Optical Engineer

Role Overview

• Develop optical solutions for responding to priority market needs targeted by GSD’s Strategic Intent.
• Identify new opportunities with existing and growth customers to deploy MSS capabilities.
• Supports the commercial, program management, and site teams to drive growth and meet new market needs aligned with GSD Strategic Intent, including new product development, technology deployment, and ensuring scalability.
• Directly interface with customers for technical and commercial matters.
• Provide technical expertise and develop customer application-specific solutions, including feasibility, costing, and lead time estimates.
• Supports system level discussions by bringing an optical system level view.
• Thoroughly and comprehensively understand the capabilities of IDEX’s GSD manufacturing sites.
• Lead NPI process for custom-engineered solutions from concept through qualification, quotation, prototype delivery, and hand-off to Operations for OEM production.
• Translate customer needs and specifications into manufacturable designs using CAD, coating design, and COTS and custom optical system simulation tools.
• Represent the GSD Team and GSD Strategic Intent, and consistently exhibit GSD Team Behaviors to customers and MSS site teams.
• Represent GS&D at defense industry events, conferences, and trade shows.
• Perform tolerance analysis and feasibility studies to ensure alignment with IDEX GSD manufacturing capabilities.
• Generate detailed technical documentation for prototypes.
• Support prototype-to-production process at manufacturing sites.
• Troubleshoot technical issues and support customer returns and complaints.
• Creates, effectively writes, and communicates multi-site proposals to customers.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Mechanical Engineering (with optics focus), or related field.
• 3-5 years’ experience in optical assembly support; tolerance alignment experience in defense or space preferred.
• Proficiency with Code V or OpticsStudio and SolidWorks; familiarity with MATLAB/Python is a plus.
• Hands-on experience with wavefront measurement, active alignment, and metrology setups.
• Understanding of manufacturing processes for optical components and assemblies.
• Experience in technical documentation and specification generation.
• Strong communication skills; comfortable in customer-facing role.
• Ability to work in ambiguous environments, manage multiple projects, and meet deadlines.
• Ability to travel as needed to meet with customers, attend industry events, and to provide site support.
• Must meet ITAR/EAR requirements (U.S. Citizenship, Permanent Residency, or contract-specific licensure).

Tech Stack

• Assembly
• Python

Benefits

• Health benefits
• 401(k) retirement savings program with company match
• PTO
• Performance based bonus plan