Optical Simulation Engineer Jobs in Connecticut (NOW HIRING)

At Zygo, your skills and insights will be integral to our core values of curiosity, collaboration, and persistence. For over 50 years, Zygo Corporation in Middlefield, CT, has been a global leader in designing and manufacturing advanced optical metrology systems, ultra-precise optical components, and complex electro-optical systems and assemblies. Join our team, where your expertise will drive innovative solutions, address complex technical challenges, and uphold the highest standards of precision and safety. 

As a Training and Development Specialist, based in Middlefield, CT you will be responsible for designing, documenting, and delivering structured training programs that support onboarding and continuous development across technical production and engineering teams. Partnering with HR and Operational Excellence, you will drive creation and execution of a learning roadmap across the business. This role ensures that critical processes, systems, and technical knowledge are standardized, accessible, and effectively transferred to new hires and existing employees.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Process Documentation & Knowledge Management

• Capture, document, and maintain standardized operating procedures (SOPs), workflows, and technical processes across production and engineering functions
• Partner with subject matter experts (SMEs) to translate complex technical processes into clear, user-friendly training materials
• Develop and maintain centralized knowledge repositories (e.g., SharePoint, digital playbooks)
• Ensure documentation is regularly updated to reflect process improvements, system updates, and operational changes
• Establish governance for documentation consistency, version control, and accessibility

New Hire Onboarding & Training

• Partner with HR and key stakeholders to design and deliver structured onboarding programs
• Create role-specific learning paths, including hands-on, classroom, and digital learning components
• Facilitate onboarding sessions, technical training workshops, and knowledge transfer sessions

Training Program Development

• Conduct training needs analysis
• Design blended learning solutions (e-learning, instructor-led, job aids, simulations)
• Develop training materials including manuals, videos, quick-reference guides, and simulations
• Align training programs with safety, quality, and operational standards
• Integrate technical certifications and compliance requirements into training curricula

Continuous Improvement & Analytics

• Track and analyze training effectiveness using KPIs (e.g., time-to-productivity, error rates, training completion, quality metrics)
• Gather feedback from trainees and stakeholders to improve content and delivery methods
• Identify skills gaps and recommend targeted development initiatives
• Drive continuous improvement in learning methodologies and tools

REQUIRED SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in a technical field (or learning & development, industrial psychology or related field) with a minimum of 5 years of experience in training/learning/development, preferably in manufacturing environment.
• Problemsolving and productive decisionmaking skills
• Planful and organized, attention to detail, with ability to operate in a fastpaced environment
• Team leadership, stakeholder collaboration, and ability to coach and develop others
• Excellent listening skills and ability to communicate effectively at all levels of the organization
• Familiar with Lean, Six SIgma or process improvement methodologies preferred.
• Use of LMS platforms (SAP SuccessFactors), instructional design and documentation tools, and AI or other digital tools (Scribe, etc).

Bring your passion and commitment to Zygo, where we are curious, collaborative, persistent, and confident, where safety and quality guide every step of our journey. Grow with us as we solve complex challenges, inspire confidence, and drive excellence in manufacturing.

Are you ready to expand the boundaries of possibility, simplify the complex, and embody the values that define our success? We welcome your unique perspective and invite you to join us!

We offer competitive compensation, benefits, retirement (401k), and paid time off programs. Compensation and position level will be set based on experience.

*Due to the nature of Zygo Navitar's programs and products, applicants must have the legal right to work in the US and additionally must be legally authorized to access export-controlled information and source code.