Principal Engineer

Surface Optics Corporation; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 131,000 - 172,000; Full time

Job summary

Surface Optics Corporation seeks a Principal Engineer to drive the technical direction of complex projects. As the most senior engineer, you will lead initiatives, mentor junior staff, and collaborate across teams to deliver high-quality imaging systems and precision optical instruments. You will ensure design excellence, documentation, and alignment with business goals.

Qualifications

• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret technical journals, reports, and documents.
• High level mathematical and analytical reasoning skills.
• Strong communication and leadership capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Take ownership of engineering projects from inception to completion, ensuring timely delivery and milestones.
• Provide leadership on engineering projects and guide technical decisions.
• Drive development and implementation of best practices and tools.
• Troubleshoot complex issues and propose innovative engineering solutions.
• Collaborate with CTO and cross-functional teams to integrate designs into company strategy.
• Mentor engineers and support professional growth.
• Stay abreast of new technologies to advance engineering capabilities.
• Document engineering processes and provide regular status updates.

Skills

Language ability

Math ability

Reasoning ability

Computer skills

Education

PhD in related technical, scientific or engineering discipline

Tools

Microsoft Office

Visual Studio

SolidWorks

Zemax Optical Design

Job description

About the Organization Founded in 1977, Surface Optics Corporation is a leader in advanced imaging systems, scientific instruments, and thin-film vacuum coatings for surface engineering. We serve aerospace, defense, semiconductor, automotive, and energy customers worldwide with innovative solutions including hyperspectral imagers, reflectometers, and precision optical measurement instruments. With over 45 years of experience, we're pioneering cutting-edge technology for the world's most demanding applications.

Position Principal Engineer

Description

Summary: The Principal Engineer will play a key role in driving the technical direction of complex engineering projects, utilizing deep expertise to solve challenging technical problems, andensuring the successful delivery of high-quality solutions. This is the most senior-level role, and will be expected to lead engineering initiatives, mentor junior engineers, and collaborate acrossteams to deliver innovative solutions.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Take ownership of engineering projects from inception to completion, ensuring timely delivery, resource allocation, and meeting project milestones.
• Provide leadership on engineering projects, guiding and influencing technical decisions, and ensuring the alignment of solutions with overall business objectives.
• Drive the development and implementation of best practices, methodologies, and tools to ensure efficient and high-quality engineering solutions.
• Utilize advanced engineering knowledge to troubleshoot and resolve complex issues, while providing innovative solutions to engineering challenges.
• Work closely with the CTO, engineering teams, and other departments to ensure the smooth integration of engineering designs and products into the overall company strategy.
• Act as a mentor to engineers, providing guidance and support in their professional growth and development.
• Continuously explore new technologies, tools, and techniques to enhance SOC’s engineering capabilities, helping to drive the company's technological advancement.
• Ensure that all engineering processes, design decisions, and project developments are well-documented. Provide regular reports and updates to management on project status and technical challenges.
• Mandatory attendance for all-hands SOC safety, security and HR meetings.

Position Requirements

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Language Ability

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents. Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community. Ability to write speeches and articles for publication that conform to prescribed style and format. Ability to effectively present information to top management, public groups, and/or boards of directors.

Math Ability

Ability to comprehend and apply principles of advanced calculus, modern algebra, and advanced statistical theory. Ability to work with concepts such as limits, rings, quadratic and differential equations, and proofs of theorems.

Reasoning Ability

Ability to apply principles of logical or scientific thinking to a wide range of intellectual and practical problems. Ability to deal with nonverbal symbolism (formulas, scientific equations, graphs,musical notes, etc.,) in its most difficult phases. Ability to deal with a variety of abstract and concrete variables

Computer Skills

To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of Microsoft Office; Visual Studio; Solidworks and Zemax Optical Design.

Education/Experience

Ph.D. in related technical, scientific or engineering discipline from four-year college or university with 10 years related experience.

Specialized Training

• Ten years in the sciences / engineering

Equipment

• Diagnostic Equipment
• Hand Tools
• Machine Tools

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk and talk or hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to five pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to fumes and airborne particles; toxic or caustic chemicals and risk of electrical shock. The capability to wear a dust respirator is required. The employee is occasionally exposed to work near moving mechanical parts. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Full-Time/Part-Time Full-Time

Full-Time/Part-Time Full-Time

Pay Rate

Pay Rate $131,000 - $172,000 per year, DOE

EOE Statement

We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

Tags

This position is currently accepting applications.