Principal Process Development Engineer

Join Attalon’s Aerospace & Defense team in Murrieta, CA. We are 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.

The Process Development Engineer is responsible for providing operational engineering support across optical fabrication, optical metrology, and optical assembly areas. Contributes to process development activities including process improvement, troubleshooting, cycle-time reduction, process stability, and yield improvement. Supports project execution, technician development, and collaboration across engineering and production groups.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

Define, optimize, and stabilize optical fabrication processes while collaborating closely with Manufacturing, Quality, Program Management, and cross-functional engineering teams.

Serve as subject matter expert for one or more optical manufacturing areas: optical metrology, opto-mechanical assembly, conventional optical fabrication, and single-point diamond turning.

Execute engineering experiments, DOEs, and capability studies. Implement process improvements related to throughput, quality, and cost,

Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on yield and cycle-time reduction.

Lead root-cause analysis and corrective actions involving defects and process variability.

Participate and lead prototype builds and process qualifications for new programs.

Investigate new equipment and fabrication technologies that can increase capability or reduce cost.

Lead NPI activities from early concept and feasibility through protype builds, process qualification, and full production release.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, physics, material science, or related field.
• Minimum 9 years of related experience in optical manufacturing
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and experimental design skills.
• Candidates must have manufacturing and production experience in a closely related precision manufacturing field.
• Direct experience in one or more of the following is preferred but not required:
• Single-point diamond turning
• Conventional optics fabrication
• Optical metrology (profilometry, interferometry)
• Opto-mechanical assembly
• Demonstrated capability to lead complex engineering issues through the entire lifecycle, ensuring thorough analysis and effective resolution.

For California, the salary range for this position is $100,650-$178,200

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.