Job description

A Day in Your Life at MKS: MKS Systems Irvine is growing very rapidly with significant strategic investments in the development and fabrication of cutting-edge, high precision optics, opto-mechanical assemblies, fiber optic module assemblies, and systems. To manufacture these products, Systems Irvine is seeking individuals like you to join our team as Principal Optical Engineer. In this position, you will provide technical leadership in the design and development of complex optical systems by coordinating cross-functional development activities. If you have a passion for working with cutting-edge technology, this is the role for you! You Will Make an Impact By: Architect and design complex optical paths and hybrid systems. Utilize industry-standard modeling software to simulate beam propagation in both free-space and fiber-optic configurations. Define and select active and passive optical components, including laser diodes, AOMs, WDMs, isolators, etc. Manage integration of these components with mechanical and electronic control systems. Lead and work the physical realization of designs on the optical bench. Build, align, and test optical components and systems, including precision alignment and fiber splicing, to verify performance and quality. Collaborate with cross-functional teams and interact with suppliers to transition prototypes into scalable, manufacturable products. Skills You Bring: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Physics, or equivalent; graduate coursework preferred. 8 years of related industry experience in optical product design and development Strong foundation in optics and photonics, including beam propagation, fiber‑optic principles, and laser fundamentals, with proficiency in optical design and analysis using Zemax or equivalent tools. Skill in functional demonstration and prototyping, including rapid optical setup, iterative design refinement, troubleshooting, and validation. Hands‑on experience with optical alignment, optical metrology, and common test instruments (beam profilers, OSAs, power meters, interferometers). Familiarity with systems integration and working knowledge of mechanical tolerances, opto‑mechanical hardware, and electronic control interfaces. Effective communication skills for working cross‑functionally and documenting technical work. Physical Demands and Working Conditions: Office and laboratory work is required, with regular work in a cleanroom environment. Wearing of Personal Protective Equipment as well as cleanroom garb is required Must be able to lift, move, or position equipment up to 35 pounds while working in a laboratory environment Noise level in the laboratory environment can temporarily be elevated, but does not typically require PPE Travel Requirements: Up to 5-15% Travel is required, including international travel We are interested in a qualified candidate who is eligible to work in the United States. However, we will not be sponsoring work visas for this position, at this time. Compensation and Benefits: Salary Pay Range: $175,000 - $195,000 per year. This range is a good faith estimate of the expected salary range for this position, based on a wide range of factors including qualifications, experience and training, operational and business needs and other considerations permitted by law.  At MKS, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for the role. Bonus: This position is eligible for a discretionary annual bonus, in an amount to be determined by MKS [or as applicable]. Benefits: MKS offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance coverage (medical, dental and vision), 401(k) with company match, life and disability insurance, 12 paid holidays, sick time, 15 paid vacation days, [6 weeks fully paid] parental leave, adoption assistance and tuition reimbursement [and for participation in any stock programs, signing bonus, etc.]. MKS is an equal opportunity employer, including disability, veteran status and all categories protected by law. Please review our EOE statements for additional details. MKS will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act and the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers. #LI-EK1 Globally, our policy is to recruit individuals from wide and diverse backgrounds. However, certain positions require access to controlled goods and technologies subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) or Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Applicants for these positions may need to be “U.S. persons.” “U.S. persons” are generally defined as U.S. citizens, noncitizen nationals, lawful permanent residents (or, green card holders), individuals granted asylum, and individuals admitted as refugees. MKS Inc. and its affiliates and subsidiaries (“MKS”) is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer: diverse candidates are encouraged to apply. We win as a team and are committed to recruiting and hiring qualified applicants regardless of race, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions), religion, age, ancestry, physical or mental disability or handicap, marital status, membership in the uniformed services, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, or any other category protected by applicable law. Hiring decisions are based on merit, qualifications and business needs. We conduct background checks and drug screens, in accordance with applicable law and company policies. MKS is generally only hiring candidates who reside in states where we are registered to do business. MKS is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process due to a disability, please contact us at: accommodationsatMKS mksinst.com . If applying for a specific job, please include the requisition number (ex: RXXXX), the title and location of the role

Requirements

Must-haves

Architect and design complex optical paths and hybrid systems. Utilize industry-standard modeling software to simulate beam propagation in both free-space and fiber-optic configurations.
Define and select active and passive optical components, including laser diodes, AOMs, WDMs, isolators, etc. Manage integration of these components with mechanical and electronic control systems.
Lead and work the physical realization of designs on the optical bench. Build, align, and test optical components and systems, including precision alignment and fiber splicing, to verify performance and quality.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams and interact with suppliers to transition prototypes into scalable, manufacturable products.
8 years of related industry experience in optical product design and development
Strong foundation in optics and photonics, including beam propagation, fiber‑optic principles, and laser fundamentals, with proficiency in optical design and analysis using Zemax or equivalent tools.
Skill in functional demonstration and prototyping, including rapid optical setup, iterative design refinement, troubleshooting, and validation.
Hands‑on experience with optical alignment, optical metrology, and common test instruments (beam profilers, OSAs, power meters, interferometers).
Familiarity with systems integration and working knowledge of mechanical tolerances, opto‑mechanical hardware, and electronic control interfaces.
Effective communication skills for working cross‑functionally and documenting technical work.
Office and laboratory work is required, with regular work in a cleanroom environment. Wearing of Personal Protective Equipment as well as cleanroom garb is required
Must be able to lift, move, or position equipment up to 35 pounds while working in a laboratory environment
Noise level in the laboratory environment can temporarily be elevated, but does not typically require PPE
Travel Requirements: Up to 5-15% Travel is required, including international travel
We are interested in a qualified candidate who is eligible to work in the United States. However, we will not be sponsoring work visas for this position, at this time.
If applying for a specific job, please include the requisition number (ex: RXXXX), the title and location of the role

Nice-to-haves

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Physics, or equivalent; graduate coursework preferred.

Application prep

Use the role’s language and application details while tailoring your materials.

Platform: workday
Effort: long

Benefits

Benefits detected in the listing.

Health Insurance

Dental

Vision

401(K)

Pto

Parental Leave