Strategic Optical Engineer — Prototype to Production

IDEX; Boulder (CO); Hybrid; USD 124,000 - 186,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

401(k) retirement savings program with

PTO

Job summary

IDEX is seeking an Enterprise Optical Engineer to develop and lead solutions from concept through prototype, collaborating with internal and external stakeholders.

The role focuses on translating customer needs into manufacturable designs, leading prototype-to-production, and supporting high-volume OEM production. Ideal candidates have advanced optics education, hands-on metrology experience, and strong communication in a customer-facing role.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or above in Optical Engineering, Physics, Mechanical Engineering with optics focus.
• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant STEM discipline is required.
• 3-5 years’ experience in an optical manufacturing environment preferred.
• Experience with optical component and/or system new product development or introduction required.
• Experience with optical component and/or optical assembly manufacturing, including metrology.
• Experience in a customer facing technical role is preferred.
• Strong communication skills; comfortable in customer-facing role required.
• Proficiency with optical design simulation (Code V, OpticsStudio) required.
• Familiarity with SolidWorks, MATLAB, and/or Python is a plus.
• Ability to travel to meet with customers and attend events; ITAR/EAR requirements may apply.

Responsibilities

• Translate customer needs and requirements into manufacturable designs using CAD, coating design, and optical tools.
• Design and develop optical components, assemblies, and optomechanical solutions for MSS.GSD.
• Understand capabilities of IDEX GSD manufacturing sites.
• Identify new opportunities with existing and growth customers to deploy MSS capabilities.
• Perform tolerance analysis and feasibility studies to ensure alignment with capabilities.
• Generate detailed technical documentation for prototypes.
• Lead prototype-to-production process at manufacturing sites.
• Directly interface with customers for technical and commercial matters.
• Provide technical expertise and develop customer-specific solutions, including feasibility, costing, and lead time estimates.
• Lead new product innovation from concept through qualification, quotation, prototype delivery, and hand-off to Operations.
• Support system-level discussions and cross-functional collaboration.
• Travel as needed to meet customers and industry events.

Skills

Optical design engineering

CAD design

Tolerance analysis

Customer-facing

Strong communication

Code V

OpticsStudio

SolidWorks

MATLAB

Python

Education

Master's degree in Optical Engineering

Bachelor's degree in a relevant STEM field

Tools

Code V

OpticsStudio

SolidWorks

MATLAB

Python

Job description

IDEX is seeking an Enterprise Optical Engineer to develop and lead solutions from concept through prototype, collaborating with internal and external stakeholders.

The role focuses on translating customer needs into manufacturable designs, leading prototype-to-production, and supporting high-volume OEM production. Ideal candidates have advanced optics education, hands-on metrology experience, and strong communication in a customer-facing role.