Lead Process Development Engineer, Assembly

Lead Process Development Engineer, Assembly

Murrieta, CA, United States (On-site)

We are seeking a Lead Process Development Engineer to drive the development and implementation of advanced assembly manufacturing processes, tooling, and test fixtures, with a focus on optics and optical systems. The ideal candidate will have experience with infrared (IR) optical systems and a strong understanding of fabrication processes for IR optics.

• Process Development and Process Control:
  Under limited supervision, leads development and implementation of new manufacturing processes, tooling, and test fixtures related to assembly of optics and optical systems. Strong skills are desired in the basic principles of optical fabrication, assembly and test. Fabrication includes grinding, pitch polishing, pad polishing, CNC generating, CNC polishing, Asphere polishing, MRF, CP operation, edging, and shaping of optical components. Assembly includes alignment using both mechanical means (fixtures, physical measurement of edge location) and optical (alignment telescopes, autocollimators, computerized alignment stations).
  
  Test includes interferometric characterization of single and multiple surfaces, MTF, stray light, focal length, magnification, and other important characteristics of optical materials, components, and systems. Manufacturing processes developed are robust against product specifications and support quoted cost. Key process variables are identified, characterized, and controlled sufficiently to consistently result in acceptable quality and cycle times. Process variables reduction is continuously engaged.
• Process Documentation:
  Responsible for building and maintaining manufacturing process documentation for use by production personnel in the performance of their jobs. Manufacturing Process documentation includes Work Order Release (WOR) packages including manufacturing Process Plans (Routers) and Bills of Materials (BOM’s), and RCN, ECO, and NOR change order documentation. The WOR packages must delineate the required steps in sufficient detail to successfully fabricate, coat, assemble and test COHERENT A&D products as defined by customer and COHERENT A&D specifications.
  
  In addition, Process Development Engineering is responsible for maintaining and updating support documentation including Standard Manufacturing Procedures (SMP’s), inspections, manufacturing drawings and special processes.
• Estimating:
  Supports quoting activities by evaluating technical requirements, identifying exceptions, and preparing cost estimates for customer quotes.
• Production Readiness Review:
  Serves as a liaison to Engineering department. Supports Design for Manufacturing efforts by evaluating technical requirements, identifying technical risks, assessing manufacturability, and providing design change recommendations. Facilitates Process Failure Mode Analysis (PFMEA).

• Minimum 7 years experience working in a production manufacturing environment for IR lens and window manufacturing.
• Bachelors degree in Optical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics or Materials Science, preferred. Masters or Ph.D. in related technical fields is a strong plus.
• Experience in conventional optical fabrication is desired.
• Experience in assembly and test technologies is required. Optical fabrication includes any of the following areas: grinding, pitch polishing, pad polishing, CNC generating, CNC polishing, Asphere polishing, MRF, CP operation, edging, and shaping of optical components. Test includes interferometric characterization of surfaces and transmitted wave front, MTF, stray light, focal length, magnification, and other important characteristics of optical materials, components, and systems
• Experience in IR ceramic materials & manufacturing is a strong plus
• Experience in optical assembly process development & metrology & tests are required.
• Experience in preparing and maintaining drawings, procedures, process routers and Bills of Materials with full documentation and configuration control required.
• Hands on Manufacturing experience is a plus.

• Strong verbal and written…