Optical Engineer

IDEX Corporation

Enterprise Optical Engineer developing optical solutions and leading projects from concept to prototype delivery for GSD's Strategic Intent. Collaborating with customers to address complex challenges in optics design and manufacturing processes.

Posted 5/27/2026full-timeRemote • Colorado • 🇺🇸 United StatesMid-LevelSeniorWebsite

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

AssemblyPython

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Develop optical solutions for responding to priority market needs targeted by GSD’s Strategic Intent.
Identify new opportunities with existing and growth customers to deploy MSS capabilities.
Supports the commercial, program management, and site teams to drive growth and meet new market needs aligned with GSD Strategic Intent, including new product development, technology deployment, and ensuring scalability.
Directly interface with customers for technical and commercial matters.
Provide technical expertise and develop customer application-specific solutions, including feasibility, costing, and lead time estimates.
Supports system level discussions by bringing an optical system level view.
Thoroughly and comprehensively understand the capabilities of IDEX’s GSD manufacturing sites.
Lead NPI process for custom-engineered solutions from concept through qualification, quotation, prototype delivery, and hand-off to Operations for OEM production.
Translate customer needs and specifications into manufacturable designs using CAD, coating design, and COTS and custom optical system simulation tools.
Represent the GSD Team and GSD Strategic Intent, and consistently exhibit GSD Team Behaviors to customers and MSS site teams.
Represent GS&D at defense industry events, conferences, and trade shows.
Perform tolerance analysis and feasibility studies to ensure alignment with IDEX GSD manufacturing capabilities.
Generate detailed technical documentation for prototypes.
Support prototype-to-production process at manufacturing sites.
Troubleshoot technical issues and support customer returns and complaints.
Creates, effectively writes, and communicates multi-site proposals to customers.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Mechanical Engineering (with optics focus), or related field.
3-5 years’ experience in optical assembly support; tolerance alignment experience in defense or space preferred.
Proficiency with Code V or OpticsStudio and SolidWorks; familiarity with MATLAB/Python is a plus.
Hands-on experience with wavefront measurement, active alignment, and metrology setups.
Understanding of manufacturing processes for optical components and assemblies.
Experience in technical documentation and specification generation.
Strong communication skills; comfortable in customer-facing role.
Ability to work in ambiguous environments, manage multiple projects, and meet deadlines.
Ability to travel as needed to meet with customers, attend industry events, and to provide site support.
Must meet ITAR/EAR requirements (U.S. Citizenship, Permanent Residency, or contract-specific licensure).

Benefits

Comp & perks

Health benefits
401(k) retirement savings program with company match
PTO
Performance based bonus plan

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

optical solutions developmentoptical assembly supporttolerance alignmentNPI processfeasibility studiestechnical documentationmanufacturable designswavefront measurementactive alignmentmetrology setups

Soft Skills

strong communication skillscustomer-facing roleability to work in ambiguous environmentsproject managementdeadline management

Certifications

Bachelor’s degree in Optical EngineeringBachelor’s degree in PhysicsBachelor’s degree in Mechanical EngineeringITAR/EAR compliance