Principal Optical Systems Engineer

MKS Instruments; 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

Sick time

15 paid vacation days

6 weeks fully paid parental leave

Adoption assistance

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

MKS Instruments in Irvine is seeking an experienced engineer to plan, conceptualize, design, test, and document high-precision opto‑mechanical/electro‑optical products. You will work with cross-functional teams to ensure project success from concept to production release.

The role requires a Bachelor’s in Engineering or Physics, 8+ years in optical systems, and hands-on testing and metrology experience. This position offers a comprehensive benefits package and on-site work in Irvine, CA.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Physics, or equivalent; advanced degrees preferred.
• 8+ years of experience developing optical systems.
• Experience creating test procedures and selecting test instrumentation.
• Hands-on assembly, alignment, and testing of optical and electronics systems.
• Deep understanding of advanced manufacturing and metrology.

Responsibilities

• Perform product development activities from concept to production release for opto‑mechanical/electro‑optical modules and systems.
• Interpret customer requirements and apply industry best-known methods.
• Develop cost estimates for systems, testing, and development labor.
• Develop and execute verification tests and troubleshoot assemblies and final systems.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with PMs, Optical/Mechanical/Electrical Engineers, Reliability and Manufacturing teams.

Skills

Optical systems development

Test procedures & instrumentation

Hands-on assembly & alignment

Metrology & manufacturing processes

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering/Physics

Master’s or Ph.D. preferred

Job description

A Day in Your Life at MKS

MKS Systems Irvine is growing rapidly with strategic investments in the development and fabrication of cutting‑edge, high‑precision optics, opto‑mechanical assemblies, and systems. In this role, you will plan, conceptualize, design, test, and document complex, high‑precision opto‑mechanical/electro‑optical products. If you have a passion for working with new technology, this position may be right for you.

Responsibilities

• Perform product development activities, including new or modified designs for existing products, and document changes of opto‑mechanical, electro‑optical or electro‑mechanical modules, systems, and instruments from concept to production release.
• Interpret requirements from customer input and utilize industry best‑known methods.
• Participate in feasibility studies and develop cost estimates for systems, testing, development labor, etc.
• Develop and execute product verification tests and troubleshoot assemblies and final systems.
• Work cross‑functionally with Project Managers, Optical Engineers, Mechanical Engineers, Electrical Engineers, and Reliability and Manufacturing teams to ensure successful achievement of project objectives.

Skills You Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Physics, or equivalent; Master’s or Ph.D. preferred.
• 8+ years of experience developing optical systems.
• Experience in developing and implementing test procedures, and evaluating and selecting appropriate test instrumentation.
• Hands‑on experience assembling, aligning, and testing optical and electronics systems from component to system level.
• Deep understanding of state‑of‑the‑art manufacturing processes and metrology.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

• Office and laboratory work required, with regular work in a cleanroom environment; wearing personal protective equipment and cleanroom garb 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: Up to 5–15% travel, including international travel.

Compensation and Benefits

Salary Pay Range: $175,000 – $195,000 per year.

Bonus: eligible for a discretionary annual bonus.

Benefits: health insurance (medical, dental, 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.

Equal Opportunity Employer

MKS is an equal opportunity employer, including disability, veteran status, and all categories protected by law. MKS will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act and the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance.

Reasonable Accommodations

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