Optics Metrology Specialist

Job Summary:

The Optics Metrology Specialist serves as a technical expert in both contact and non-contact optical profilometry systems, responsible for high-precision measurement, data analysis, and engineering support. This role supports production and development by ensuring accurate characterization of complex optical components and systems, including aspheric and freeform surfaces, while driving continuous improvement through automation and closed-loop manufacturing integration.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Optical Metrology & Measurement

•    Perform high-precision metrology on aspheric and freeform optical components using advanced profilometry and interferometry systems 

•    Operate and interpret multi-wavelength interferometry systems to achieve sub-micron measurement accuracy 

•    Develop and maintain uncertainty budgets, accounting for environmental variables such as temperature and vibration 

•    Conduct correlation studies to validate measurement accuracy across systems and processes 

Applications Engineering (Metrology)

•    Serve as a bridge between manufacturing and metrology, ensuring measurement methods align with production processes 

•    Provide technical guidance on measurement strategies for new and existing optical products 

•    Support new product introduction by defining metrology requirements and validation methods 

Metrology Programming & Automation

•    Develop and maintain scripts for automated measurement routines 

•    Program complex geometric alignments and optimize measurement workflows 

•    Integrate metrology data into closed-loop manufacturing systems to support process control and improvement 

Technical Specialist / SME

•    Act as the primary point of contact for metrology-related troubleshooting in a production environment 

•    Lead alignment issue resolution and root cause analysis 

•    Establish and maintain “Golden Part” standards for system calibration and benchmarking 

•    Train and mentor team members on metrology best practices and system operation

Additional Responsibilities:

•    Contributes to assigned special projects that support departmental or organizational objectives.

•    Completes additional duties assigned to support business needs.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, talk and/or hear. The employee is frequently required to use hands to finger, handle or feel. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch and/or crawl. The employee must also occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities include close vision and color vision. Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete and abstract variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.  The noise level in the work environment may range from low, moderate to loud.

Education, Skills and Experience:

•    Bachelor’s degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Mechanical Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience) 

•    5+ years of experience in optical metrology, preferably in a manufacturing environment 

•    Hands-on experience with interferometry and optical profilometry systems 

•    Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills

•    Strong understanding of aspheric and freeform characterization, including Zernike polynomials, surface form analysis, and slope error evaluation 

•    Expertise in interferometry and profilometry, including multi-wavelength interferometry and advanced optical measurement systems 

•    Proficiency in system calibration, including automated centering, leveling, and reference sphere calibration 

•    Working knowledge of substrate behavior, including how materials (e.g., OKP4, LCP, ground vs. polished surfaces) impact measurement signals 

•    Advanced data analysis skills, with the ability to interpret complex metrology data and translate findings into actionable insights 

•    Experience with automation and programming, including scripting and integration of metrology systems into automated manufacturing environments