Optical Engineer

If you’re looking for a special place to build or grow your career, you’ve found it. Whether you’re an experienced professional, a recent college graduate or somewhere in between, IDEX is a place where you can apply your existing skills and learn new ones in an environment where you can make an impact. With interesting opportunities in engineering, marketing, sales, supply chain, operations, HR, finance, and more across more than 40 diverse businesses around the globe, chances are, we have something special for you. This role could be hybrid, home based, site based or a bubble assignment (if current employee). Global Space and Defense (GSD) is pursuing high risk, high reward business with a select few strategic customers. Achieving our strategic intent will require best in class optical design engineering expertise in support of our customers and their mission critical, innovative needs. In support of this strategy, we are seeking a customer-focused Enterprise Optical Engineer to develop and lead solutions from concept through prototype, in collaboration with key internal and external stakeholders. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of the optical capabilities of IDEX MSS and proven facility to partner with customers on their most complex challenges and propose innovative, manufacturable solutions that begin with prototype and NPI engagements and evolve into full-scale OEM solutions. Key Responsibilities Develop optical solutions for responding to priority market needs targeted by GSD’s Strategic Intent. Identify new opportunities with existing and growth customers to deploy MSS capabilities. Supports the commercial, program management, and site teams to drive growth and meet new market needs aligned with GSD Strategic Intent, including new product development, technology deployment, and ensuring scalability. Directly interface with customers for technical and commercial matters. Provide technical expertise and develop customer application-specific solutions, including feasibility, costing, and lead time estimates. Supports system level discussions by bringing an optical system level view. Thoroughly and comprehensively understand the capabilities of IDEX’s GSD manufacturing sites. Lead NPI process for custom-engineered solutions from concept through qualification, quotation, prototype delivery, and hand-off to Operations for OEM production. Translate customer needs and specifications into manufacturable designs using CAD, coating design, and COTS and custom optical system simulation tools. Represent the GSD Team and GSD Strategic Intent, and consistently exhibit GSD Team Behaviors to customers and MSS site teams. Represent GS&D at defense industry events, conferences, and trade shows. Perform tolerance analysis and feasibility studies to ensure alignment with IDEX GSD manufacturing capabilities. Generate detailed technical documentation for prototypes. Support prototype-to-production process at manufacturing sites. Troubleshoot technical issues and support customer returns and complaints. Creates, effectively writes, and communicates multi-site proposals to customers. Requirements & Experience Bachelor’s degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Mechanical Engineering (with optics focus), or related field. 3-5 years’ experience in optical assembly support; tolerance alignment experience in defense or space preferred. Proficiency with Code V or OpticsStudio and SolidWorks; familiarity with MATLAB/Python is a plus. Hands‑on experience with wavefront measurement, active alignment, and metrology setups. Understanding of manufacturing processes for optical components and assemblies. Experience in technical documentation and specification generation. Strong communication skills; comfortable in customer‑facing role. Ability to work in ambiguous environments, manage multiple projects, and meet deadlines. Ability to travel as needed to meet with customers, attend industry events, and to provide site support. Must meet ITAR/EAR requirements (U.S. Citizenship, Permanent Residency, or contract‑specific licensure). Key Characteristics Attention to detail and commitment to quality. System-level thinker that can connect optical performance to assembly processes. Creative thinker with the ability to develop innovative solutions. Flexibility to adapt to changing requirements and technologies. Strong customer presence and communication capabilities. Comfortable with ambiguity and evolving technical requirements. High “say‑do” ratio; ability to make and keep commitments. Self‑motivated and proactive in identifying and addressing issues. Strong focus on customer satisfaction and delivering value. Pragmatic, hands‑on builder comfortable in cleanroom alignment environments. Analytical skills to interpret market data, customer feedback, and product performance. Collaborative mindset to work effectively across engineering, sales, and operations. Low Ego. Lives the IDEX Values of Trust, Team, and Excellence. Are you ready to join a different kind of company where our people, our culture, and our commitments are centered around providing trusted solutions that improve lives around the world? Total Rewards The compensation range for this position is £0.00 - £0.00, depending on experience. This position may be eligible for performance based bonus plan. Benefits Package Our comprehensive U.S. benefit offerings include: Health benefits, 401(k) retirement savings program with company match, PTO, and more. More information on our benefits and rewards can be found on our career page: IDEX is an Equal Opportunity Employer . IDEX gives consideration for employment to qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, creed, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other consideration or protected category made unlawful by federal, state or local laws. Attention Applicants: If you are an individual with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application process, please let us know. Likewise, if you are limited in the ability to access or use this online application process and need an alternative method for applying, we will determine an alternate way for you to apply. Please contact our Talent Acquisition Team at View email address on click.appcast.io for assistance with an accommodation. These contact tools may be used only by individuals with a disability for accommodation requests. Do not inquire as to the status of an application. 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