Senior Optical Integration and Test Engineer

Attalon is a U.S.-based aerospace and defense technology company formed through the 2025 carve-out of Coherent's Aerospace & Defense division by Advent International. Attalon designs and manufactures mission-critical optical systems, precision coatings, and advanced laser subsystems for ISR&T, space, missiles, and directed energy applications.

Sr Optical Integration & Test Engineer

As an Optical Integration and Test Engineer, you will utilize optical engineering theory in the conceptual design, development, and testing of optical components, sub-assemblies, and systems. This position will be located at our Tustin, CA site where we design and manufacture optical systems for a variety of defense and space applications. This role will be heavily involved in the initial product development phase to ensure that products are testable and manufacturable to the requirements specified by the design engineering team. There will be significant hands-on involvement in the design and operation of optical metrology systems that will be used to verify and validate that the performance of our products meets customer requirements. In addition, in this role you will investigate, identify, and resolve engineering problems on prototype builds and provide a smooth transition into routine production.

Key Responsibilities

• Applies in-depth and diversified knowledge of optical engineering design theory and manufacturing engineering principles, practices, and methods.

• Provides support to the manufacturing team in the development and improvement of fabrication processes and methods, as well as developing new optical metrology and testing techniques.

• Develops and implements test procedures and evaluates and selects appropriate test methods and instrumentation. Understands full breadth of specification used to characterize optical surfaces, sub-assemblies, and systems.

• Drafts acceptance test procedures and reviews data to verify compliance to customer requirements and specifications.

• Applies quantitative analysis in determining root cause of technical issue related to the fabrication, assembly, and testing of optical components and systems.

• Provides hands-on technical direction during integration and assembly of optical components into related mechanical hardware.

• Evaluates manufacturability of optical designs and provides feedback to the internal design team.

• Reviews customer requirements to propose and implement design-based solutions to meet specific application needs.

• Mentors other engineers in alignment methods, error budgets, error analysis, and tools.

Qualifications Required

• BS or MS in optical engineering, physics, or an equivalent technical discipline.

• The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 5 years of related work experience.

• Hands-on experience with optical testing (interferometry, infrared testing, laser alignment stations, imaging quality analysis, MTF, ensquared/encircled energy).

• Knowledge of optical theory, aberration analysis, and optical design

• A working knowledge of radiometric measurement techniques, photo detectors, and electronics is desirable

• Basic knowledge of optical fabrication technique for spheres, aspheres, and diamond turned optics

For California, the salary range for this position is: $84,295-$144,072

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.