Senior Manager, Metrology & Optical Test Engineering

A new paradigm of computing

Magic Leap is a pioneer in Augmented Reality (AR) optics, display systems, platforms, devices services, prototyping and manufacturing capabilities. We are known for our unmatched optics stack and have developed ultra-lightweight waveguides and display systems that advance what is possible in AR. With more than a decade of experience in AR innovation, we have made groundbreaking advancements in text legibility, color fidelity and rich digital content visuals while continually expanding the field of view to create engaging, immersive AR experiences. 

Magic Leap could be your place if you want to be part of a united team where everyone is empowered and trusted to make an impact. At Magic Leap, you can explore innovative solutions and use your talents to solve real-world problems. Working alongside industry experts, you can grow your skills while helping make our technology available to millions of people as a partner in the AR ecosystem.  We know that successful change and progress accelerate diverse perspectives. As we shape our future, everyone's voice matters. Together, we can reimagine the world of work and, with our bold partners, make the impossible possible.

The opportunity 

We are seeking an experienced, hands-on Senior Manager, Metrology & Optical Test expert to lead a focused group of engineers in our waveguide manufacturing team. This leadership role involves overseeing all aspects of measurement, calibration, and instrumentation, including nanostructure characterization and optical performance testing for outgoing products. Responsibility spans across the organization, ensuring the highest standards of accuracy and compliance are maintained to deliver on customer requirements. The ideal candidate will be a leader and player/coach with a deep technical understanding of metrology and optical test principles, quality systems, and advanced measurement equipment. This role is integral to advancing our Optics NPI and Manufacturing practices and will work closely with cross-functional design, process, materials, and integration teams.

Location: This role will be based fully onsite in Austin, TX. Relocation assistance is available for non-local candidates.

What you’ll do 

• Strategy and Leadership:
  • Develop and implement the Optical NPI and Manufacturing metrology strategy, ensuring alignment with overall business objectives and quality standards.
  • Lead a small team of metrology and optics professionals, defining actionable goals, developing their professional growth, while fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
  • Lead and develop best practices for problem solving (8D, 5 Whys, Fishbone, etc.) and technical communication. 
  • Seamless integration of workflows across R&D, Manufacturing, NPI, and Materials team to deliver solutions to support manufacturing operations activities from early NPI through High Volume ramp.
  • Ownership of delivering clear, concise technical documentation and presentations, and building effective partnerships across teams and with external suppliers.
• Measurement and Optical Test Tools:
  • Oversee the maintenance, calibration, and verification of all measurement and test equipment (M&TE) to maintain traceability and compliance with national and international standards (e.g., ISO/IEC 17025, ISO 9001).
  • Establish and enforce standard operating procedures (SOPs) for all metrology and optical test processes, including measurement uncertainty analysis, gauge R&R studies, and calibration schedules.
  • Define, develop, budget, and qualify advanced testing/characterization techniques to deepen the fundamental understanding of waveguide materials, processes, and their impact on device performance. This includes recipe/configuration setups, statistical validation such as GR&R and matching studies, calibrated standards, golden unit creation,  long-term stability (LTS), and factory and site acceptance testing for new equipment.
• Technical Expertise and Support:
  • Serve as the primary subject matter expert (SME) for all complex dimensional, mechanical, and electrical measurement challenges, providing technical guidance to cross-functional teams (e.g., R&D, Manufacturing, Quality).
  • Apply expertise in metrology, characterization, optics, and nanofabrication to support imprint and replication processes, wafer cleaning, plasma etch, chemical vapor deposition (CVD), and metals deposition.
  • Establish project priorities and manage resources, ensuring efficient workflow across metrology (AFM, ellipsometry, interferometry, and other characterization equipment) and waveguide optical testers (for KPIs such as ANSI, MTF, Transmission, etc).
  • Analyze Interpret data from metrology equipment, including identification of potential measurement errors, tool variance, and tester to tester correlations. 
• Operations and Compliance:
  • Manage the departmental budget, including definition of capital equipment requirements and resource allocation.
  • Drive the selection, procurement, and implementation of new metrology and optical test technologies and software to enhance measurement capabilities and efficiency.
  • Act as the representative for all external audits related to metrology and optical test solutions.
  • Collaborate with the Quality department to ensure metrology practices support the company's Quality Management System (QMS).

The experience you bring

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field. 
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in metrology, quality control, optical test, or precision manufacturing, with at least 3 years in a management or leadership role. Minimum 7 years of hands-on experience in advanced materials characterization techniques.
• Technical Expertise:
  • In-depth knowledge of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) per ASME Y14.5.
  • Demonstrated expertise in measurement uncertainty budgets and calculations, sensitivity analysis, and variance analysis.
  • A strong statistical background and experience in large data set analysis using industry standard tools (e.g., JMP, R, Python, Matlab).
  • Proficiency with various measurement systems, including CMMs, optical scanners, vision systems, and conventional gauges.
  • Hands-on experience with materials and nanostructure characterization methods, including SEM, AFM, ellipsometry, interferometry, XRD, EDX, uXRF, FTIR, DSC, and TGA.
• Standards Knowledge: Strong working knowledge of relevant international quality and metrology standards (e.g., ISO 9001, ISO/IEC 17025). Knowledge of statistical methods (MSA/GRR) and process improvement techniques.  
• Work Environment:
  • Must be comfortable working in a cleanroom laboratory environment, adhering to all safety and contamination control protocols.
  • Demonstrated ability to perform effectively in fast-paced environments and under tight deadlines.

It’s exciting if you also have

• Ph.D. in Materials Science, Engineering, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Applied Physics, or a closely related discipline is highly desirable.
• Certification as a Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) or Certified Metrology Manager.
• Experience in a regulated industry (e.g., aerospace, medical devices, automotive, semiconductor, or AR hardware development).
• Six Sigma Greenbelt or equivalent experience.
• Demonstrated experience implementing laboratory information management systems (LIMS) or similar calibration management software and manufacturing systems integration.
• Experience in custom scripting for data post-processing (e.g., JMP, R, Python, Matlab).

Additional Information

All your information will be kept confidential according to Equal Employment Opportunities guidelines.

Please note that we do not accept any application documents via (e-)mail. Furthermore, we do not accept applications from recruitment agencies for this role.

All legitimate Magic Leap email communications will end with "@magicleap.com". Please carefully review all emails you receive, to ensure you only engage with legitimate representatives of Magic Leap. For the protection of your Personal Information, do not click any links, open any attachments, or further engage with any suspicious communications. In the event you receive an unexpected or suspicious communication claiming to come from Magic Leap, please reach out directly to TalentAcquisition@magicleap.com for assistance.

Accommodations

If you need an accommodation during the application, interviewing, or hiring process, you may request an accommodation by emailing ApplicantAccommodation@magicleap.com. Magic Leap will reasonably accommodate qualified individuals with disabilities to the extent required by applicable law.

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