Optical Manufacturing Engineer II

Job Description

Job Description

Attalon / Location Overview

Join Attalon’s Aerospace & Defense team in Murrieta, CA. We are a center of excellence for advanced optics and optical systems. We’re shaping the future of aerospace and defense through precision engineering and cutting-edge manufacturing processes. If you’re passionate about innovation and want to lead the development of world-class optical technologies, this is your opportunity to make a lasting impact.

About the Role

The Optical Manufacturing Engineer supports optical fabrication, metrology, and assembly operations. You’ll assist in developing robust manufacturing processes, troubleshooting production challenges, improving yield and cycle time, and supporting new product introductions. You will learn from experienced engineers and technicians while contributing directly to production and process development activities.

Responsibilities

Optical Component Manufacturing & Process Development:

• Learn and support optical fabrication processes such as blocking, grinding, polishing, CNC machining, and aspheric optic fabrication
• Assist with opto‑mechanical and optical assembly tasks including bonding, cleaning, mechanical alignment, and optical alignment
• Support the development of stable, repeatable processes that meet product specifications and cost targets
• Participate in engineering experiments, basic DOEs, capability studies, and process qualifications.
• Learn to operate precision optical test equipment including interferometers, profilometers, surface roughness instruments, radius measurement systems, and basic functional tests.
• Observe and report metrology or process anomalies and assist in troubleshooting root causes.

Production & Continuous Improvement:

• Support daily manufacturing activities to keep production moving efficiently and on schedule.
• Assist with troubleshooting product quality, yield issues, and equipment performance.
• Participate in corrective action teams and continuous improvement initiatives focused on reducing defects and improving throughput.
• Contribute to documentation updates including work instructions, test procedures, and basic process controls.
• Help evaluate new equipment, manufacturing methods, and emerging technologies that enhance capability or reduce cost.
• Support cross‑functional collaboration between Manufacturing, Quality, Engineering, and Program Management.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, Optical Science, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 0-2 years or greater of experience in a technical, laboratory, or manufacturing environment.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills; ability to learn and apply structured root‑cause techniques.
• Programming, statistics, or data analysis experience is a plus.
• Demonstrated motivation, curiosity, and ability to learn complex technical processes quickly.

What We're Looking For

• A hands‑on engineer who enjoys being on the manufacturing floor.
• Someone eager to work in the aerospace industry and become an expert in optical fabrication, metrology, and assembly.
• A fast learner who thrives in a highly technical environment.
• Detail‑oriented, organized, and driven to improve processes.
• Comfortable balancing structured engineering rigor with practical shop‑floor problem solving

For California, the base salary pay range for this role is $69,500 - $106,772 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.