Senior Process Engineer, IBS Coating Group

Edmund Optics

Florida

On-site

USD 91,000 - 109,000

Full time

14 days+

Get more replies from employers

Send a job-specific resume in minutes.

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

Life, AD&D, Short and Long-Term Dis‑t.

Generous PTO

Tuition Reimbursement

401(k) Company Match

Daycare and Gym Reimbursement

Parental Leave & New Mother Benefits

Training and Development

Job summary

Edmund Optics in Florida seeks a Senior Process Engineer to support the IBS Coating Cell, owning deposition systems and metrology, and driving continuous improvement. The role covers production and R&D, including design, troubleshooting, and training technicians in operation and maintenance of vacuum deposition equipment.

You will lead Lean Six Sigma and DOE projects, develop preventive maintenance, and liaise with suppliers for upgrades and new tooling.

Qualifications

In-depth understanding of high vacuum systems and pumps.
Familiarity with vacuum diagnostics and leak detection.
Working knowledge of IBS components and targets.
Understanding BBOM principles for coatings design.
Familiarity with OptiLayer or equivalent software.
Expertise with advanced metrology equipment such as spectrophotometers and CRDS.
Knowledge of LIDT factors and laser damage considerations.
Ability to read GD&T on blueprints and CAD drawings.
Proficiency in SolidWorks; basic CAD skills beneficial.
Lean Six Sigma and DOE methods used in production improvements.
Strong problem solving and communication skills.

Responsibilities

Operate, maintain, troubleshoot and improve vacuum deposition equipment for IBS coatings.
Train technicians in operation and maintenance of such equipment.
Develop preventive maintenance schedules to avoid downtime.
Collaborate with manufacturers on software/hardware upgrades.
Design substrate fixtures for standard and custom shapes.
Use software to design multilayer coatings for demanding specs.
Characterize optical materials and monitor their evolution.
Specify and optimize metrology to measure coating performance, train staff.
Conduct DOE/Lean Six Sigma studies on IBS processes.
Develop materials list with suppliers and oversee routings/SOPs.
Review RFQs and assist the IBS Quote Team; propose enhancements.
Propose new equipment to increase capability or capacity.
Assist in transferring new technology from pilot to production.

Skills

High vacuum systems

Vacuum diagnostics

IBS components

BBOM principles

OptiLayer

Metrology equipment

LIDT factors

GD&T

CAD (SolidWorks)

LEAN 6 / DOE

Critical thinking

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or technical discipline

Tools

SolidWorks

CRDS / spectrophotometers

Lab instruments

SQL

PowerPoint

Job description

Overview

The primary responsibility of the Senior Process Engineer's (SPE) is to support Engineering activity within the Ion Beam Sputtering (IBS) Coating Cell of our Florida facility. The SPE will support both ongoing Production - with custom coating designs, fixtures and process troubleshooting - as well as R&D activities, to develop new processes and materials for advanced product requirements. This person will have ownership of the IBS Deposition Systems together with all associated metrology, having responsibility for its maintenance, upkeep, documentation and training. IBS equipment is typically used for optical coatings that have hundreds of layers and run over multiple days, so reliable equipment and robust processes are paramount. The SPE will also be part of the Factory Quote Team, providing feasibility assessments and cost estimates for customer RFQs. A second area of responsibility will be to provide back‑up engineering support for the E‑Beam Coating area. The SPE will use the principles of LEAN 6 and 6S to develop and execute a continuous improvement program for IBS production processes. This person is self‑directed and can work independently.

Responsibilities

Operate, maintain, troubleshoot and improve vacuum deposition equipment for IBS coatings.
Train technicians in operation and maintenance of such equipment.
Develop preventive maintenance schedules to avoid unscheduled downtime.
Liaise with equipment manufacturer to implement software and hardware upgrades as necessary.
Design substrate holders (fixtures) for both routine shapes and custom parts
Use commercial software to design complex multilayer coatings for demanding specifications, including laser damage, polarization and GDD control for Ultrafast applications.
Characterize materials for optical properties to a high degree of accuracy and evaluate their variation and evolution over time.
Specify and optimize metrology to measure critical coating performance: R, T, GDD, Loss, Absorption. Train technicians in accurate operation of this equipment.
Conduct experiments to evaluate Cp and Cpk for IBS processes using Lean Six Sigma, and DOE methodologies
Develop a Critical Materials List with primary and secondary suppliers.
Supervise the creation of routings, SOP's, WI's, etc.
Review RFQs with the IBS Quote Team and either complete or reassign to other members of the department
Specify new equipment and tools to increase capability and/or capacity
Based on need, become proficient in equipment and processes outside of area‑of‑focus
Generate detailed reports for both custom production work (FAIs) and R&D activity.
Participate in bringing new technology or processes from Pilot to Production
May be required to use shop and power tools to modify parts or equipment
Comply with federal, state, and company policies, procedures, and regulations

Qualifications

Required Skills & Abilities

In depth understanding of High Vacuum Systems, associated pumps, sub‑assemblies and control equipment.
Familiarity with vacuum diagnostics using residual gas analysis and leak detection.
Working knowledge of IBS components such as ion sources, grids, power supplies and target assemblies
Understanding of Broad Band Optical Monitoring (BBOM) principles
Good working knowledge of OptiLayer or equivalent commercial thin film design software.
Familiarity with various models for the characterization of optical materials, such as Cauchy, Sellmeier and Lorentz.
Ability to use software for reverse engineering to assess thickness errors from spectral measurements.
Familiarity with standard techniques to improve non‑uniformity, such as chamber geometry and shadow masking.
Working knowledge of advanced metrology equipment, such as spectrophotometers, Cavity Ring Down Spectroscopy (CRDS), White Light Interferometer, photothermal common‑path interferometry (PCI)
Knowledge of factors affecting Laser Induced Damage Threshold (LIDT) such as material selection, coating design, substrate and cleanliness, for both nanosecond and femtosecond regimes
Understand all aspects of blueprints including geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T)
Proficient in CAD software; proficiency in SolidWorks is a plus
Working knowledge of LEAN 6 principles and DOE
Ability to think critically and solve complex problems
Excellent math, verbal and written skills
Understand conventional manufacturing and metrology techniques for precision optics
Intermediate to advanced mechanical and computer skills. (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Vizio, SQL)
US Citizenship or Permanent Residence required

Education/Experience

Bachelors of Science degree in Engineering or technical discipline; or, equivalent experience in the Thin Film Manufacturing Industry. Minimum of 10 years relevant experience.

Physical Requirements

Ability to sit or stand for long periods; ability to travel; adequate manual dexterity to perform essential functions; ability to use some physical efforts in the handling of heavy materials and machinery; ability to lift 50 lbs.; ability to work in manufacturing environment

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

Compensation and Benefits

Compensation Range Transparency: At Edmund Optics, we are committed to transparency and equity in our hiring practices. The posted salary range for this role reflects the expected base pay. The actual offer will be based on multiple factors, including but not limited to relevant skills, education, work experience, business needs, and geographic location.

Salary Range: $91,000 - $109,000 per year

Benefits: