Scientific Production Engineer

ipgjobs; Marlborough (MA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

IPG Photonics in Marlborough, MA, seeks a Scientific Production Engineer to support development, assembly, and production of state-of-the-art single-frequency fiber lasers and fiber amplifiers for research and industrial use.

You will act as the technical interface between R&D and Manufacturing, guiding process improvements, testing, and documentation, while mentoring technicians and ensuring quality and laser-safety compliance in a dynamic production environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a technical field (Electrical/Optical Engineering, Photonics, Physics) required; Master's degree preferred.
• Hands-on fiber-optic assembly and fusion-splicing experience strongly preferred.
• Experience with laser characterization, troubleshooting, and root-cause analysis.
• Ability to lead and coordinate work for a small production/tech team.

Responsibilities

• Support development, assembly, integration, testing, and characterization of single-frequency fiber lasers and optical amplifiers.
• Develop assembly processes, test methods, qualification procedures, and documentation for production transition.
• Perform comprehensive optical/electrical characterization including power, spectra, linewidth and stability tests.
• Investigate issues using root-cause analysis and implement corrective actions.
• Improve manufacturing processes, test procedures, and engineering documentation.
• Collaborate with R&D, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, and Service teams to resolve issues.
• Provide technical guidance and day-to-day supervision of 5-6 technicians when applicable.
• Maintain lab test systems and ensure compliance with laser safety requirements.

Skills

Fiber lasers

Fiber amplifiers

Laser metrology

Optical test equipment

Electronic control systems

Root-cause analysis

Technical leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Optical Engineering or Physics

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Fiber fusion splicing equipment

Laser characterization instruments

Job description

IPG Photonics is revolutionizing the laser industry as the pioneering developer and leading producer of fiber lasers and amplifiers. Headquartered in Marlborough, MA, IPG has over 4,800 employees in more than 30 locations around the world. We aspire to work together with our employees and customers to apply light in ways that improve life.

Our mission is to develop innovative laser solutions to make the world a better place. To accomplish this mission, we are committed to attracting and retaining the best talent and an engaged and thriving workforce that drives a sustainable future for our company and society.

Working at IPG Photonics you can expect challenging projects, a motivating and friendly environment, and competitive benefits.

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.

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