Project Engineer, Glass Microoptics

Jenoptik Group; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Jenoptik Group in Huntsville, AL is seeking a Project Engineer to oversee key microoptic programs. You will lead plasma etch, photolithography, surface metrology and BEOL-related tasks, providing hands-on leadership and risk assessments.

You will support quotations, staff training, and manufacturing cost analysis while ensuring schedule adherence. Ideal candidates bring a 4-year technical degree in Engineering or Physics, at least four years in microoptics, and strong communication skills.

Qualifications

• 4-year technical degree in Engineering or Physics.
• At least four years’ experience in microoptics manufacturing processes.
• Experience working independently and in a team environment.
• Ability to adapt to shifting priorities and timelines.
• Competence in refractive and diffractive optics and microoptics applications.
• Strong communication skills and ability to document and report.

Responsibilities

• Prioritize and maintain programs/projects from start to completion with hands-on support.
• Develop project plans and related documents including oversight.
• Communicate milestones to management, engineering, operations and customers.
• Estimate resources needed to achieve deliverables.
• Use data analysis to drive problem solving and improve yield.
• Manage scope changes, identify risks, and create mitigation plans.
• Delegate tasks and responsibilities to appropriate personnel.
• Perform troubleshooting and root cause analysis of issues and implement corrective actions.
• Support NPI topics related to manufacturing setup and metrology.
• Contribute to lean and continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills

Project management

Communication

Teamwork

Adaptability

Microoptics knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Physics

Tools

Photolithography

Plasma etch

Metrology instruments

Job description

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We create photonic solutions to shape the world of tomorrow, together with people who embrace brilliant ideas with openness and curiosity.With teams in over 80 countries, we offer you the opportunity to reach your full potential.

Job ID: 4911

Location:

Huntsville, AL, US

Date: Oct 12, 2026

SUMMARY:

The Project Engineer is responsible for oversight of key programs/projects of fabricated glass microoptic products. Lead oversight includes key glass microoptics manufacturing steps of photolitography, plasma etch, surface metrology, data tracking, yield analysis and improvement, AR coating effects, and BEOL – dicing/inspection requirements. Use experience in plasma etch, photolithography processing, lens metrology to serve as the Technical Leader – providing hands on support as needed in any or all of these technical areas. Provide comprehensive technical risk assessments that shall include technology readiness. Assist in quotation reviews and analysis, staff training, financial effects (cost of manufacturing, schedule), performance and risk assessment.

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE (BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO):

• Prioritize and maintain programs/projects from start to completion, including hands-on support.
• Develop project plans and related documents including JOSH oversight.
• Communicate milestones/updates to management, engineering & operations team, customers, supply partners in a timely and clear fashion.
• Estimate the resources (i.e. people, equipment, materials) needed to achieve deliverables.
• Achieve goals using problem solving, data collection and analysis skills.
• Proactively manage changes in project scope, identify potential risks, and develop mitigation plans.
• Delegate tasks and responsibilities to appropriate personnel.
• Perform troubleshooting and root cause analysis of out of control and out of spec conditions. Implement corrective actions to prevent their reoccurrence.
• Resolve process related problems affecting cycle time, yield, and tool availability.
• Help drive process improvements and continuous improvement initiatives using lean principles and JBS.
• Use microoptic skills to support engineering, sales, customers, production team, process management to ensure project success.
• Assist NPI (new product introduction) topics related to setting up manufacturing, and metrology of optical devices using semiconductor related wafer fabrication processes, including photolithography, plasma etching, surface metrology, and inspection.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS:

• 4-year technical degree in Engineering or Physics.
• At least four years’ experience in a microoptics manufacturing processes, including all aspects of process development and execution.
• Experience working both independently and in a team-oriented, collaborative environment.
• Can conform to shifting priorities, demands and timelines.
• Competence in refractive and diffractive optics and microptics applications.
• Expert competence in microoptical metrology and analytical methods for ensuring customer product quality.
• Strong written, oral communication, and interpersonal skills.
• US Citizenship or Qualified U.S. Worker

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use of hands or fingers to handle, or feel objects, tools or controls and keyboarding; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk and hear.
The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

About Jenoptik

With its Strategic Business Unit (SBU) Semiconductor & Advanced Manufacturing, Jenoptik is a global OEM and machine supplier of solutions powered by photonics. Our engineering expertise excels across a broad portfolio in the fields of optic, micro-optics and precision components for the semiconductor equipment industry. Moreover, the SBU addresses the megatrend of digitalization with solutions for optical information and communications technology as well as laser material processing.

Have we made you interested in this position?

Should you need any further information, please do not hesitate to contact us.