Photonics Manufacturing Engineer

Manufacturing Engineer Location: Greater Boston AreaPosition OverviewWe are seeking a hands-on Manufacturing Engineer to support the development, optimization, and sustainment of automated and semi-automated manufacturing systems used in advanced photonics and laser product assembly. This individual will play a key role in improving process capability, throughput, and production stability within a fast-paced manufacturing environment.The ideal candidate will work cross-functionally with Manufacturing, Process Engineering, Quality, and Product Development teams to transition new processes into production and support ongoing manufacturing scale-up efforts.ResponsibilitiesAutomation & Equipment DevelopmentDesign, develop, and support automated and semi-automated assembly equipment including motion systems, machine vision, metrology tools, dispense/weld systems, and curing platforms.Integrate automation hardware such as precision stages, sensors, controllers, interlocks, and data acquisition systems.Develop equipment requirements, acceptance criteria, qualification plans, and production release documentation.Support preventative maintenance strategies, calibration activities, spare part management, and overall equipment lifecycle support.Troubleshoot equipment issues and drive reliability improvements using structured root-cause analysis methodologies.Design fixtures, tooling, and assembly/test stations using CAD tools.Required QualificationsBachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field.5+ years of manufacturing engineering experience within a precision assembly environment.Experience developing, troubleshooting, or supporting automation equipment in production.Strong understanding of DOE, SPC, root-cause analysis, and continuous improvement methodologies.Comfortable working in a hands-on manufacturing environment with rapid iteration and process optimization.Proficiency with SolidWorks or similar CAD software.Preferred QualificationsExperience with active fiber alignment and precision photonics assembly processes.Familiarity with laser welding, epoxy attach processes, UV/thermal curing, and contamination control practices.Background in motion control systems, encoders, PID tuning, and precision positioning systems.Programming or scripting experience in Python, LabVIEW, C#, C++, or similar.Familiarity with optical metrology and inspection tools including power meters, microscopes, and machine vision systems.Experience working within ISO 9001 or AS9100 manufacturing environments.