MKS Instruments, Inc.

Principal Optical Engineer

MKS Instruments, Inc.$175K — $195K *
Aerospace & Defense
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Physics, or equivalent; graduate coursework preferred.
  • 8+ years of related industry experience in optical product design and development.
  • Strong foundation in optics and photonics, including proficiency in optical design using Zemax or equivalent tools.
  • Skill in functional demonstration and prototyping, including iterative design refinement and troubleshooting.
  • Hands-on experience with optical alignment and common test instruments.
  • Familiarity with systems integration and opto-mechanical hardware.
  • Effective communication skills for cross-functional collaboration.

Responsibilities

  • Architect and design complex optical paths and hybrid systems.
  • Utilize industry-standard modeling software for beam propagation simulations.
  • Select and manage integration of active and passive optical components.
  • Lead physical realization of designs, building and aligning optical systems.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to transition prototypes into manufacturable products.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive health insurance coverage (medical, dental, vision).
  • 401(k) with company match.
  • Life and disability insurance.
  • 12 paid holidays and 15 paid vacation days.
  • 6 weeks fully paid parental leave.
  • Adoption assistance and tuition reimbursement.
Full Job Description
In this position, you will provide technical leadership in the design and development of complex optical systems by coordinating cross-functional development activities. If you have a passion for working with cutting-edge technology, this is the role for you!

You Will Make an Impact By:
  • Architect and design complex optical paths and hybrid systems. Utilize industry-standard modeling software to simulate beam propagation in both free-space and fiber-optic configurations.
  • Define and select active and passive optical components, including laser diodes, AOMs, WDMs, isolators, etc. Manage integration of these components with mechanical and electronic control systems.
  • Lead and work the physical realization of designs on the optical bench. Build, align, and test optical components and systems, including precision alignment and fiber splicing, to verify performance and quality.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams and interact with suppliers to transition prototypes into scalable, manufacturable products.

Skills You Bring:
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Physics, or equivalent; graduate coursework preferred.
  • 8+ years of related industry experience in optical product design and development
  • Strong foundation in optics and photonics, including beam propagation, fiber-optic principles, and laser fundamentals, with proficiency in optical design and analysis using Zemax or equivalent tools.
  • Skill in functional demonstration and prototyping, including rapid optical setup, iterative design refinement, troubleshooting, and validation.
  • Hands-on experience with optical alignment, optical metrology, and common test instruments (beam profilers, OSAs, power meters, interferometers).
  • Familiarity with systems integration and working knowledge of mechanical tolerances, opto-mechanical hardware, and electronic control interfaces.
  • Effective communication skills for working cross-functionally and documenting technical work.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions:
  • Office and laboratory work is required, with regular work in a cleanroom environment. Wearing of Personal Protective Equipment as well as cleanroom garb is required
  • Must be able to lift, move, or position equipment up to 35 pounds while working in a laboratory environment
  • Noise level in the laboratory environment can temporarily be elevated, but does not typically require PPE
  • Travel Requirements: Up to 5-15% Travel is required, including international travel


We are interested in a qualified candidate who is eligible to work in the United States. However, we will not be sponsoring work visas for this position, at this time.

Compensation and Benefits:
Salary Pay Range: $175,000 - $195,000 per year. This range is a good faith estimate of the expected salary range for this position, based on a wide range of factors including qualifications, experience and training, operational and business needs and other considerations permitted by law. At MKS, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for the role.

Bonus: This position is eligible for a discretionary annual bonus, in an amount to be determined by MKS [or as applicable].

Benefits: MKS offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance coverage (medical, dental and vision), 401(k) with company match, life and disability insurance, 12 paid holidays, sick time, 15 paid vacation days, [6 weeks fully paid] parental leave, adoption assistance and tuition reimbursement [and for participation in any stock programs, signing bonus, etc.].

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About MKS Instruments, Inc.

MKS Instruments, Inc. is a global provider of instruments, subsystems and process control solutions that measure, monitor, deliver, analyze, power and control critical parameters of advanced manufacturing processes to improve process performance and productivity for our customers. Our products are derived from our core competencies in pressure measurement and control, flow measurement and control, gas and vapor delivery, gas composition analysis, residual gas analysis, leak detection, control technology, ozone generation and delivery, RF & DC power, reactive gas generation, vacuum technology, photonics, sub-micron positioning, vibration isolation and optics. Our primary served markets include semiconductor capital equipment, general industrial, life and health sciences, research and defense.
Learn more about MKS Instruments, Inc.
Size
6,000 employees
Market Cap
$5.5 billion
Industry
Net Income
$350.1 million
5 Year Trend
+17.9%
Revenue
$2.3 billion
NASDAQ

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