Product Development Engineer - Optical - Orlando, FL

Michael Page; Orlando (FL); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Michael Page is seeking a Product Development Engineer to develop and introduce camera products for an aerospace & defense company, moving designs from development into production. You will work with Engineering & Manufacturing to resolve product issues and deliver dependable camera builds.

The role focuses on transferring infrared camera products into production, performing assembly, optical alignment, calibration, testing, and contributing to manufacturability improvements with proper

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in STEM discipline (e.g., Mechanical/Manufacturing/Electrical/Optical/Systems).
• 2+ years in product development, manufacturing, or production environments.
• Hands-on assembly, integration, testing, or troubleshooting of electro‑optical/imaging products.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specs, and BOMs.
• Knowledge of DFM/ DFA and structured problem‑solving.
• Experience with manufacturing docs, process validation, RCA, and CI.
• Excel proficiency; familiarity with ERP/MRP or PLM systems.
• Experience with infrared imaging systems or precision manufacturing preferred.

Responsibilities

• Support transfer and introduction of infrared camera products into production.
• Perform assembly, integration, optical alignment, calibration, testing, and troubleshooting.
• Capture and transfer product/process knowledge between manufacturing locations.
• Develop and validate manufacturing processes, tooling, fixtures, and test equipment.
• Coordinate prototype, pilot, qualification, and pre-production builds.
• Create and maintain documentation, routings, and test procedures.
• Collaborate with engineering to improve manufacturability and production readiness.
• Review drawings, specs, and test requirements for production release.
• Conduct root cause investigations and implement corrective actions.

Skills

2+ years experience in product dev/man

Root cause analysis

DFM/ DFA

Excel proficiency

ERP/MRP or PLM familiarity

Engineering drawings interpretation

Education

Bachelor's degree in STEM

Mechanical/Manufacturing/Electrical/Optical/Systems Engineering

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

PLM systems

Job description

As a Product Development Engineer, you will develop and introduce camera products for a aerospace & defense company, moving designs from development into production. You will work within Engineering & Manufacturing to resolve product issues and help deliver dependable camera builds.

This organization is designing and manufacturing highly engineered imaging and sensing technologies used in demanding commercial, industrial, aerospace, and defense applications. Its teams are focused on innovation, precision manufacturing, and bringing advanced technologies from development through full-scale production.

Description

You will report directly into the Engineering Manager and be responsible for:

• Supporting the transfer and introduction of infrared camera products into production.
• Performing camera assembly, integration, optical alignment, calibration, testing, and troubleshooting activities.
• Capturing and transferring technical product and process knowledge between manufacturing locations.
• Developing and validating manufacturing processes, tooling, fixtures, and test equipment.
• Coordinating prototype, pilot, qualification, and pre-production builds.
• Creating and maintaining manufacturing documentation, work instructions, routings, and test procedures.
• Collaborating with engineering teams to improve manufacturability, testability, and production readiness.
• Reviewing drawings, specifications, bills of materials, and test requirements for production release.
• Conducting root cause investigations and implementing corrective actions to improve yield and quality.
• Supporting process validation, production qualification, manufacturing readiness, and formal handoff to production.
• Training and supporting manufacturing personnel on assembly, alignment, testing, and troubleshooting processes.
• Communicating technical status, risks, build results, and project updates to cross-functional stakeholders.

Profile

A successful Product Development Engineer should have:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related STEM discipline.
• 2+ years of experience supporting product development, manufacturing, new product introduction, or production environments.
• Hands-on experience with assembly, integration, testing, or troubleshooting of complex electro-optical, imaging, or multidisciplinary products.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, bills of materials, and technical requirements.
• Knowledge of design for manufacturability (DFM), design for assembly (DFA), and structured problem-solving methodologies.
• Experience with manufacturing documentation, process validation, root cause analysis, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, and familiarity with ERP/MRP or PLM systems.
• Experience with infrared imaging systems, optical alignment, calibration, aerospace, defense, optics, or precision manufacturing environments is preferred.

Job Offer

The candidate will receive:

• Competitive salary and potential for salary growth
• Comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plans, and vacation/sick leave
• Opportunities for professional development and career advancement
• A positive work environment that values collaboration and innovation
• Work-life balance and flexible scheduling options
• Access to cutting-edge technologies and resources
• Engaging and challenging projects that foster skill development
• Supportive and inclusive company culture
• Networking opportunities within the industry
• Potential for performance-based bonuses or incentives

MPI does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or based on an individual's status in any group or class protected by applicable federal, state or local law. MPI encourages applications from minorities, women, the disabled, protected veterans and all other qualified applicants.