Optical Metrology Engineer Jobs in Rochester, NY

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Lead Engineer - Metrology Engineering
Semrock Optical Filters, IH&S
Position Summary

ITAR/EAR CRITERIA:

Certain positions with IDEX Corporation and its business units require access to controlled goods and technologies subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations or the Export Administration Regulations. Applicants for these positions may need to be "U.S. Persons," as defined in these regulations. Generally, a "U.S. Person" is a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, lawful permanent resident, or an individual who has been granted refugee or asylum status.

Who is IDEX Health & Science (IH&S)?

As a business unit of IDEX Corporation, IH&S has a long history of driving growth in life sciences and healthcare by embracing innovation and redefining the supplier-customer relationship. The work we do every day allows us to discover key insights and break new ground to create some of the most meaningful technologies that have a lasting impact on companies, industries, and society. One of business segments is called Life Science Optics and we are looking to add more talent to the team.

The Lead Engineer, Metrology Engineering is a senior technical leader responsible for executing the development and advancement of measurement systems and methodologies for high-performance optical interference filters. This role is
critical to ensuring the accuracy, repeatability, and scalability of metrology solutions supporting volume manufacturing, product development, and R&D.

This position combines deep expertise in optical metrology with hands-on system design and technical leadership. The engineer will drive innovation in measurement science, execute technical direction, and enable best-in-class metrology capabilities across both production and engineering environments.

This is a highly hands-on individual contributor role, requiring significant direct engagement with optical systems and measurement hardware, while also leading complex projects and influencing cross-functional teams.

Key Responsibilities
Technical Leadership & Strategy
Execute the long-term vision and roadmap for optical metrology capabilities.
Serve as the subject matter expert in optical measurement systems for interference filters and precision optics.
Lead cross-functional initiatives aligning metrology capabilities with product requirements, coating processes, and manufacturing needs.
Evaluate, develop, and deploy advanced measurement technologies and methodologies.

Metrology System Development
Design and deploy advanced metrology systems supporting both engineering characterization and high volume manufacturing, including technical ownership and evolution of proprietary platforms such as the Kola Deep Spectral Measurement System, a Laser Focus World Gold Innovation Award winner, recognized for setting industry benchmarks in spectral measurement performance and invented by Semrock's Metrology Engineering team.
Provide deep technical expertise in:

• High-accuracy spectrophotometry, including transmission and reflection versus wavelength across varying angles of incidence, with understanding of polarization, coherence, and stray light effects
• Wavefront interferometry for measurement of transmitted wavefront error (TWE), reflected wavefront error (RWE), and optical surface flatness

Develop and maintain robust calibration methods, standards, and measurement best practices. Support external audits.
Perform and lead Measurement System Analysis (MSA), including GR&R, uncertainty quantification, and system validation.

Optical Hardware & Test System Design
Design, specify, and troubleshoot optical measurement hardware and systems, including:

• Optical monitoring systems for thin-film coating processes
• Custom optical test equipment systems and optical bench setups for both production environments and NRE engineering work

Provide expertise in optical source and detector systems, including:

• Lasers, LEDs, and broadband (white-light) sources
• Radiometric and photometric power measurements
• Calibration approaches and long-term stability considerations

Drive integration of optomechanical, optical, and electronic components plus software into reliable, scalable test systems.

Process & Manufacturing Support
Partner closely with manufacturing and process engineering teams to ensure metrology supports yield, process control, and product qualification.
Improve measurement throughput, automation, and data acquisition systems for production environments.
Maintain and improve SPC frameworks tied to optical performance metrics.

Data Analysis & Modeling
Develop frameworks linking metrology data with optical design models and thin-film performance.
Analyze measurement datasets to diagnose product and process issues.
Collaborate with optical design teams to correlate measured vs. modeled results and refine performance predictions.

Standards, Quality & Compliance
Develop and maintain metrology standards aligned with ISO, NIST-traceable calibration practices.
Lead system validation, audits, and continuous improvement of measurement reliability.
Ensure compliance with internal quality systems and external customer requirements.

Mentorship & Technical Influence
Mentor technicians and engineers across metrology, optics, and manufacturing disciplines.
Uphold high standards for technical rigor and engineering excellence.
Influence engineering practices and provide leadership in technical decision-making.
Represent the organization in technical reviews, customer discussions, and external collaborations.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Master's Degree or PhD in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field.

• Minimum of seven (7) years in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field, preferably in a manufacturing environment

INTERPERSONAL QUALIFICATIONS:

• Excellent analytical skills with a strong focus on accuracy and attention to detail

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

• Ability to work and contribute in a virtual team environment

• Self-motivated, focused and able to identify needs and implement solutions with minimal supervision

• Understanding of fundamental financial concepts, practices, and procedures

TOTAL REWARDS (May Vary by State)

While the full compensation range for this role is listed below, ouranticipated hiring range is $125,000-$140,000. This projected range is an estimate and will vary based on each candidate's experience and qualifications, so it is not a guaranteed offer amount. This position may also be eligible for a performance-based bonus plan.

Are you ready to join a different kind of company where our people, our culture, and our commitments are centered around providing trusted solutions that improve lives around the world?

Total Rewards

Benefits Package

Our comprehensive U.S. benefit offerings include: Health benefits, 401(k) retirement savings program with company match, PTO, and more. More information on our benefits and rewards can be found on our career page:https://www.idexcorp.com/careers/our-benefits-and-rewards/

IDEX is an Equal Opportunity Employer. IDEX gives consideration for employment to qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, creed, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other consideration or protected category made unlawful by federal, state or local laws.

Attention Applicants: If you are an individual with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application process, please let us know.Likewise, if you are limited in the ability to access or use this online application process and need an alternative method for applying, we will determine an alternate way for you to apply. Please contact our Talent Acquisition Team at lfcareers@idexcorp.com for assistance with an accommodation. These contact tools may be used only by individuals with a disability for accommodation requests. Do not inquire as to the status of an application.