Senior Applied Physics Manager

Mitutoyo Research & Development America (formerly Micro Encoder Inc.); Kirkland (WA); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 205,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401k matching

Paid vacation

Paid holidays

Bonus eligibility

Job summary

MRDA, a subsidiary of Mitutoyo Corporation, seeks a group leader to guide a team of six Ph.D.-level scientists and engineers in advanced sensor and precision measurement R&D.

You will bridge hands-on development with strategic direction, mentoring staff, coordinating with Mitutoyo Japan and senior leadership, and ensuring access to state-of-the-art tools and facilities while championing MRDA's culture and values.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in physics, applied physics, optics, or closely related field.
• Minimum five years in industry R&D with two years in people management.
• Strong leadership of multi-disciplinary teams and complex projects.
• Hands-on experience with lab instrumentation and numerical tools.
• Knowledge of safety and compliance in a high‑tech R&D environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of approximately six Ph.D. scientists and engineers.
• Advance sensor technologies and precision measurement products.
• Guide early-stage research and advise on technology roadmaps.
• Mentor staff and collaborate with Mitutoyo Japan and leadership.
• Communicate progress to senior management and stakeholders.

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Communication

Multidisciplinary teams

Project management

Sensor technologies

Optics

Electromagnetics

Systems engineering

Numerical analysis

Education

Ph.D. in physics, applied physics, optics, or related field

Tools

Python

MATLAB

COMSOL

Zemax

Laboratory instrumentation

Job description

Passionate about pushing the boundaries of sensor technologies and precision measurement? Excited to lead a brilliant team of scientists and engineers while still contributing hands‑on to groundbreaking R&D? Join us in advancing technologies that impact industries worldwide, while building your leadership and expanding your technical skills.

HOW YOU WILL MAKE AN IMPACT

Reporting to the Vice President, this key role serves as the group leader and technical expert for a highly talented team of approximately six Ph.D. level scientists and engineers.

You will manage multiple parallel projects focused on developing advanced sensor technologies and precision measurement products and will guide early‑stage research initiatives to identify and validate emerging technologies. You will also serve as a hands‑on technical contributor, supporting key R&D projects as needed. A strong emphasis is placed on maintaining a high level of technical rigor and driving projects to delight our stakeholders, while also coordinating and communicating effectively with senior leadership, peer managers, and colleagues at Mitutoyo Japan.

The role requires establishing and maintaining partnerships with external organizations to expand the group’s technology footprint. The individual will act as an advisor to senior management on technology roadmaps and strategic technical directions.

A central responsibility of the position is to support staff growth through mentoring, training opportunities, and career development, while ensuring access to state‑of‑the‑art tools, equipment, and facilities, and championing the company’s unique culture and values.

WHAT YOU NEED TO SUCCEED

The ideal candidate holds a Ph.D. in physics, applied physics, optics, or a closely related field, and has at least five years of industry experience in new product R&D, including a minimum of two years managing scientific or engineering personnel.

You are an accomplished, high‑energy professional capable of effectively leading multi‑disciplinary teams of scientists and engineers and managing complex technical projects.

A strong foundation in sensor technologies for precision measurement, including optics and electromagnetics, is essential, along with a solid understanding of systems engineering and integration. You should have hands‑on experience with laboratory instrumentation and be proficient with numerical analysis and modeling tools such as Python, MATLAB, COMSOL, or Zemax.

Success in this role requires the ability to coach, mentor, and inspire staff to achieve top performance, while helping to build and sustain a strong company culture. Clear and effective communication with stakeholders across organizational lines and geographies—including customers, project team members, and senior leadership—is also critical.

Knowledge and appreciation of Japanese business culture is considered a valuable plus.

For a list of required skills and experience, see the job description at https://www.mitutoyo-rda.com/2026-08.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

The salary range is $180,000-$205,000 per year. The successful candidate’s salary will be determined based on job‑related experience/ knowledge/ skills, education, and complexity and responsibility of the role. Benefits include 100% paid medical, dental, vision insurance (75% for dependents), 100% paid life and disability insurance, 6% matching 401k, 15 vacation days, 12 paid holidays, 10 paid sick days per year, and eligibility for performance based annual bonus. Additional benefits and details can be found at https://www.mitutoyo-rda.com/benefits.

WHY YOU WILL LOVE WORKING HERE

Your work here will help make a positive impact on society. You’ll enjoy working in our casual and friendly environment with very flexible hours and hybrid work model. You will get to work with a very intelligent group of people using our state‑of‑the‑art facilities and equipment. We are highly stable and we’ll support your career development with training opportunities and our cultural focus on individual growth. You’ll also love our excellent benefits package.

OUR COMPANY

MRDA, a wholly owned subsidiary of Mitutoyo Corporation, is at the forefront of developing state‑of‑the‑art technologies and software that enhance lives through world‑leading metrology solutions. Our products are integral in ensuring quality in industries such as automotive, aerospace, electronics, semiconductors, medical equipment, and machine tools.

Located in the beautiful Northwest in a modern, well‑equipped facility, we offer a challenging, team‑oriented, and casual work environment. We value work‑life balance, offering great benefits and a fun, energetic atmosphere where we work hard, play hard, and enjoy life.

For more information about life at MRDA, check out https://www.mitutoyo-rda.com/life-at-mrda.

MRDA is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. MRDA participates in E‑Verify. Detailed information: E‑Verify (https://www.mitutoyo-rda.com/s/E-Verify_Participation_Poster.pdf) and Right to Work Statement (https://www.mitutoyo-rda.com/s/IER_RightToWorkPoster.pdf).

physics, manager, measurement, sensors, technology, innovation, projects, R&D, research, optics, electromagnetics, engineering, management, precision, metrology