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Principal Optical Manufacturing Engineer

MKS Inc.
Irvine, CA Full Time
POSTED ON 8/3/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 9/25/2026
A Day in Your Life at MKS:

As a Principal Manufacturing Engineer in MKS Irvine Development Group, you will partner with Operations and the wider Engineering team to develop manufacturing and metrology methods for fabricating cutting-edge optics. In this role, you will report to the Senior Manager of the Development Group.

You Will Make an Impact By:

  • Developing, implementing and maintaining methods, operation sequences and processes in the manufacture or fabrication of optics, machined ceramic and glass components, and internal test stands
  • Interfacing with the operations team in coordinating the release of new products
  • Estimate the manufacturing cost, determine time standards and make recommendations for tooling and process requirements of new or existing product lines
  • Maintain records and reporting systems for coordination of manufacturing operations
  • Lead brainstorming sessions, reviews, and cross-departmental meetings to ensure collaboration and cohesion of designs as part of the NPI process
  • Apply lessons learned and develop standardized design and process criteria across all product lines
  • Travel Requirements: Up to 5 % of Travel is required

Skills You Bring:

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Physics, Material Science, Chemistry, or a related field required; Master’s Degree preferred
  • 5 years of related experience, optics fabrication and/or metrology development preferred
  • Strong analytical, communication, and organizational skills

Preferred Skills:

  • Metrology experience with complex Fizeau interferometer setups is strongly preferred
  • Hands-on optical test experience is preferred
  • ZeMax, Python, and/or Matlab fluency is a plus

We are interested in a qualified candidate who is eligible to work in the United States. However, we will not be sponsoring work visas for this position, at this time.

Compensation and Benefits:

Salary Pay Range: $115,000 to $180,000 per year. This range is a good faith estimate of the expected salary range for this position, based on a wide range of factors including qualifications, experience and training, operational and business needs and other considerations permitted by law.  At MKS, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for the role.

Bonus: This position is eligible for a discretionary annual bonus, in an amount to be determined by MKS [or as applicable].

Benefits: MKS offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance coverage (medical, dental and vision), 401(k) with company match, life and disability insurance, 12 paid holidays, sick time, 15 paid vacation days, [6 weeks fully paid] parental leave, adoption assistance and tuition reimbursement [and for participation in any stock programs, signing bonus, etc.].

MKS is an equal opportunity employer, including disability, veteran status and all categories protected by law. Please review our EOE statements for additional details.

MKS will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act and the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers.

Salary : $115,000 - $180,000

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