Illinois Tool Works

Sr. Optical Engineer

Illinois Tool Works • $100K — $130K *
Appleton, WI 54915In-Person
Manufacturing & Automotive
5 - 7 years of experience
Today
Be an Early Applicant
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • M.S. or Ph.D. in Optical Engineering, Physics, Photonics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
  • 5+ years of experience with high-power fiber laser systems (1 kW to 10+ kW).
  • Expertise in fiber laser architectures and beam delivery systems.
  • Strong background in diagnosing high-power degradation mechanisms.
  • Experience with optical test and measurement equipment.
  • Familiar with laser safety standards and compliance requirements.
  • Excellent analytical, troubleshooting, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

  • Design, develop, validate, and optimize high-power fiber laser systems.
  • Lead the integration of laser technologies into manufacturing processes.
  • Develop test plans and process validation protocols.
  • Ensure compliance with safety and quality standards.
  • Analyze laser beam quality and optimize performance.
  • Support laser process development for industrial applications.
  • Collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams to innovate laser solutions.

Benefits

  • Collaborative work environment with multidisciplinary teams.
  • Opportunities for professional development in cutting-edge laser technology.
  • Exposure to advanced manufacturing applications.
  • Ability to work on next-generation fiber laser systems.
  • Potential to contribute to industry-leading research and development projects.
Full Job Description
Job Description:

We are seeking a skilled and hands-on Senior Optical Engineer to drive the design, development, validation, and optimization of next-generation, high-power fiber laser systems. In this role, you will lead optical architecture prototyping and beam-shaping initiatives. Candidates with a proven track record of applying high-power lasers to industrial materials processing (specifically laser welding) are highly preferred. However, expertise in optical engineering with the ability to develop competency in material processing will be considered.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in laser optics and beam delivery systems with hands-on experience translating laser technology into robust industrial manufacturing solutions.

This role will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams including welding engineers, manufacturing engineers, product development teams, and research scientists to develop innovative laser-based solutions.

Key Responsibilities
  • Design, develop, validate, and optimize high-power fiber laser systems and optical architectures.
  • Lead integration of laser sources, beam delivery components, process heads, sensors, and automation systems into manufacturing environments.
  • Develop test plans, qualification procedures, and process validation protocols.
  • Ensure compliance with laser safety standards, quality requirements, and industry regulations.
  • Analyze and improve laser beam propagation, beam quality, focusability, and energy delivery.
  • Develop and evaluate optical systems, beam delivery components, collimators, focusing optics, scanners, and process heads.
  • Support laser process development for industrial manufacturing applications.
  • Perform optical simulations, modeling, testing, and characterization.
  • Troubleshoot laser system performance issues and implement corrective actions.
  • Collaborate with suppliers, customers, and internal engineering teams on laser system integration projects.
  • Stay current with emerging technologies in fiber lasers, optics, photonics, and advanced manufacturing.
  • Provide technical leadership and drive optical technology roadmaps for future laser platforms.


Required Qualifications
  • M.S. or Ph.D. in Optical Engineering, Physics, Photonics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
  • 5+ years of experience working with high-power fiber laser systems ranging from 1 kW to 10+ kW.
  • Strong understanding of:
    • Fiber laser architectures
    • Optical components and beam delivery systems, including combiners, couplers, and fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs)
    • Optical design and characterization
    • Diagnosing and mitigating high-power degradation mechanisms such as Stimulated Brillouin Scattering (SBS), thermal lensing, mode stability, and optical fiber damage.
  • Experience with optical test and measurement equipment.
  • Familiarity with laser safety requirements and standards.
  • Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and experimental skills.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.


Preferred Qualifications
  • Direct experience with fiber laser welding processes.
  • Experience with laser process monitoring and closed-loop control.
  • Experience with simulation tools such as Zemax, Matlab, Python, or equivalent.
  • Understanding of beam shaping technologies and advanced laser processing techniques.
  • Experience supporting production environments and manufacturing scale-up


Ideal Candidate Profile

The successful candidate will have a background similar to professionals who have experience in:
  • Fiber laser source development
  • Industrial laser processing
  • Laser welding research and development
  • Optical system design and characterization
  • Photonics and advanced manufacturing technologies
  • Candidates with demonstrated expertise in both high-power fiber lasers and laser welding applications will be strongly preferred.


About Illinois Tool Works

ITW is an industrial manufacturing company that specializes in the fields of industrial machinery, engineering, operations, sales, marketing, finance, and accounting. It's in deep-sea oil rigs, aerospace technology, bridges and wind turbines, healthcare, the spaces in which they live and work, the cars they drive, and the mobile devices they rely on. It was founded in 1912 and headquartered in Glenview Nas, Illinois.

Illinois Tool Works Careers

Join the dynamic team at Illinois Tool Works (ITW), a global leader in diversified manufacturing, where innovation and excellence drive us forward. ITW offers unparalleled job opportunities, fostering a culture of growth and leadership in the industry.

Work You’ll Do

At Illinois Tool Works, you will be part of a professional community that thrives on creativity and innovation. Our employees are equipped with the skills needed to succeed and are provided with endless opportunities for professional growth. Engage in work that matters, with projects that transform industries and enhance futures.

Explore Career Paths

Whether you're seeking an internship, a graduate opportunity, or a seasoned professional position, ITW offers a range of career paths across various departments. Our team benefits from a supportive and diverse working environment where every member’s contribution is valued.

Innovate and Lead

Join a team where innovation leads to revolutionary solutions in industries worldwide. At ITW, you will work alongside industry experts to develop new ideas and strategies that keep us at the forefront of technological advancements. Your career at ITW will be marked by a continuous journey of growth and leadership.

Develop Your Skills

With ITW’s commitment to professional development and diversity training, you will enhance your skills through targeted training programs and workshops. These opportunities not only boost your career but also ensure you stay competitive in the job market.

Be Part of Our Culture

ITW is dedicated to building a culture that respects and embraces diversity, encourages innovation, and fosters leadership. Our team is our greatest asset, and we believe in providing them with the benefits and resources they need to succeed both professionally and personally.

Networking and Professional Growth

Expand your professional network through ITW’s global presence and collaborative work environment. Engage with professionals across different sectors, gaining insights that can lead to significant career advancements. Our networking events and professional groups help you connect with key industry leaders and peers.

Join Our Team

Search for open positions that match your skills and interests on the ITW Careers page. We are looking for passionate, curious, and solution-driven team players who are ready to take their career to the next level.

Stay Connected

Keep up to date with the latest industry trends, company news, and career tips by following our careers blog. Personalize your experience by subscribing to job alert emails, tailored to your preferences and career goals. Explore the opportunities at Illinois Tool Works today and discover how your expertise can help shape the future of our company and the industries we serve. Join us in our mission to achieve excellence through innovation and leadership.
Learn more about Illinois Tool Works
Size
45,000 employees
Market Cap
$68.1 billion
Industry
Manufacturing & Automotive
Net Income
$2.1 billion
Founded
1912
5 Year Trend
+1.2%
Revenue
$12.5 billion
NASDAQ
ITW
* Ladders Estimates

Similar Jobs

Ad banner background

Get Ready For Your
Next Interview

More Jobs at Illinois Tool Works

  • Illinois Tool Works
    Sr. Optical Engineer
    $100K — $130K *
    Appleton, WI 54915 (Outagamie County)
    Today
    Manufacturing & Automotive
    In-Person
  • Illinois Tool Works
    IT Systems Analyst
    $75K — $95K *
    Hatfield, PA 19440 (Montgomery County)
    Today
    Information Technology
    In-Person
  • Illinois Tool Works
    Service Manager
    $75K — $95K *
    Dallas, TX 75217 (Dallas County)
    Today
    Technical Services
    In-Person
  • Illinois Tool Works
    Manufacturing Engineer
    $85K — $95K *
    Troy, AL 36081 (Pike County)
    Reposted Today
    Manufacturing & Automotive
    In-Person
  • Illinois Tool Works
    Operations Controller
    $135K — $150K *
    Oldtown, MD 21555 (Allegany County)
    Yesterday
    Finance & Insurance
    In-Person

More Manufacturing & Automotive Jobs

Find similar Sr. Optical Engineer jobs:

NationwideAppleton, WI