Principal Measurement & Test Engineer

MKS Inc.; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 115,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

MKS Systems Irvine is seeking a Principal Measurement & Test Engineer to lead the development and deployment of measurement solutions across optical, opto-mechanical, and precision-engineered products. You will drive characterization, verification, and qualification throughout the product lifecycle.

The role emphasizes designing measurement architectures, automation, data analysis, and cross‑functional collaboration with engineering, quality, and manufacturing teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Optical Engineering, Physics, Photonics, Applied Physics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or equivalent technical discipline.

Responsibilities

• Define, design, develop, and deploy measurement methodologies, calibration strategies, correlation methods, and measurement solutions supporting product development, qualification, and manufacturing.

Skills

Measurement systems

Metrology

Optical characterization

DOE

Data analysis

Python

MATLAB

LabVIEW

Statistical analysis

Troubleshooting

Education

Optical Engineering / related field

Tools

LabVIEW

MATLAB

Minitab

JMP

Job description

A Day in Your Life at MKS:

MKS Systems Irvine is growing rapidly through strategic investments in the development and fabrication of advanced optics, opto-mechanical assemblies, fiber optic modules, laser systems, photonic products, and precision-engineered solutions. MKS Systems Irvine is seeking individuals like you to join our team as a Principal Measurement & Test Engineer.

In this position, you will support the development, characterization, verification, qualification, troubleshooting, and sustaining of advanced optical, laser, fiber optic, opto-mechanical, and precision-engineered products through the development and deployment of robust measurement and test solutions. If you enjoy solving complex measurement challenges, developing innovative test methodologies, and working across the product lifecycle from concept through manufacturing, this is the role for you.

You Will Make an Impact By:

• Define, design, develop, and deploy measurement methodologies, calibration strategies, correlation methods, and measurement solutions supporting product development, qualification, and manufacturing.
• Define measurement system capability requirements, uncertainty budgets, performance targets, and acceptance criteria to support accurate, repeatable, and traceable measurements.
• Develop and support characterization, verification, and qualification methodologies used to evaluate product performance against requirements.
• Develop measurement architectures, instrumentation strategies, automated data acquisition systems, and analysis solutions that improve measurement capability, efficiency, and scalability.
• Develop correlation methodologies and support implementation and troubleshooting of measurement and test solutions across development, qualification, and manufacturing environments.
• Participate in design reviews, DfX activities, risk assessments, and process development efforts to establish robust measurement and test strategies throughout the product lifecycle.
• Investigate and resolve measurement, correlation, test, and manufacturing issues through data-driven root-cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Partner with engineering, quality, and manufacturing teams to ensure measurement and test solutions support product performance, qualification, and manufacturing objectives.
• Develop technical documentation and provide guidance on measurement and test methodologies, equipment, and best practices.
• Travel Requirements: Up to [Please Insert] % of Travel is required.

Skills You Bring:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Optical Engineering, Physics, Photonics, Applied Physics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or equivalent technical discipline.
• 8+ years of industry experience in measurement systems, test engineering, metrology, optical characterization, product verification, qualification, or related engineering disciplines.
• Understanding of calibration methodologies, uncertainty analysis, correlation studies, error budgeting, and measurement system performance.
• Experience developing and deploying measurement systems for optical, opto-mechanical, photonic, semiconductor, or precision-engineered products.
• Experience developing characterization, verification, qualification, and test methodologies for complex products and assemblies.
• Hands‑on experience with optical instrumentation, optical metrology, laser beam analysis, optical characterization, interferometry, imaging systems, spectroscopy, fiber optic systems, precision positioning systems, or related precision measurement systems.
• Experience with measurement automation, data acquisition systems, and data analysis tools.
• Experience applying quantitative and statistical analysis methods, including design of experiments (DOE), process capability analysis, and related problem‑solving approaches.
• Proficiency with Python, MATLAB, JMP, LabVIEW, Minitab, or equivalent software tools.
• Effective troubleshooting, communication, collaboration, and technical documentation skills.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions:

• Office and laboratory work is required, with regular work in a cleanroom environment. Wearing of Personal Protective Equipment as well as cleanroom garb is required
• Must be able to lift, move, or position equipment up to 35 pounds while working in a laboratory environment
• Noise level in the laboratory environment can temporarily be elevated, but does not typically require PPE

We are interested in a qualified candidate who is eligible to work in the United States. However, we will not be sponsoring work visas for this position, at this time.

Compensation and Benefits:

Salary Pay Range: $115,000 to $180,000 per year. This range is a good faith estimate of the expected salary range for this position, based on a wide range of factors including qualifications, experience and training, operational and business needs and other considerations permitted by law. At MKS, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for the role.

Bonus: This position is eligible for a discretionary annual bonus, in an amount to be determined by MKS [or as applicable].

Benefits: MKS offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance coverage (medical, dental and vision), 401(k) with company match, life and disability insurance, 12 paid holidays, sick time, 15 paid vacation days, [6 weeks fully paid] parental leave, adoption assistance and tuition reimbursement [and for participation in any stock programs, signing bonus, etc.].

MKS is an equal opportunity employer, including disability, veteran status and all categories protected by law. Please review our EOE statements for additional details.

MKS will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act and the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers.