Principal R&D Engineer (Optical)

Nordson Corporation; Minneapolis (MN); Hybrid; USD 135,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Retirement plan (401k)

Paid time off

Volunteer time off

Matching gifts

Job summary

Nordson Test & Inspection is hiring a Principal Mechatronics Test & Development Engineer to lead verification, validation, and calibration for an optical metrology product line. You will contribute hands-on to prototype builds, integration, and design maturation.

The role requires strong experience in test automation and data analysis (Python/ Matlab; LabVIEW), CAD (SolidWorks/Creo), and familiarity with GD&T and MSA/GR&R.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Mechatronics, Optical Engineering or related field.
• 7+ years of experience developing mechatronic systems from prototype through pilot/transfer; optical/metrology experience preferred.
• Experience with test automation and data analysis using Python and/or Matlab; familiarity with C# for instrument control a plus.
• Proficiency in CAD with the ability to release build-ready drawings (GD&T)
• Practical experience with motion stages, sensors, DAQ, and lab instrumentation.
• Knowledge of calibration design, error budgets, statistics, and MSA/GR&R.

Responsibilities

• Define the verification plan and acceptance criteria for builds and pilot runs; maintain requirements-to-test traceability.
• Design and implement calibration methods for optical and electro-mechanical subsystems, including reference artifacts and uncertainty analyses.
• Build, maintain, and document automated test scripts and data pipelines; ensure configuration control and code quality standards.
• Plan and execute environmental, stability, and reliability evaluations; synthesize findings into design recommendations.
• Create and maintain controlled procedures, work instructions, and training for test and calibration activities.
• Design and release test fixtures and jigs (SolidWorks/Creo), including tolerances and GD&T for fabrication.
• Support prototype bring-up and integration (motion control, sensors, electrical harnessing, alignment).
• Conduct structured experiments to isolate contributors to measurement error and drive corrective actions.
• Serve as technical owner for test/calibration for the product line; align with Systems Engineer.

Skills

Test automation

Python

MATLAB

LabVIEW

C#

CAD (SolidWorks)

Creo

GD&T

MSA/GR&R

Calibration design

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Mechatronics, Optical Engineering

Master's degree preferred

Tools

SolidWorks

Creo

DAQ hardware

Job description

Nordson Test & Inspection, a global leader in X-Ray & Test Systems and Optical Sensors and Metrology, is seeking an experienced and highly motivated individual to join our team. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace, and we are looking for candidates who share that same commitment.

Summary of the role

As a member of our team, you will have the opportunity to work in a dynamic and collaborative environment, where your ideas and contributions will be valued and respected.

Position Summary

The Principal Mechatronics Test & Development Engineer is responsible for establishing and executing the verification, validation, and calibration strategy for one optical metrology product line, while contributing hands‑on to prototype builds, integration, and design maturation.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Define the verification plan and acceptance criteria for builds and pilot runs; maintain requirements‑to‑test traceability.
• Design and implement calibration methods for optical and electro‑mechanical subsystems, including reference artifacts and uncertainty analyses.
• Build, maintain, and document automated test scripts and data pipelines; ensure configuration control and code quality standards.
• Plan and execute environmental, stability, and reliability evaluations; synthesize findings into design recommendations.
• Create and maintain controlled procedures, work instructions, and training for test and calibration activities.

Mechatronics Development Support

• Design and release test fixtures and jigs (SolidWorks/Creo), including tolerance stack‑ups and GD&T suitable for fabrication.
• Support prototype bring‑up and integration (motion control, sensors, electrical harnessing, mechanical alignment, optical alignment as applicable).
• Conduct structured experiments to isolate contributors to measurement error and drive corrective actions.

Cross‑Functional Collaboration

• Serve as technical owner for test/calibration for the assigned product line; act as the counterpart to the Systems Engineer.
• Partner with Opto‑Mechanical, Electrical, Software, and Algorithm teams to resolve integration issues and close validation gaps.
• Align R&D test methods with factory test requirements; support DFM/DFT/DFC and pilot builds.
• Provide concise status reporting (risk register, decision logs) to stakeholders and leadership.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Mechatronics, Optical Engineering, or related discipline; Master’s preferred.
• 7+ years of experience developing mechatronic systems from prototype through pilot/transfer; experience in optical systems/metrology strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated proficiency in test automation and data analysis using Python and/or Matlab, LabView; familiarity with C# for instrument control is a plus.
• Proficiency in CAD (SolidWorks or Creo) with the ability to release build‑ready drawings (GD&T, tolerance stacks).
• Practical experience with motion stages, precision mechanics, sensors, DAQ, and lab instrumentation.
• Working knowledge of calibration design, error budgets, statistics, and Measurement Systems Analysis (MSA/GR&R).

Preferred Qualifications

• Optics/optomechanics (imaging, interferometry, alignment, light fundamentals).
• Exposure to manufacturing transfer and factory test development.
• Experience with reliability or environmental testing (thermal, vibration, shock), and regulatory compliance is a plus.

Key Competencies

• Systems Thinking: Converts requirements and risks into measurable test criteria and coverage.
• Technical Rigor: Balances rapid prototyping with disciplined productization.
• Communication: Produces clear documentation and executive‑level summaries.
• Leadership & Mentorship: Coaches junior engineers.

Compensation

Base Salary for this position is: $135,000-$170,000 annually, and bonus target is 3_%;

The base pay range for this job level is a general guideline and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Individual salaries are determined by a variety of factors including but not limited to internal equity, business considerations, and local market conditions, as well as candidate qualifications, such as education, experience, and skills.

Benefits

• Medical, Rx, Vision, Dental, and Health Savings Account (HSA), Retirement and Security benefits including 401k and Life Insurance.
• In addition to Paid Time Off and paid Holidays, each employee receives 16 hours paid time each calendar year to perform volunteer services for Nordson-sponsored events.
• Ample opportunities for giving exist at Nordson including our Matching Gifts Program.

About Nordson Test & Inspection

Nordson Test & Inspection manufactures world-class metrology equipment and inspection systems to ensure electronic products are built to meet the highest standards. We use X-ray inspection, acoustic imaging, and optical inspection technologies to create testing systems that enable the identification of even the smallest defects at high resolution. By joining our team today, you will help us bring innovative ideas to life. Nordson Test & Inspection is a global team that works to create machines and systems that improve the manufacturing process for a wide range of industries, including electronics, aerospace, automotive, energy, lighting, and medical. We offer a supportive culture in a growing and dynamic work environment. Whether you're just beginning your career or you're a seasoned professional, there's a place for you to belong at Nordson Test & Inspection. We offer hourly and salary positions in production, maintenance, customer service, quality, engineering, and more. We actively invest in our teams to help you build your skillsets and advance your career. At Nordson, we believe that anything is possible. We empower our global team of employees to engineer, manufacture, and market innovative products and systems that are essential to everyday life. These differentiated products and systems are used for precision dispensing and processing and serve a variety of end markets, including packaging, transportation, medical, and electronics.

Founded in 1954, we are guided by our values of integrity, respect for people, customer passion, energy, and excellence. We care for our employees and provide them with opportunities to advance their careers and make an impact, inside and outside of work. Nordson is headquartered in Westlake, Ohio, and has direct operations in more than 35 countries to support our products and systems with application expertise and a direct global sales and service organization.