Production Metrology Engineer

The Production Metrology Engineer is responsible for supporting manufacturing operations through the measurement, inspection, evaluation, and analysis of optical components and infrared materials. This position develops and maintains production metrology methods, ensures the accuracy and repeatability of measurement systems, and provides critical data to support product quality, process improvement, and customer requirements.

The Production Metrology Engineer works closely with Production, Engineering, Quality, and Operations teams to establish standardized metrology practices, evaluate product conformance, and identify equipment and tooling requirements necessary to support manufacturing growth and operational excellence. The role supports optical component production including diamond turned optics, molded optics, chalcogenide glass materials, and infrared assemblies. 

Responsibilities:

• Perform LuphoScan measurements on production optics, molds, and developmental components to verify conformance to engineering specifications and customer requirements.
• Develop, document, and implement standardized metrology and data collection methods across production work centers.
• Facilitate efficient collection, storage, analysis, and reporting of production measurement data to support process control and traceability.
• Inspect and disposition chalcogenide glass boules utilizing infrared camera inspection techniques and FTIR analysis.
• Evaluate material quality, homogeneity, inclusions, striae, and other optical characteristics to support production release decisions.
• Perform incoming, in-process, and final inspection activities on optical components and infrared materials.
• Evaluate customer Return Material Authorizations (RMAs) for diamond turned optics and other optical components to determine root cause and corrective actions.
• Analyze dimensional, form, surface, and optical performance data to identify trends affecting yield and product quality.
• Inspect and measure chalcogenide glass plates for homogeneity, inclusions, and material consistency.
• Generate technical reports, inspection records, and disposition documentation.
• Collaborate with Production, Engineering, and Quality teams to resolve nonconformances and improve manufacturing processes.
• Identify tooling, fixturing, software, calibration, and equipment requirements necessary to support production metrology operations.
• Assist with the selection, qualification, installation, and validation of metrology equipment.
• Develop work instructions, procedures, and training materials related to metrology processes and measurement systems.
• Support internal audits, customer audits, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Maintain compliance with ISO, AS9100, and customer quality requirements where applicable. 

Qualifications

Experience/Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Optical Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, Manufacturing Engineering or related technical discipline.
• Three (3) years of experience in optical manufacturing, metrology, quality engineering or related technical field.
• Experience using precision measurement equipment and data analysis tools.
• Strong understanding of optical metrology principles and precision measurement techniques.
• Experience with non-contact metrology systems including LuphoScan or equivalent optical measurement equipment.
• Knowledge of FTIR spectroscopy, infrared imaging systems, and optical material characterization methods.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, optical specifications, GD&T, and tolerance analyses.
• Experience collecting, organizing, and analyzing measurement data using statistical methods.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to independently prioritize work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Experience creating technical reports and process documentation.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to data accuracy.
• Must be authorized to work and reside in the US and must be eligible for any required authorizations from the U.S. Government to confirm with, but not limited to, U.S. export control regulations (ITAR).

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong understanding of optical metrology principles and precision measurement techniques.
• Experience with non-contact metrology systems including LuphoScan or equivalent optical measurement equipment.
• Knowledge of FTIR spectroscopy, infrared imaging systems, and optical material characterization methods.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, optical specifications, GD&T, and tolerance analyses.
• Experience collecting, organizing, and analyzing measurement data using statistical methods.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to independently prioritize work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Experience creating technical reports and process documentation.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to data accuracy.