Solutions Engineer, Optical Metrology

Emergent Software; Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Emergent Software is seeking an Optical Solutions Engineer for an onsite role in the Tucson, AZ area. The candidate will solve complex optical testing challenges, collaborating with engineering teams, and guiding customers through tailored metrology solutions.

The role emphasizes customer-facing responsibilities, strong optics knowledge, and the ability to communicate technical concepts clearly. Relocation assistance is available for the right candidate, with TN status eligibility and authorized

Qualifications

• Strong hands-on knowledge of optics, optical testing, or optical metrology.
• Ability to understand and discuss interferometry and complex optical measurement applications.
• Experience in optical engineering, applications engineering, optical testing, manufacturing engineering, R&D, or related technical area.
• Interest in moving into, or continuing within, a customer-facing technical role.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to explain complex technical concepts clearly to engineering audiences.
• A consultative approach to understanding customer needs and recommending practical solutions.
• Ability to work closely with internal engineering teams on highly customized customer applications.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and customer relationships simultaneously.
• Willingness to travel as customer responsibilities grow.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a primary technical and commercial contact for customers across the western United States.
• Lead discovery conversations to understand customer requirements and success criteria.
• Collaborate with R&D, production, and engineering to solve optical testing challenges.
• Guide customers through selection, configuration, and integration of optical metrology solutions.
• Provide responsive technical guidance via phone, video, and on-site as needed.
• Develop tailored proposals, quotations, test configurations, and customer solutions.
• Support customers from inquiry through post-delivery follow-up.
• Represent the organization at technical conferences and customer site visits.
• Manage multiple conversations and opportunities concurrently.

Skills

Optics knowledge

Interferometry

Customer facing

Communication skills

Travel willingness

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in Optical Engineering

Tools

Python

Optical design software

Job description

**This is a direct-hire opportunity with one of our clients. The role is primarily onsite in the Tucson, AZ area, with relocation assistance available for the right candidate. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship or qualify to work under TN status. Travel will be limited during the initial training period and may gradually increase as customer responsibilities grow.**

Our client is seeking a technically strong Optical Solutions Engineer to help customers solve complex optical testing challenges. You will join a supportive, low-ego team that moves quickly, works on advanced technology, and offers opportunities to learn from experienced optics professionals. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys solving technical problems and wants to grow into a customer-facing position without a traditional sales focus.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a primary technical and commercial contact for prospective and existing customers across the western United States.

• Lead discovery conversations to understand customer requirements, constraints, applications, and measures of success.

• Work with research and development, production, manufacturing, and other technical engineers to solve complex optical testing challenges.

• Guide customers through the selection, configuration, and integration of custom and semi-custom optical metrology solutions.

• Explain how available technology and capabilities can address each customer’s technical and operational needs.

• Collaborate with engineering and product teams to develop tailored proposals, quotations, test configurations, and customer solutions.

• Support customers throughout the engagement, from initial inquiry through post-delivery follow-up.

• Provide responsive technical guidance by phone, video conference, and, as the role develops, at customer locations.

• Build and maintain strong customer relationships while supporting growth across the western United States.

• Develop detailed knowledge of the organization’s technical capabilities and stay current on developments within the optics industry.

• Represent the organization at technical conferences, trade shows, and customer site visits.

• Manage multiple customer conversations, technical requirements, and active opportunities simultaneously.

Qualifications

• Strong hands-on knowledge of optics, optical testing, or optical metrology.

• Ability to understand and discuss interferometry and complex optical measurement applications.

• Experience in optical engineering, applications engineering, optical testing, manufacturing engineering, research and development, or a closely related technical area.

• Interest in moving into, or continuing within, a customer-facing technical role.

• Strong communication skills with the ability to explain complex technical concepts clearly to engineering audiences.

• A consultative approach to understanding customer needs and recommending practical solutions.

• Ability to work closely with internal engineering teams on highly customized customer applications.

• Ability to manage multiple projects and customer relationships simultaneously.

• Willingness to travel as customer responsibilities grow. Travel is expected to be limited during the initial learning period and may gradually increase over time.

• Ability to work primarily from the Tucson location, relocate to Tucson, or present an exceptional case for working elsewhere in the western United States.

Preferred

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in optical engineering, physics, or a related technical field. Equivalent optics knowledge and applicable professional experience will also be considered.

• Five or more years of experience in optical testing, applications engineering, technical customer support, or technical sales.

• Hands-on experience performing interferometry.

• Experience supporting custom optical systems or applications where each customer solution may differ.

• Experience using optical design software, Python, or interferometry software.

• Previous experience supporting customers, managing technical accounts, or presenting technical solutions.

• Experience supporting customers in advanced technology, research, aerospace, consumer electronics, semiconductor, or industrial environments.