Chief Engineer

Chief 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.

The Chief Engineer (CE) will lead technical oversight and innovation of projects within the Design Engineering department, with an emphasis on advanced optical design. This role requires expert-level experience in optical design while ensuring systems-level oversight, manufacturability, testability, and compliance with design rules and requirements.

The CE will play a key role in guiding and evaluating designs for innovative optical, opto-mechanical, and electro-optical components, systems, and subsystems—primarily for aerospace, military aircraft, space, and commercial applications. During high-demand periods, this position will require hands-on optical design and analysis contributions.

As a Subject Matter Expert (SME) at Attalon, the CE will oversee assigned projects, analyze complex requirements, develop optical imaging system concepts, and deliver detailed reports, technical proposals, and presentations.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical oversight across engineering activities to ensure designs for precision optical systems, subsystems, and instruments meet industry-leading technical performance, producibility, and cost requirements.
• Monitor and mentor engineers, ensuring they act as Responsible Engineers for "cradle-to-grave" technical leadership on projects.
• Conduct reviews, direct engineering designs, and guide manufacturing engineering and testing processes, ensuring alignment across departments.
• Drive consistent adherence to Attalon's design standards by improving documented processes and methods, fostering design consistency and high success rates.
• Review manufacturing processes, work orders, and assembly procedures to ensure completeness, correctness, and efficient implementation.
• Oversee preparation of Acceptance Test Plans (ATPs) and procedures to ensure efficient product testing.
• Collaborate directly with manufacturing to ensure the proper production, assembly, and validation of components and systems; train assembly personnel in the correct use of processes and tools.
• Support Marketing and Program Management with technical proposals and strategies that drive competitive advantage.
• Monitor program budgets and schedules, ensuring early identification of risks, cost overruns, or delays while working closely with Program Management to address them effectively.
• Stay current with emerging technologies and advancements in optical engineering, mechanical engineering, and optical-related manufacturing/testing.
• Lead by example, adhering to company policies, procedures, and objectives while maintaining a collaborative and inclusive environment that fosters innovation.
• Support customer and cross-department communication by sharing ideas constructively, addressing issues effectively, and promoting teamwork.
• Be available for flexible hours, as required, to meet customer commitments and travel extensively for internal and external meetings, customer interactions, and project reviews.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Optics or a related field.
• At least 15 years' experience in optical design for aerospace, space, or military applications.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience overseeing designs that were manufactured into functioning optical systems, tested on-site, and delivered successfully to customers.
• Expertise in testing optical systems using interferometric, MTF, and Encircled Energy techniques.
• Strong background in optical tolerancing, manufacturing comparisons, and analyses of thermal effects on optical systems.
• Proficiency with MATLAB software for complex optical analyses and calculations.
• Proven ability to work independently and solve problems reliably, with a track record as the "Go-To" person for technical solutions.
• Demonstrated success in direct customer interactions and interface.

For California, the salary range for this position is: $133,745 - $240,810 per year. 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.