Process Engineer II (Optical Coat)

Thorlabs is pleased to play a role in advancing science through the components, instruments, and systems we design and manufacture. We believe that science and innovation have great potential to improve the world around us and are committed to advancing photonics (i.e., light-based) technologies that positively impact our customers, employees, and communities. Via educational outreach and more sustainable business practices, we continuously invest in a brighter future. We recognize that each of our employees is a unique individual with the ability to contribute to our success and seek to find great people who will thrive in our fun, fast-paced culture.

The Process Engineer Il is responsible for new process/product development, new equipment introduction, process improvement, equipment improvement, process maintenance, equipment maintenance, lean manufacturing projects, and maintaining fab documentation. This position requires a deep knowledge of optical coating processes, process engineering core skills, equipment trouble-shooting skills, and a track record of using data-driven problem-solving techniques (e.g. Six Sigma methods). Preference will be given to experienced candidates with a broad range of optical coating experience.

• Ability to utilize all formats of material deposition: E-beam ,IAD, Magnetron Sputtering.
• Ability to utilize cleave, dice, and pick equipment.
• Introduce new product, process, equipment and material technologies into optical coating fab in timely manner, using effective design input, evaluation testing, and project management.
• Utilize continuous improvement tools, project management skills, team leadership, and basic engineering skills to 1) reduce manufacturing costs, 2) improve/sustain tight control of wafer fab manufacturing process.
• Maintain/sustain production coating processes and coating equipment. This includes executing necessary PMs on the equipment.
• Provide product line support in creating/maintaining all development and production routes used by the optical coating fab and investigating product failures both within and outside of the coating fab. Provide training to operations related to the routes. • Provide engineering equipment ownership via creating/maintaining equipment operation procedures, training personnel, setting up quality indicator procedures, developing effective PMs, and supporting maintenance/ops team during equipment down events.
• Support operations team in writing required documentation and leading various coating fab improvement projects (e.g. Lean Manufacturing, 5S).
• Support engineering team in maintaining and improving our Manufacturing Execution System (MES) and related components. Set up MES reports for operations team that support daily production.
• Monitor coating performance. Make changes necessary to keep coatings in required specifications.
• Coordinate coating schedule with operations for efficient operations.
• Mentoring of Peers, Engineering Technicians, or New Hire

The Company retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position.

This position requires you to be a US person (ITAR products)

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years' experience with optical coating processes including Ebeam, IAD, Magnetron Sputtering processes.
• Experience in test/characterization of optical coatings (e.g. FTIR, ellipsometer, photo-spectrometer).
• Experience with CAD tools (e.g. SolidWorks).
• Experience with Six Sigma process improvement methods.
• Experience with troubleshooting and resolving optical coating equipment issues, especially repair and maintenance of high vacuum systems.

Education:

A minimum of Master's degree in engineering or physics. A combination or education and work experience may be considered to fulfill minimum educational requirements.

• Proficient in coating software (preferred TF Calc).
• Design of Experiments (DOE).
• Statistical Process Control (SPC).
• Knowledge of the following software/programming languages: SQL, Visual Basic, C++, Matlab, JMP, R, Microsoft Sharepoint, and Microsoft Office.
• Semiconductor device physics, especially optoelectronic devices.
• Knowledge of ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems.

The estimated pay range for this role is $71,400 - $ 93,900 annually

Thorlabs values its diverse environment and is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified individuals will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identify or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age or veteran status. Job descriptions are not intended as and do not create employment contracts. The organization maintains its status as an at-will employer. Employees can be terminated for any reason not prohibited by law.

Thorlabs offers a complete benefits package that includes medical, dental and vision insurance, company paid life insurance, a generous PTO package, a 401(k) plan, and tuition reimbursement just to name a few.