Principal Optical Engineer

MKS Instruments, Inc.; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 175,000 - 195,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) with company match

Life and disability insurance

12 paid holidays

15 paid vacation days

Parental leave (6 weeks)

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

MKS Systems Irvine, part of MKS Instruments, is seeking a Principal Optical Engineer to lead the design and development of advanced optical systems. You will coordinate cross‑functional activities, architect complex optical paths, and drive beam propagation simulations and component selection.

The role requires 8+ years in optical product design, strong optics fundamentals, Zemax proficiency, and hands‑on optical alignment and metrology experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Physics, or equivalent.
• 8+ years of optical product design experience.
• Proficiency in Zemax or equivalent optical design tools.
• Hands-on experience with optical alignment and metrology.
• Experience with system integration and opto‑mechanical hardware.

Responsibilities

• Architect and design complex optical paths and hybrid systems.
• Model beam propagation with industry tools.
• Define and select active and passive optical components.
• Lead integration with mechanical and electronic control systems.
• Oversee optics bench realization and testing.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams and suppliers to scale prototypes.

Skills

Optical design

Fiber optics

Beam propagation

Optical alignment

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Physics

Tools

Zemax

Job description

A Day in Your Life at MKS: MKS Systems Irvine is growing very rapidly with significant strategic investments in the development and fabrication of cutting‑edge, high precision optics, opto‑mechanical assemblies, fiber optic module assemblies, and systems. To manufacture these products, Systems Irvine is seeking individuals like you to join our team as Principal Optical Engineer. In this position, you will provide technical leadership in the design and development of complex optical systems by coordinating cross‑functional development activities. If you have a passion for working with cutting‑edge technology, this is the role for you!

You Will Make an Impact By:

• Architect and design complex optical paths and hybrid systems.
• Utilize industry‑standard modeling software to simulate beam propagation in both free‑space and fiber‑optic configurations.
• Define and select active and passive optical components, including laser diodes, AOMs, WDMs, isolators, etc.
• Manage integration of these components with mechanical and electronic control systems.
• Lead and work the physical realization of designs on the optical bench.
• Build, align, and test optical components and systems, including precision alignment and fiber splicing, to verify performance and quality.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams and interact with suppliers to transition prototypes into scalable, manufacturable products.

Skills You Bring:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Physics, or equivalent; graduate coursework preferred.
• 8+ years of related industry experience in optical product design and development
• Strong foundation in optics and photonics, including beam propagation, fiber‑optic principles, and laser fundamentals, with proficiency in optical design and analysis using Zemax or equivalent tools.
• Skill in functional demonstration and prototyping, including rapid optical setup, iterative design refinement, troubleshooting, and validation.
• Hands‑on experience with optical alignment, optical metrology, and common test instruments (beam profilers, OSAs, power meters, interferometers).
• Familiarity with systems integration and working knowledge of mechanical tolerances, opto‑mechanical hardware, and electronic control interfaces.
• Effective communication skills for working cross‑functionally and documenting technical work.

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. Travel Requirements: Up to 5-15% Travel is required, including international travel.

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: $175,000 - $195,000 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].

• 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
• 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.

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Globally, our policy is to recruit individuals from wide and diverse backgrounds. However, certain positions require access to controlled goods and technologies subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) or Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Applicants for these positions may need to be “U.S. persons.” “U.S. persons” are generally defined as U.S. citizens, noncitizen nationals, lawful permanent residents (or, green card holders), individuals granted asylum, and individuals admitted as refugees.

MKS Inc. and its affiliates and subsidiaries (“MKS”) is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer: diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.

We win as a team and are committed to recruiting and hiring qualified applicants regardless of race, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy‑related conditions), religion, age, ancestry, physical or mental disability or handicap, marital status, membership in the uniformed services, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, or any other category protected by applicable law.

Hiring decisions are based on merit, qualifications and business needs.

We conduct background checks and drug screens, in accordance with applicable law and company policies.

MKS is generally only hiring candidates who reside in states where we are registered to do business.

MKS is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities.

At MKS, it's all about courage, big ideas, and a serious passion for innovation. Winning here is about exploring possibilities, taking action, and solving our customers’ toughest challenges. It's not just a job – it's what you make of it. While you shape your role and make it unique, we invest in you with on‑the‑job and formal training, as well as educational assistance. Curiosity is key at MKS - ask questions, own your path. Our success comes from celebrating the unique skills, diverse perspectives, and lived experience of employees from over 100 countries. The goal is to make sure that everyone feels that they belong. Diversity isn't just a nice-to-have; making sure everyone feels included is a big deal for us. Our group of ~10,000 employees serves semiconductor manufacturing, electronics and packaging, and specialty industrial markets. With over 3,800 patents, our products are enabling advancements in 5G, renewable energy & storage, artificial intelligence, cloud technology, and big data. We're the behind-the-scenes support for some amazing technology. MKS Inc., enables technologies that transform our world.

MKS Inc, Product Overview