Lead Process Development Engineer, Assembly

Attalon / Location Overview

Join Attalon’s Aerospace & Defense team in Murrieta, CA, where innovation meets precision. We specialize in advanced optics and optical systems that power next-generation aerospace and defense technologies. If you’re passionate about developing cutting-edge manufacturing processes and driving technical excellence, this is your opportunity to make an impact in a growing, world-class organization.

Job Title

Lead Process Development Engineer – Assembly

Job Details

Are you ready to lead the development of advanced assembly processes for optical systems that shape the future of aerospace and defense? As a Lead Process Development Engineer, you’ll be at the forefront of innovation—designing robust manufacturing processes, tooling, and test fixtures for high-performance optics. This role is perfect for a hands-on problem solver who thrives in a fast-paced environment and wants to influence the way precision optics are built and tested. If you have expertise in infrared (IR) optical systems and a passion for process optimization, we want you on our team.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of advanced assembly processes for optics and optical systems, ensuring precision and efficiency.
• Design and optimize tooling and test fixtures to support robust manufacturing and quality standards.
• Develop processes for optical fabrication, assembly, and testing—including grinding, polishing, CNC operations, alignment, and interferometric characterization.
• Create and maintain detailed process documentation, including process plans, BOMs, and change orders, to ensure production readiness.
• Support quoting activities by evaluating technical requirements and preparing accurate cost estimates.
• Collaborate with Engineering to assess manufacturability, identify risks, and recommend design changes for improved production flow.
• Facilitate PFMEA and drive continuous improvement initiatives to reduce process variability and improve cycle times.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Optical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or Materials Science
• Minimum 7 years of experience in a production manufacturing environment for IR lens and window manufacturing.
• Strong background in optical assembly and test technologies, including interferometry, MTF, and alignment techniques.
• Experience preparing and maintaining drawings, procedures, and process documentation with full configuration control.
• Proficiency in MS Word, Excel, and CAD software (SolidWorks preferred).
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. 

Experience with IR ceramic materials and manufacturing processes.
• Hands-on experience in optical fabrication techniques such as CNC polishing, asphere polishing, and MRF.
• Expertise in optical assembly process development and metrology.
• Ability to drive process design, development, and project planning in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to collaborate across teams.

For California, the salary pay range for this role is $88,550.00 - $156,684.00
 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.