Principal Optical Engineer

MKS Instruments; United States; 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

Job summary

MKS Instruments is seeking a Principal Optical Engineer in Irvine, CA, to lead complex optical system design from concept through integration and product launch. You will collaborate with engineering teams, manage design reviews, and drive performance, cost, and manufacturability considerations.

The role requires a strong background in multi-element optics, advanced optical modeling, and hands-on alignment experience, with travel up to 10%.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, or equivalent.
• 8+ years of experience in optical design and system development.
• Expertise with complex multi-element optics such as scan lenses or high-performance imaging systems.
• Proficiency with optical design software (Zemax, CODE V).
• Strong hands-on experience with optical assembly, alignment, and integration.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, development, and validation of optics and optical systems with emphasis on performance, tolerancing, and manufacturability.
• Translate requirements into robust optical architectures and specifications.
• Perform optical modeling and trade studies balancing performance with cost and schedule.
• Drive hands-on realization including supplier engagement, prototype builds, and metrology development.
• Collaborate across functions and lead design reviews and data-driven decisions.
• Travel up to 10%.

Skills

Optical design

High-precision systems

Multi-element optics

Zemax/CODE V

Prototype & alignment

Cross-functional leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Optical Engineering/Physics

Tools

Zemax

CODE V

Job description

A Day in Your Life at MKS:

The MKS Systems Business Unit develops and manufactures advanced optics, optical assemblies, subsystems, and full laser‑based production systems that enable high‑value solutions for our customers. As a Principal Optical Engineer in our Central Engineering organization in Irvine, CA, you will play a key role in designing and developing complex optical systems across a fast‑paced, highly collaborative, multidisciplinary environment. In this role, you will drive projects from initial concept through detailed design, integration, and successful product implementation. The Principal Optical Engineer reports to the Director of Engineering, Laser and Optics.

You Will Make an Impact By:

• Leading the design, development, and validation of optics and optical systems with full consideration of performance, tolerancing, and manufacturability
• Translating customer and product requirements into robust optical architectures and specifications, balancing performance, cost, risk, and schedule
• Performing optical modeling and trade studies that balance high precision performance with opto‑mechanical constraints
• Driving the hands‑on realization of designs, including supplier engagement, prototype builds, precision alignment, metrology development, and performance verification
• Collaborating with cross‑functional teams and providing technical leadership through design reviews, feasibility assessments, cost evaluations, and data‑driven recommendations
• Travel Requirements: Up to 10% of Travel is required

Skills You Bring:

• Bachelor’s degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, or equivalent discipline; advanced coursework preferred
• 8+ years of experience functioning at a principal or senior technical level in optical design and optical system development
• Demonstrated expertise in optical design and analysis, especially complex multi‑element optics such as scan lenses, objective lenses, or high‑performance imaging systems
• Advanced proficiency with optical design software (e.g., Zemax, CODE V)
• Strong practical experience in optical assembly, precision alignment, and integration of complex optical systems. Experience with lasers and laser measurements is highly desired
• Strong communication skills and problem‑solving skills to operate effectively in multi‑disciplinary environment

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: $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 this 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.

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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. If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process due to a disability, please contact us at [e-mail].

If applying for a specific job, please include the requisition number (ex: RXXXX), the title and location of the role