Lead Process Development Engineer, Optical Fab

Join Attalon’s Aerospace & Defense team in Murrieta, CA—a center of excellence for advanced optics and optical systems. We’re shaping the future of aerospace and defense through precision engineering and cutting-edge manufacturing processes. If you’re passionate about innovation and want to lead the development of world-class optical technologies, this is your opportunity to make a lasting impact.

Lead Process Development Engineer – Optical Fabrication & Assembly

Are you ready to take the lead in developing advanced processes for optical manufacturing? As a Lead Process Development Engineer, you’ll design and implement innovative methods for grinding, polishing, shaping, and assembling optical components and systems. You’ll mentor junior engineers, create robust documentation, and deliver precision-engineered solutions that meet the highest quality standards. This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who thrives in a dynamic environment and wants to influence the future of optical manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of advanced manufacturing processes for optical fabrication and assembly.

• Design and optimize tooling, fixtures, and test methods to ensure precision and efficiency.

• Develop processes for grinding, polishing, CNC shaping, diamond turning, and assembly alignment using mechanical and optical techniques.

• Create and maintain detailed process documentation, including work instructions, BOMs, and change orders.

• Mentor and train junior engineers and technicians, fostering a culture of technical excellence.

• Support quoting activities by evaluating technical requirements and preparing accurate cost estimates.

• Collaborate with Engineering and Operations to assess manufacturability, identify risks, and recommend design improvements.

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to reduce variability and improve cycle times.

• Support facility layouts, equipment onboarding, and production cell setup for new technologies.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Optical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or Materials Science

• Minimum 7 years of experience in optical manufacturing, including IR lens and window production.

• Expertise in optical fabrication techniques such as grinding, polishing, CNC operations, diamond turning, and aspheric polishing.

• Experience in optical assembly and test technologies, including interferometry and metrology.

• Strong documentation skills and experience with configuration control.

• Proficiency in MS Word, Excel, and CAD software (SolidWorks preferred).

• Hands-on manufacturing experience required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D.
• Experience with IR ceramic materials and advanced optical materials (Ge, Si, ZnS, ZnSe, Sapphire, etc.).
• Familiarity with optical and mechanical fabrication for lenses, windows, domes, prisms, and waveplates.
• Proven ability to set up production cells, onboard equipment, and optimize facility layouts.
• Strong leadership and mentoring skills with a track record of developing technical talent.
• Excellent problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills.

For California, the salary range for this role is $88,550.00 - $156,684.00

Please note this range is provided as a general guideline. When determining an offer, Attalon takes into account multiple factors, including (but not limited to) the responsibilities of the position, your professional experience, education and training, specialized skills, and current market and business conditions.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

Attalon, Inc. is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Export Control Compliance

This role involves access to technology, materials, software, or hardware subject to U.S. export control laws. Therefore, to be considered, candidates must be classified as a “U.S. Person” under applicable regulations or be eligible for authorization under a U.S. government export license.