Scientific Production Engineer

IPG Photonics; Marlborough (MA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

IPG Photonics in Marlborough, MA seeks a Scientific Production Engineer to bridge R&D and Manufacturing for state-of-the-art single-frequency fiber lasers and amplifiers. You will help develop assembly processes, test methods, and qualification procedures while ensuring rigorous laser safety and quality standards.

You will lead troubleshooting, perform comprehensive optical/electrical characterization, and guide a small team of technicians.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field; Master's preferred.
• Up to 5 years' engineering experience in fiber optics, photonics, lasers, or related R&D/manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Support development, assembly, integration, testing, and characterization of single-frequency fiber lasers and optical amplifiers.
• Support transition of R&D to production by developing assembly processes, test methods, qualification procedures, and documentation.
• Perform comprehensive optical and electrical characterization including power, spectra, linewidth, polarization extinction, beam quality, stability, and noise tests.
• Investigate issues using systematic root-cause analysis and implement corrective actions.
• Develop and improve manufacturing processes, test procedures, acceptance criteria, and engineering docs.
• Collaborate with R&D, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, Applications, and Service to resolve technical issues.
• Provide training and day-to-day supervision to technicians (5–6) as applicable.
• Maintain lab test systems and ensure compliance with laser safety and quality requirements.

Skills

Single-frequency lasers

Fiber amplifiers

Fusion splicing

Laser metrology

Test equipment

Electronic controls

Root-cause analysis

Technical leadership

Education

Bachelor's in Electrical/Optical Engineering

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Oscilloscopes

Optical test equipment

Measurement instruments

Job description

Position Summary

The Scientific Production Engineer supports the development, assembly, characterization, production, and continuous improvement of state-of-the-art single-frequency fiber lasers and fiber amplifiers for scientific and industrial research applications. The position serves as a technical interface between R&D and Manufacturing, supporting the transition of advanced photonic technologies into reliable, repeatable production.

Primary Responsibilities

• Support development, assembly, integration, testing, and characterization of single-frequency fiber lasers and optical amplifiers.
• Support transition of R&D technologies into production by developing assembly processes, test methods, qualification procedures, and documentation.
• Support comprehensive optical and electrical characterization, including output power, spectral performance, linewidth, polarization extinction ratio, beam quality, stability, relative intensity noise, environmental performance, and other standard and custom tests.
• Investigate complex technical issues using systematic root-cause analysis and implement effective corrective and preventive actions.
• Develop and improve manufacturing processes, test procedures, acceptance criteria, and engineering documentation.
• Collaborate with R&D, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, Applications, and Service organizations to resolve technical issues.
• Provide technical guidance and training to R&D and Production Technicians and, where applicable, provide day-to-day technical supervision of a team of 5–6 technicians.
• Maintain laboratory test systems and measurement equipment and ensure compliance with quality and laser safety requirements.

Technical Expertise

• Single-frequency fiber lasers and fiber amplifiers.
• Precision fiber fusion splicing.
• Laser characterization and metrology.
• Optical and electronic test equipment.
• Electronic control systems.
• Failure analysis and root-cause investigation.

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Photonics, Physics, or a closely related technical field. Master's degree preferred.

Experience

• Up to 5 years of relevant engineering experience in fiber optics, photonics, lasers, optical systems, or related R&D/manufacturing environments is required, together with demonstrated technical leadership, work coordination, and troubleshooting experience.
• Hands-on experience with fiber-optic assembly, fusion splicing, laser characterization, troubleshooting, is strongly preferred.