Senior Optical Systems Engineer

MKS Instruments, Inc.; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 135,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) with company match

Life and disability insurance

12 paid holidays

Sick time

15 paid vacation days

Parental leave (6 weeks)

Tuition reimbursement

Stock programs

Signing bonus

Job summary

MKS Instruments, Inc. in Irvine is seeking a Senior Optical Systems Engineer to plan, design, test, and document high‑precision opto‑mechanical systems from concept to production release.

The role collaborates with optical, mechanical, electrical, and reliability teams to meet project objectives while advancing cutting‑edge technology. The candidate should have a strong background in optical systems with 5+ years experience, plus hands‑on experience with testing and metrology.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Physics or equivalent.
• Preferred 5+ years of experience developing Optical Systems.
• Experience in developing and implementing test procedures and evaluating test instrumentation.
• Hands-on experience assembling, aligning and testing optical and electronics systems.
• Deep understanding of state-of-the-art manufacturing processes and metrology.

Responsibilities

• Plan, conceptualise, design, test and document complex opto‑mechanical/electro‑optical products.
• Interpret requirements from customer input and use industry best methods.
• Participate in feasibility studies and develop cost estimates.

Skills

Optical systems development

Test procedures execution

Assemble, align, test optics/electrics

Manufacturing/metrology knowledge

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering/Physics or equivalent

Master’s or PhD (preferred)

Job description

Day in Your Life at MKS:

MKS Systems Irvine is growing very rapidly with significant strategic investments in the development and fabrication of cutting-edge, high precision optics, opto-mechanical assemblies and systems. To manufacture these products, Systems Irvine is seeking individuals like you to join our team as Senior Optical Systems Engineer. In this position, you will plan, conceptualise, design, test, and document complex, high-precision opto-mechanical/electro-optical products. If you have a passion for working with cutting-edge technology, this is the role for you!

You Will Make an Impact By:

• Perform product development activities that could include new or modified designs for new or existing products and document changes of opto-mechanical, electro-optical or electro-mechanical modules, systems, and instruments from concept to production release
• Interpret requirements from customer input and utilize industry best known methods
• Participate in feasibility studies and develop cost estimates for systems, testing, development labor, etc.
• Develop and execute product verification tests.
• Troubleshoot assemblies and/or final systems
• Work cross-functionally with Project Managers, Optical Engineers, Mechanical Engineers, Electrical Engineers, and with Reliability and Manufacturing teams to ensure successfully achieving project objectives

Skills You Bring:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Physics or equivalent, Master's or PhD.
• preferred 5+ years experience developing Optical Systems
• Experience in developing and implementing test procedures, and evaluating and selecting appropriate test instrumentation
• Hands‑on experience in assembling, aligning and testing optical and electronics systems (component to system-level)
• A deep understanding of state-of-the-art manufacturing processes and metrology

Physical Demands and Working Conditions:

Office and laboratory work is required, with regular work in a cleanroom environment. Wearing of Personal Protective Equipment as well as cleanroom garb is required. Must be able to lift, move, or position equipment up to 35 pounds while working in a laboratory environment. Noise level in the laboratory environment can temporarily be elevated, but does not typically require PPE.

Travel Requirements:

Up to 5-15% Travel is required, including international travel.

Eligibility and Sponsorship:

We are interested in a qualified candidate who is eligible to work in the United States. However, we will not be sponsoring work visas for this position, at this time.

Compensation and Benefits:

Salary Pay Range: $135,000 - $165,000 per year. This range is a good faith estimate of the expected salary range for this position, based on a wide range of factors including qualifications, experience and training, operational and business needs and other considerations permitted by law. At MKS, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for this role.

Bonus:

This position is eligible for a discretionary annual bonus, in an amount to be determined by MKS [or as applicable].

Benefits:

MKS offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance coverage (medical, dental and vision), 401(k) with company match, life and disability insurance, 12 paid holidays, sick time, 15 paid vacation days, [6 weeks fully paid] parental leave, adoption assistance and tuition reimbursement [and for participation in any stock programs, signing bonus, etc.].

Equal Opportunity & EEO:

MKS is an equal opportunity employer, including disability, veteran status and all categories protected by law. Please review our EOE statements for additional details. MKS will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act and the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers.

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Diversity & Inclusion:

Globally, our policy is to recruit individuals from wide and diverse backgrounds. However, certain positions require access to controlled goods and technologies subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) or Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Applicants for these positions may need to be "U.S. persons." "U.S. persons" are generally defined as U.S. citizens, noncitizen nationals, lawful permanent residents (or, green card holders, individuals granted asylum, and individuals admitted as refugees.

Employer Information:

MKS Inc. and its affiliates and subsidiaries ("MKS") is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer: diverse candidates are encouraged to apply. We win as a team and are committed to recruiting and hiring qualified applicants regardless of race, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions), religion, age, ancestry, physical or mental disability or handicap, marital status, membership in the uniformed services, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, or any other category protected by applicable law.

Hiring decisions are based on merit, qualifications and business needs. We conduct background checks and drug screens, in accordance with applicable law and company policies.

MKS is generally only hiring candidates who reside in states where we are registered to do business.

MKS is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process due to a disability, please contact us at: [e-mail] . If applying for a specific job, please include the requisition number (ex: RXXXX), the title and location of the role.

Company Culture:

At MKS, it's all about courage, big ideas, and a serious passion for innovation. Winning here is about exploring possibilities, taking action, and solving our customers’ toughest challenges. It's not just a job – it's what you make of it. While you shape your role and make it unique, we invest in you with on-the-job and formal training, as well as educational assistance. Curiosity is key at MKS - ask questions, own your path. Our success comes from celebrating the unique skills, diverse perspectives, and lived experience of employees from over 100 countries.

The goal is to make sure that everyone feels that they belong. Diversity isn't just a nice-to-hold; making sure everyone feels included is a big deal for us. Our group of ~10,000 employees serves semiconductor manufacturing, electronics and packaging, and specialty industrial markets. With over 3,800 patents, our products are enabling advancements in 5G, renewable energy & storage, artificial intelligence, cloud technology, and big data. We're the behind-the-scenes support for some amazing technology. MKS Inc., enables technologies that transform our world.

MKS Inc, Product Overview