Optical Engineer

Job Title: Optical Engineer – Manufacturing & Testing

Base Salary Range: $100,000 – $145,000 / year (commensurate with experience)

Travel: Up to 15–20% international travel (China)

Position Overview

Celestron is seeking a hands‑on Optical Engineer to join our team in Torrance, CA. Working closely with our Senior Optical Engineer, you will drive optical design, precision manufacturing processes, and testing standards for world‑class astronomical instruments—specifically Schmidt corrector plates and telescope systems.

This role is onsite at our Torrance location. It splits time between design analysis/office work (50%) and cleanroom/optical shop testing (50%). You will serve as a technical bridge between our domestic engineering group and overseas manufacturing facilities to ensure top‑tier optical quality and manufacturing yield

Key Responsibilities

• Optical Manufacturing & Block Engineering: Master and support the fabrication process for Schmidt corrector plates and master blocks. Collaborate with mechanical engineers and machinists to build and document precision optical test fixtures.
• Optical Testing & QA: Perform hands‑on optical testing to qualify components and assemblies. Establish concise test procedures and document hand‑offs for Quality Assurance teams in Torrance and overseas.
• Overseas Factory Support: Collaborate with overseas manufacturing partners to troubleshoot production line issues, monitor optical tooling, and provide technical guidance.
• Design & Analysis: Utilize Zemax software to analyze optical systems, ray‑tracing charts, and coating performances (single‑and‑multi‑layer optical coatings).
• Lab & Prototype Management: Organize and log engineering prototypes, sample inventories, and digital servers. Maintain an organized, safe optical engineering lab environment.
• Vendor & Supply Chain Coordination: Interface with domestic vendors to source optical components and specialized services; work alongside Purchasing to process POs.

Qualifications & Skills

Required:

• Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Optical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or a closely related discipline.
• Technical Aptitude: Strong foundational knowledge of classical and applied mechanics/physics; high mechanical aptitude for hands‑on fixture assembly and optical bench testing.
• Software: Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Communication: Clear written and verbal English communication skills; comfortable presenting ideas and documenting procedures.
• Travel Flexibility: Ability to travel internationally to manufacturing plants in China (typically 2–3 trips per year for 2–3 weeks at a time).

Preferred / Desired:

• Experience with or basic proficiency in Zemax Optical Design Software (willingness to gain proficiency on the job is required).
• Mandarin language fluency (highly desirable for factory cross‑communication).
• Background or personal passion for astronomical telescopes and opto‑mechanical assemblies.

Core Competencies

• Quality & Detail Focus: Uncompromising standards for optical accuracy, documentation consistency, and lab organization.
• Adaptable Problem Solver: Self‑starter attitude with a sense of urgency and strong judgment when making independent shop‑floor decisions.
• Collaborative Mindset: Exceptional teamwork skills when working across cross‑functional departments (Machinists, QA, Purchasing, Management) and international partners.