optics, wave optics, or coupled physical models as needed to understand propagation, coupling, imaging, interference, polarization, and other performance-driving effects.
• Performance & Sensitivity Analysis: Develop optical performance budgets and evaluate sensitivity to component variation, alignment, source and detector characteristics, and environmental conditions. Translate these findings into actionable requirements for component selection, mechanical design, positioning, and control.
• Experimental System Development: Design, assemble, align, and troubleshoot optical experiments and prototype systems. Select and integrate sources, detectors, optical components, positioning hardware, and instrumentation appropriate to the application.
• Optical Test & Measurement: Develop characterization methods that establish whether components and systems meet functional requirements. Define test configurations, reference measurements, calibration needs, and acceptance criteria while accounting for measurement uncertainty and potential artifacts.
• Multidisciplinary Integration: Collaborate with mechanical and controls engineers on mounting, stability, motion, sensing, and feedback requirements. Understand how subsystem behavior affects optical performance and help resolve integration issues without losing sight of the overall system objective.
• Data Acquisition & Analysis: Develop or support instrument control, automated measurements, signal processing, and data-analysis workflows. Compare experimental results with model predictions, investigate discrepancies, and refine designs or test methods accordingly.
• Component & Vendor Evaluation: Specify optical components and instruments, assess supplier capabilities and technical data, and support make-or-buy decisions. Work with vendors and external specialists to clarify requirements and resolve optical performance issues.
• Manufacturing & Environmental Support: Identify optical performance drivers that must be controlled during assembly, inspection, and operation. Work with process, opto-mechanical, and reliability engineers to translate development findings into practical manufacturing tests and evaluate performance under relevant environmental conditions.
• Technical Documentation & Leadership: Prepare optical specifications, design analyses, test procedures, and technical reports. Communicate assumptions, limitations, and recommendations clearly. More experienced engineers may establish optical development strategies, lead technical reviews, mentor others, and identify when additional specialist expertise is needed.

Qualifications:

Education & Experience: B.S. in Optical Engineering, Photonics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related discipline, with substantial optics-related education or demonstrated practical experience. An advanced degree with relevant experimental or desig