As a Principal Engineer, you will be responsible for leading the quality assurance of optical components and assemblies for ultrafast laser systems. This role involves developing and executing testing protocols, managing metrology systems, testing of advanced optical thin film coatings and materials. Collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure the highest quality standards. The ideal candidate will drive continuous improvement initiatives, manage complex technical challenges and refining measurement techniques to enhance product reliability.  

Key Responsibilities:

Quality Assurance & Inspection:

Develop, implement, and maintain quality control processes for optical components and sub-systems.Establish and track quality metrics, conducting root cause analysis and corrective actions for defects.Analyze and document inspection results, identifying trends or recurring issues.Establish and maintain metrology records for quality aspects of optics with optical thin-film coating processes such as AR (anti-reflective), HR (high-reflective), and dichroic coatings.Validate coating uniformity, durability, and adherence to specifications through regular inspection and testing.Collaborate with L&O engineers to address defects such as pinholes, coating delamination, or uneven deposition.Support new product introductions (NPI) by validation optical performance and robustness.Provide feedback on optical component specifications and tolerances to ensure manufacturability and robustness.

Optical Testing and Metrology:

Perform Interferometric testing (phase-shifting Fizeau) to evaluate surface flatness, wavefront errors and lens quality.Conduct spectral performance measurements, including transmission, reflectance and absorption using spectrophotometers and other optics metrology tools.Oversee surface quality inspections in a production environment, ensuring adherence to scratch-dig standards (MIL-PRF-13830B)Characterize laser beam quality (M2, spatial coherence, intensity profiles) using advance beam profiling techniques.Laser Induced Damage Threshold (LIDT) testing and optical density requirements.Operate and maintain TD GC-MS testing equipment -Conduct outgassing and contamination testing for optical components.Analyze VOC test results and recommend necessary improvements.Understanding of optical materials and optical thin film coating processes for their behavior in a laser system under various environmental conditions.Interpret test data to identify any deviations and work with optical thin film suppliers for corrective actions.

Educational Requirements:

PhD or Master’s in Optical Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, or a related field.  Minimum 8 years of experience in Optical metrology, Quality Engineering, or Laser manufacturing.Certification in Quality or Optical Engineering (e.g., CQE, CPO, or similar) are a plus.

Preferred Qualifications / Competencies:

Knowledge of volatile organics management for lasers, semi-conductor, or hard disk drive environments and metrology for process controls.Experience with various analytical equipment such as TD-GCMS, Spectrophotometer, Interferometer.Working knowledge of optical thin film technologies and processes such as Ion Beam Sputtering and E-Beam with and without Ion Assist Deposition.Familiarity with statistical analysis techniques, such as Weibull Analysis and Gage R&R.Familiarity with the following areas: Process Validations (IQ, OQ, PQ), Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA), Structured Problem Solving (8D) and Corrective & Preventive Actions (CAPA)Competence in MATLAB, Python, and optical design tools.Ability to complete tasks with urgency and have excellent attention to detail and accuracy.Strong technical communication skills.Self-motivated, ability to identify potential problems or improvements and possess the initiative to take appropriate actions as necessary.

#LI-DNI

Globally, our policy is to recruit individuals from wide and diverse backgrounds. However, certain positions require access to controlled goods and technologies subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) or Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Applicants for these positions may need to be “U.S. persons.” “U.S. persons” are generally defined as U.S. citizens, noncitizen nationals, lawful permanent residents (or, green card holders), individuals granted asylum, and individuals admitted as refugees.

MKS Instruments, Inc. and its affiliates and subsidiaries (“MKS”) is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer: diverse candidates are encouraged to apply. We win as a team and are committed to recruiting and hiring qualified applicants regardless of race, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions), religion, age, ancestry, physical or mental disability or handicap, marital status, membership in the uniformed services, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, or any other category protected by applicable law. Hiring decisions are based on merit, qualifications and business needs. We conduct background checks and drug screens, in accordance with applicable law and company policies.  MKS is generally only hiring candidates who reside in states where we are registered to do business.

MKS is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process due to a disability, please contact us at: accommodationsatMKS@mksinst.com .

If applying for a specific job, please include the requisition number (ex: RXXXX), the title and location of the role