R&D Engineering Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

LightPath Technologies, Inc. is a leading global provider of precision optics and photonics solutions, serving defense, aerospace, medical, and industrial markets. With decades of expertise and a strong culture of innovation, LightPath designs and manufactures advanced optical components and systems that power some of the world’s most demanding applications. We offer a collaborative, technology-driven environment, opportunities to work on cutting-edge programs, and a comprehensive benefits package that supports our employees’ health, growth, and work-life balance.

We are currently looking for a Manager, Internal Fabrication & Metrology Tool Development to join our team onsite in our Orlando, FL office. We offer a 9/80 work schedule and foster a professional, high-energy culture where employees are empowered to succeed.

This position is responsible for leading the design, development, and deployment of advanced custom manufacturing and optical metrology systems that support infrared lens production and R&D. This role leads a multidisciplinary team in creating next-generation fabrication, test, and measurement solutions, including proprietary fabrication equipment, interferometric systems, and automated test platforms. The position requires both strong technical leadership and hands-on engineering capability, with a focus on enabling scalable, high-precision manufacturing and measurement processes.

Responsibilities:
Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop a multidisciplinary team of engineers and technicians (optical, mechanical, electrical, and software disciplines).
• Establish team goals, priorities, and performance expectations aligned with organizational objectives.
• Drive a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Support recruiting, onboarding, and professional development of team members.

Tool & System Development

• Own the full lifecycle development of internal fabrication and metrology systems:
  • Requirements definition
  • System architecture
  • Detailed design
  • Fabrication and assembly
  • Integration and validation
  • Production release and sustainment
• Design and develop custom fabrication equipment tailored to infrared optics manufacturing, including tooling for molded chalcogenide and other IR materials.
• Develop precision optical metrology systems, including:
  • Interferometers
  • Null lenses
  • Wavefront sensing systems
  • MTF benches
  • Imaging and automated inspection platforms

Technical Execution

• Define system-level performance requirements, including:
  • Measurement accuracy and uncertainty budgets
  • Repeatability and reproducibility
  • Throughput and yield impact
• Lead opto-mechanical design, alignment strategies, and calibration methodologies.
• Oversee development of automation and data acquisition systems (LabVIEW, Python, MATLAB).
• Ensure robust system documentation, including design records, calibration procedures, and user documentation.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Manufacturing, Quality, Optical Design, and R&D teams to:
  • Identify capability gaps
  • Translate product and process needs into tooling requirements
  • Support NPI and production scale-up
• Provide technical leadership in root cause analysis, yield improvement, and process optimization initiatives.

Quality, Compliance & Standards

• Establish and maintain calibration traceability and measurement system validation.
• Ensure all internally developed systems meet AS9100 and/or ISO 17025 standards.
• Support internal and external audits related to metrology systems and calibration processes. Program & Project Management
• Manage multiple concurrent development programs, including:
  • Project timelines and milestones
  • Resource allocation
  • Budget management
• Provide regular status updates to senior leadership.
• Identify and mitigate technical and program risks.

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Mechanical Engineering, or related field
• 7+ years of experience in precision instrumentation, metrology, or optical systems development
• 3+ years of leadership experience managing technical teams
• Hands-on experience with:
  • Opto-mechanical design and alignment
  • Optical metrology systems
  • Calibration and measurement systems
• Strong understanding of measurement uncertainty and system validation
• Experience working in a regulated manufacturing environment
• Must be authorized to work in the U.S. and eligible for required U.S. Government authorizations (ITAR)

Preferred

• M.S. or Ph.D. in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field
• Experience with infrared optics or molded glass materials
• Proficiency in Python, MATLAB, LabVIEW, or similar tools
• Experience designing custom interferometric or imaging systems
• Familiarity with automation, robotics, or advanced manufacturing equipment
• Experience implementing ISO 17025-compliant metrology systems