Senior Optical Engineer - ETC

ETC, the world leader in Theatrical Lighting, is seeking an Optical Design Engineer to join our team! We're open to candidates of all experience levels, including seasoned Optical and Photonics Engineers who can share their experience and knowledge as we continue to make cutting edge products for our customers around the globe.

Strong candidates will have a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree, experience designing optical/photonic systems, and a solid understanding of optical component design tolerances. Experience with Zemax, TracePro, and Solidworks software is a plus.

In additional to our casual and fun work environment, ETC offers fantastic benefits that start on day one of employment, an on-site fitness center, on-site deli, unique break areas, and so much more! Come join our team and be part of a company that likes to Have Fun and Make Money!

Representative Responsibilities:
• Defines acceptable optical performance parameters for ETC’s lighting fixtures, design optical elements and systems to meet specified performance, and implement processes and procedures to ensure that designed and manufactured fixtures perform to those parameters.
• Assists mechanical engineer with design of opto-mechanical systems
• Develop quantifiable beam and image specifications for new light fixtures based on Marketing specification requirements
• Utilize software design and analysis programs to design optical elements and systems that meet these specifications
• Investigate new and alternative technologies that will enable optimal system performance at minimal cost
• Design and perform experiments to investigate design problems and determine optical element fabrication tolerances
• Negotiate optical element specifications and tolerances with optic suppliers to maximize quality and minimize cost
• Qualify new optical element suppliers
• Assist in the preparation, review, and editing of marketing photometric data sheets and technical documents
• Assist mechanical designers in the development of optical portions of the design specification
• Develop and conduct photometric testing to benchmark new product performance
• Develop and conduct photometric testing of competitive products to benchmark their performance
• Compile all photometric testing data and format for insertion into the design specification and publishable photometric data
• Assist mechanical engineer with the construction of the optical section of the validation test plan of a project
• Define methods of qualification of optical system and individual optical components
• Define methods for verification of performance of the optical system and individual components
• Assist mechanical designers with optical validation testing of projects. This would include performing the following per ETC standards:
• Perform qualification testing of optical system and optical components
• Perform necessary testing to verify the performance of the optical system and individual components
• Perform photometric and optical component validation testing in conjunction with vendors on mockups, prototypes, and production as required
• Develop methods of measuring and maintaining acceptable optical component tolerance in production and monitor optical components and system quality in Manufacturing on a regular basis
• Assist with the design and building of optical component test fixtures for QA and production
• Provide technical assistance to QA and production on optical components and the use of test fixtures and related equipment
• Work with suppliers and QA personnel to resolve any optical quality problems
• Verifies ECR/ECOs on optical components
• Assist in the creation and maintenance or production test records
• Provide training to QA and production personnel on the proper assembly of new products
• Improve the company’s light measurement and optical testing capabilities, reliability, and productivity in R&D and manufacturing on a continuing basis
• Write and maintain the photometric and optical test procedure documentation for ISO 9001 quality system
• May represent ETC as a technical expert on industry-wide committees concerned with photometric measurements
• Maintain a library of photometric and other optical testing literature, including standards and references
• Responsible for the organization and maintenance of the optical test lab and equipment
• Participates as a team member on R&D projects
• Provides technical assistance to other departments, vendors, and customers on optic related matters
• Provide input to improve departmental processes and quality
• Completes all assignments per ETC standards
• Provides task completion time estimates
• Maintain time accounting log
• Participates in the ISO on the job training
• Assist Line Managers in the training of employees
• Provides input towards the performance reviews of lower level technicians
• Attends identified training classes
• Completes other duties as assigned
• Recommends the purchase of new equipment for departmental improvements

Minimum Qualifications:
• Masters Degree in Physics, Optical Engineering, Mechanical or Electrical Engineering and 4-10 years of experience, or
• Bachelors Degree in Physics, Optical Engineering, Mechanical or Electrical Engineering and 8-15 years of experience
• Demonstrated ability to perform the duties of a Senior Optical Design Engineer I
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and perform multiple tasks without general supervision.
• Good knowledge of illumination optics and beam patterns
• Good knowledge of optical design principles, component specification, and tolerances
• Good knowledge of various optical production methods
• Good knowledge of the use of light measurement equipment (i.e. light meter, color meter, CCD camera)
• Good knowledge of the use of electrical test equipment (i.e. voltmeter, scope, power meter)
• Good knowledge of Prometric photometric testing software
• Good knowledge of Zemax optical design software
• Good knowledge of the use of mechanical test equipment (i.e. dial calipers, heights gage, feeler gage)
• Demonstrate the ability to make independent decisions
• Demonstrate ability to solve complex problems
• Demonstrate the ability to multi-task between projects
• Ability to follow project plans and meet project deadlines
• Strong attention to detail
• Strong organizational skills
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Motivational and leadership skills
• Good computer skills
• Knowledge of company policies