Designs, develops, tests, validates, and documents optical and opto-mechanical systems for multi-laser metal additive manufacturing platforms. Responsibilities include laser beam delivery design, optical testing, alignment, calibration, supplier management, system integration, troubleshooting, documentation, manufacturability improvements, and project coordination from concept through production.
The Senior Optical / Opto-Mechanical Engineer researches, develops, designs, tests, evaluates, and documents optical and opto-mechanical components, subassemblies, equipment, and systems, applying principles and techniques of optical and mechanical engineering to Velo3D's multi-laser metal additive manufacturing platforms. This position is responsible to work independently and as a member of a team supporting the development of capital equipment. Candidates with less than the experience listed below may be considered at a level commensurate with their experience.
Essential Functions
- Design and document optical and opto-mechanical systems and components, such as laser beam delivery assemblies, scan lenses, galvanometer scan heads, beam combiners/splitters, and protective windows.
- Propose specifications, create test plans, and conduct validation for optical and opto-mechanical designs.
- Maintain and create optical layout drawings, alignment/calibration procedures, and opto-mechanical schematics for current and future products.
- Manage suppliers for prototype and production optical and photonic components.
- Support supply chain for management of end-of-life and obsolescence of optical and laser components.
- Provide optical engineering expertise in support of other job functions, including hardware/software/process engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, and field service.
- Conduct system level integration and validation of designs (testing and troubleshooting).
- Drive continuous improvement related to enhancing optical performance, reliability, and manufacturability.
- Drive full documentation of design including BOM, drawings, and procedures.
- Oversee and coordinate activities involved in fabrication, alignment, calibration, installation, and repair of optical and opto-mechanical systems.
- Manage small to mid-sized projects from concept to production.
- Collaborate in a team environment working with Hardware, Software, and Process.
- Participate in team and other assigned meetings.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited university in Optical Engineering, Physics, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field, or higher.
- 3+ years of experience in Optical or Opto-Mechanical Systems Design and Development (6+ years for consideration at the Senior level).
- Experience with optical design and analysis software, such as Zemax or CODE V.
- Experience with mechanical CAD, such as Solidworks.
- Experience with designing optical or laser systems for complex capital equipment in high value adding industries, such as additive, semiconductor, or photonics.
- Hands on experience with prototyping, aligning, calibrating, or troubleshooting complex optical or laser systems.
- Working knowledge of laser beam delivery hardware, such as beam expanders, scan lenses, galvanometer scanners, dynamic focusing units, or beam combining/splitting optics.
- Good experience in opto-mechanical design including GD&T, tolerance stack-up, and quality detail drawing documentation.
- Familiarity with laser safety standards, such as IEC 60825.
- Systems level thinker with experience working on complex optical and mechanical systems.
- High level of commitment to contribute to a positive, high-paced and results-oriented work environment.
- Willing and able to work “hands-on” to build, integrate, align, and test newly developed optical systems and/or subsystems.
- Self-driven and independent thinking. Ability to work independently.
- Strong desire to work for a company on disruptive technologies and make it a success.
- Strong written and oral communication skills.
- Experience with multi-laser or multi-beam array systems a plus but not required.
- Metal additive manufacturing experience a plus but not required.
- Experience with high-power fiber laser systems and associated beam delivery hardware.
Experience with risk analysis methods such as FMEA or ISO12100.
Desired Qualifications
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