Optical Manufacturing Process Engineer

Job Title: Optical Manufacturing Process Consultant

Overview: Provide subject matter expertise in spherical optical manufacturing to optimize processes, transition equipment (OptoTech/OptiPro), develop engineering capabilities, and ensure robust documentation for operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Process Audits & Improvement: Assess current spherical optical manufacturing methods, identify inefficiencies, and recommend improvements to enhance quality, throughput, yield, and cost performance.
• NPI & Equipment Support: Optimize generation and high-speed polishing for the Orion Mk2 and OptoTech NPI roadmap. Assist with the transition to new OptiPro systems, machine qualification, and tooling development.
• Engineering Knowledge Transfer: Train engineers on optical manufacturing fundamentals, critical process variables (speeds, feeds, slurry, thermal influences), troubleshooting techniques, and tool selection criteria.
• Documentation & Reporting: Create and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), troubleshooting guides, and process specifications while providing weekly progress reports to management.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Optical, Mechanical, or Manufacturing Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field.
• 10+ years of hands-on experience in precision optical manufacturing (generation, grinding, high-speed polishing, and process development).
• Demonstrated experience with OptoTech equipment, optical metrology, and process troubleshooting.
• Legally authorized to work in the USA.

Preferred:

• Experience with OptiPro equipment and New Product Introduction (NPI) programs.
• Knowledge of SPC, Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing, and Design of Experiments (DOE).
• Experience developing and delivering technical training programs.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

• Primarily performed in an optics fabrication environment requiring PPE (safety glasses, hearing protection).
• Regular computer work and movement across the fabrication floor/office.
• Occasional lifting/moving of equipment and tooling up to 20 lbs.
• Minor travel may be required to support global manufacturing and supplier interactions.

GCR Professional Services is an engineering and information technology staffing firm (direct-hire, consultants, contract-to-hire).