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Infrared Detector Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Wafer Fab Equipment Engineer

Goleta, CA · On-site

$113K - $151K/yr

... of infrared detector devices. The role focuses on improving OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness ... The Equipment Engineer will be a liaison between process and maintenance providing handson ...

Wafer Fab Equipment Engineer

Goleta, CA · On-site

$113K - $151K/yr

... of infrared detector devices. The role focuses on improving OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness ... The Equipment Engineer will be a liaison between process and maintenance providing hands-on ...

Quality Engineer

Montgomeryville, PA · On-site

$70K - $91K/yr

Interface with Engineering, Procurement, and Operations to ensure transfer to Production of new or ... Experience with Read Out Integrated Circuits (ROIC), Infrared Detector Assemblies, and Hybrid ...

Quality Engineer

Montgomeryville, PA · On-site

$70K - $91K/yr

Interface with Engineering, Procurement, and Operations to ensure transfer to Production of new or ... Experience with Read Out Integrated Circuits (ROIC), Infrared Detector Assemblies, and Hybrid ...

Wafer Fab Equipment Engineer

Goleta, CA · On-site

$113K - $151K/yr

... of infrared detector devices. The role focuses on improving OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness ... The Equipment Engineer will be a liaison between process and maintenance providing hands-on ...

Under the general supervision of the Process Engineering Manager, coordinates and directs ... A strong understanding of infrared detector processes and materials is desirable, along w ...

Sr. Process Engineer

Goleta, CA · On-site

$113K - $151K/yr

Under the general supervision of the Process Engineering Manager, coordinates and directs ... A strong understanding of infrared detector processes and materials is desirable, along w ...

Process Technician

Goleta, CA · On-site

$58K - $78K/yr

This is the right place for a self-directed, goal-oriented, collaborative engineering technician ... Infrared detector technology Applicants must be either a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, legal ...

Process Technician

Goleta, CA · On-site

$58K - $78K/yr

This is the right place for a self-directed, goal-oriented, collaborative engineering technician ... Infrared detector technology Applicants must be either a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, legal ...

... detector team include deployment of ultraviolet, optical, and near-infrared detectors in large ... Design, engineering, and optimization of imaging sensors and their operating modes, typically ...

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Infrared Detector Engineer information

See salary details

$46K

$116.3K

$207.5K

How much do infrared detector engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for infrared detector engineer in the United States is $116,311.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $86,500.00 and $146,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Infrared Detector Engineers?

Infrared Detector Engineers are specialized professionals who design, develop, test, and maintain sensors and systems that detect infrared radiation. Their work enables technologies like night vision, thermal imaging, and spectroscopy used in industries such as defense, aerospace, medical diagnostics, and environmental monitoring. These engineers typically have backgrounds in electrical engineering, physics, or materials science and work with advanced materials and electronics to improve detector performance. They may also be involved in troubleshooting, calibration, and integration of infrared detectors into larger systems.

What is the difference between Infrared Detector Engineer vs Optical Engineer?

AspectInfrared Detector EngineerOptical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related fields; experience with IR sensorsBachelor's or Master's in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related fields; knowledge of optics and photonics
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, manufacturing facilities, R&D departmentsDesign studios, labs, manufacturing plants
Industry UsageDefense, aerospace, night vision, thermal imagingConsumer electronics, telecommunications, imaging systems

Infrared Detector Engineers focus on developing and optimizing IR sensors and detectors, primarily for thermal imaging and night vision applications. Optical Engineers work on designing and improving optical systems, including lenses and photonics components, often for imaging and communication devices. While both roles require a strong background in physics and optics, Infrared Detector Engineers specialize in IR-specific technologies, whereas Optical Engineers have a broader focus on light manipulation and system integration.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Infrared Detector Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Infrared Detector Engineer, you need a strong background in physics, electrical engineering, or materials science, often with an advanced degree and experience in semiconductor device fabrication. Familiarity with simulation software, cleanroom processes, and characterization tools such as spectrometers and cryogenic systems is typically required. Analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork make candidates stand out in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for advancing detector performance, ensuring precision in research, and meeting project goals in high-tech environments.

What are some common challenges faced by Infrared Detector Engineers when integrating detectors into larger systems?

Infrared Detector Engineers often encounter challenges related to thermal management, signal noise, and compatibility when integrating detectors into larger systems. Ensuring that the detector operates within optimal temperature ranges while minimizing interference from surrounding electronics requires careful design and testing. Additionally, engineers must collaborate closely with systems engineers and software developers to ensure seamless data acquisition and processing. Addressing these challenges often involves iterative prototyping, detailed simulations, and cross-disciplinary teamwork.
Wafer Fab Equipment Engineer

Wafer Fab Equipment Engineer

Teledyne

Goleta, CA • On-site

$113K - $151K/yr

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago


Teledyne Technologies rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 46 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

12th of 139 rated electronics manufacturers


Job description

Be visionary

Teledyne Technologies Incorporated provides enabling technologies for industrial growth markets that require advanced technology and high reliability. These markets include aerospace and defense, factory automation, air and water quality environmental monitoring, electronics design and development, oceanographic research, deepwater oil and gas exploration and production, medical imaging and pharmaceutical research.

We are looking for individuals who thrive on making an impact and want the excitement of being on a team that wins.

Job Description

Job Summary:

As part of the Uncooled Detector (Focal Plane Array) Low-Rate Production team, the Wafer Fab Equipment Engineer will be responsible for the ownership, reliability, and continuous improvement of wafer fabrication equipment supporting lowrate manufacturing of infrared detector devices. The role focuses on improving OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness) for equipment used in plasma etch, thin film deposition, lithography, and wet processing, while ensuring tools are safe, available, capable, and productionready. The Equipment Engineer will be a liaison between process and maintenance providing handson technical support for low-rate production activity; troubleshoot complex equipment issues; optimize preventive maintenance strategies; support the qualification, sustainment, and recovery of critical tools and modules; and own data analysis and trends for optimum equipment health. This role works closely with Process Engineering, Maintenance, and Quality teams to ensure stable execution of production commitments.

This is an ideal position for a selfdirected, technically strong, and collaborative engineer who enjoys handson equipment work, rootcause problem solving, and operating in a structured cleanroom production environment. The work environment is a mix of office and cleanroom settings, within a collaborative, supportive, and engaging team culture.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities:

  • Own and support assigned wafer fabrication tools and associated subsystems used in low-rate production
  • Troubleshoot, diagnose, and resolve equipment issues impacting safety, yield, schedule, or throughput
  • Drive equipment reliability improvements through root cause analysis and corrective/preventive actions
  • Partner with Process Engineers to ensure tools meet process capability and control requirements
  • Support handson wafer processing and recovery activities for production lots as needed
  • Collect, analyze, and trend equipment performance metrics (OEE, Uptime, MTBF, MTTR, repeat failures)
  • Improve equipment diagnostics, automation, and recovery procedures to reduce unplanned downtime
  • Document equipment procedures, configurations, and workflows in MESready formats
  • Ensure compliance with safety, cleanroom, and EHS requirements
  • Collaborate with Process, Maintenance, Quality, and R&D teams to support stable low-rate production execution

Job Qualifications:

  • Minimum Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related technical discipline
  • 1-5 years of relevant experience supporting semiconductor, MEMS, or microfabrication equipment
  • Familiarity with equipment metrics (MTBF, MTTR, OEE), SPC concepts, or structured escalation workflows
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills in English
  • Proficient computer skills, including JMP, Microsoft Word, Excel
  • Strong troubleshooting, rootcause analysis, and problemsolving skills
  • Ability to work handson with semiconductor fabrication equipment, including vacuum systems, RF plasma systems, motion control, and wet processing tools
  • Experience with one or more key wafer fabrication processes
  • Experience using basic inspection and diagnostic tools (e.g., microscopes, electrical test equipment; SEM/FIB exposure a plus)
  • Familiarity with cleanroom operations, safety practices, and controlled manufacturing environments
  • Must be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident

Desired Background

  • Exposure to infrared detectors, focal plane array, or imaging device fabrication
  • Experience developing and executing preventive maintenance strategies

Lean Six Sigma or other problem solving/decision making methods (8D, Kepner-Tregoe, or equivalent)

Salary Range:

$113,600.00-$151,400.000

The anticipated salary range listed for this role is only an estimate. Actual compensation for successful candidates is carefully determined based on several factors including, but not limited to, location, local regulations (such as minimum wage), education/training, work experience, key skills, and type of position.

Teledyne and all of our employees are committed to conducting business with the highest ethical standards. We require all employees to comply with all applicable laws, regulations, rules and regulatory orders. Our reputation for honesty, integrity and high ethics is as important to us as our reputation for making innovative sensing solutions.

Teledyne is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status, age, or any other characteristic or non-merit based factor made unlawful by federal, state, or local laws.


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