Optical Engineer

Overview Idex is a place to build or grow your career across more than 40 diverse businesses around the globe. This role may be hybrid, home-based, site-based, or a bubble assignment (if current employee). Business Context Global Space and Defense (GSD) pursues high risk, high reward opportunities with select strategic customers. The team aims to achieve strategic intent through best in class optical design engineering to support mission critical needs. Role Enterprise Optical Engineer — customer-focused, 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 IDEX MSS optical capabilities and the ability to partner with customers on complex challenges, proposing manufacturable solutions that begin with prototype and NPI engagements and evolve into full-scale OEM solutions. 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. Support 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 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. Support system level discussions by bringing an optical system level view. 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 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. Create and communicate multi-site proposals to customers. Requirements & Experience Bachelor’s degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Mechanical Engineering (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; MATLAB/Python familiarity 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 and 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 connecting 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. Focus on customer satisfaction and delivering value. Pragmatic, hands-on builder in cleanroom alignment environments. Analytical skills to interpret market data, customer feedback, and product performance. Collaborative mindset across engineering, sales, and operations. Low Ego. Lives the IDEX Values of Trust, Team, and Excellence. Legal and Compliance Note: The policy on controlled goods under ITAR/EAR and U.S. Persons requirements may apply. Total Rewards & Benefits The compensation range for this position is $86,000.00 - $129,000.00, depending on experience. This position may be eligible for a performance-based bonus plan. Our comprehensive U.S. benefits include health benefits, 401(k) with company match, PTO, and more. More information on benefits can be found on our career page. Idex is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We provide accommodation in the application process as needed. For assistance, contact our Talent Acquisition Team at View email address on click.appcast.io. Job Family & Business Unit Job Family: Engineering. Business Unit: Advanced Thin Films. #J-18808-Ljbffr