Optics Engineer

Materion; Westford (MA); On-site; USD 77,000 - 87,000; Full time

Job summary

Materion in Westford, MA, seeks a Thin Film Engineer to develop and optimize optical thin film coatings. The role involves collaborating with Sales, Production, QA, and R&D teams while providing engineering support to enhance manufacturing processes.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree in a technical discipline and some engineering experience in optics. This position offers a salary range of $77,000–$87,000 based on qualifications and experience.

Qualifications

• 0–3 years of engineering experience in manufacturing process development, optics or optical coating technologies is preferred.
• Experience in a low volume/high mix product environment is an asset.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop, design and optimize optical thin film coating designs.
• Provide process engineering support and guidance.
• Collaborate with various teams to ensure process improvements.

Skills

Optical Engineering

Lean Manufacturing

Six Sigma

Metrology Equipment Operation

Project Management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Optical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics or similar

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Project

Job description

Position Overview

Thin Film Engineer – Precision Optics and Thin Film Coatings – Westford, MA.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop, design and optimize optical thin film coating designs to meet customer specifications (35%).
• Create detailed manufacturing plans for new product opportunities.
• Provide process engineering support, guidance and instruction to support manufacturing (25%).
  • Develop and implement strategies to enhance efficiency, reduce waste, and improve product quality using Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma principles.
  • Ensure all necessary process documentation exists in ERP; oversee and validate SPC, troubleshoot processes, investigate MRBs, and recommend continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with Sales, Production, QA, EHS and R&D teams to integrate innovative solutions and ensure alignment on process improvements; facilitate effective communication, drive projects and status updates to achieve common goals (20%).
• Mentor and train technicians and operators on optimized processes and best practices, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration within the team (10%).
• Establish and monitor integrated project schedule to include all phases of development; develop and track projects using Microsoft Project or similar tool; establish and track project budget through entire development cycle (10%).

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a technical discipline (Optical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics or similar) or equivalent experience in engineering and process development.
• 0–3 years of engineering experience in manufacturing process development, optics or optical coating technologies is preferred.
• Understand and operate metrology equipment used for characterizing thin films, including spectrophotometry and interferometry.
• Experience in a low volume/high mix product environment is an asset.
• Exhibit strong interpersonal skills—interfacing, coordinating, negotiating with company personnel at all levels, customers and suppliers.
• Experience with SPC, Six Sigma and Lean Manufacturing—problem solving, statistics, manufacturing quality and quality principles.
• Ability to understand, analyze, and resolve complex technical problems.
• Ability to work independently and efficiently in a fast‑paced environment.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and MS Project or similar planning software.
• Preferred: Experience with SPC tools, DOE, root‑cause analysis (e.g., 5‑Whys, Fishbone), track record of successful project management, leading multiple projects simultaneously, and background in high‑mix, low‑volume production environments.

Additional Information

• Salary range: $77,000–$87,000 (may vary based on experience, education, location and other qualifications).
• This position may require eligibility to obtain a security clearance. Non‑US citizens may not be eligible to obtain a security clearance.
• Export compliance eligibility required for access to U.S. controlled technology; candidates must qualify as a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, lawful permanent resident, or other specified categories.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Materion Corporation and its subsidiaries are an equal employment opportunity employer. The Company is committed to providing a work environment free from discrimination and harassment. The Company also complies with all applicable federal, state and local laws respecting consideration of unemployment status in making hiring decisions. The information collected through this application is solely to determine suitability for employment, verify identity and maintain employment statistics on applicants. Applicants with disabilities may be entitled to reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act and certain state or local laws.