Research Assistant Software Developer Jobs in Traverse City, MI

Attalon / Location Overview

Attalon is a leading technology partner to the global aerospace and defense industry, specializing in the physics of light and heat. With over 500 employees in the U.S., Attalon engineers critical optical, laser, and coating technologies that enable systems to see farther, target faster, and survive the harshest environments. From high-energy directed laser systems to satellite optics and hypersonic thermal protection, Attalon equips the warfighter with the advantage of precision.

ATTALON  in Traverse City, Michigan is a vertically integrated manufacturing and R&D campus specializing in high‑performance optical isolators, photodetectors, and laser solutions for industrial, medical, scientific, and research applications. The site encompasses 40,000 sq. ft., including 15,000 sq. ft. of ISO 7 and ISO 8 cleanrooms certified to ISO 14644‑1:2015, enabling both high‑volume production and rapid prototyping in a controlled environment.

At ATTALON inc. in Traverse City, MI we foster a culture of innovation and collaboration. Our teams work in a state-of-the-art facility with advanced cleanrooms, precision manufacturing, and cutting-edge R&D labs, enabling us to deliver world-class optical solutions. We value continuous improvement, technical excellence, and teamwork, leveraging vertical integration to accelerate design cycles and meet challenging customer requirements. Employees thrive in an environment that combines high-tech engineering with hands-on problem solving, where ideas move quickly from concept to production. If you’re passionate about precision, creativity, and making an impact in photonics, you’ll fit right in.

Job Details

We are seeking a Manufacturing Engineer to join our team in Traverse City, Michigan. The successful candidate will have experience with manufacturing process development and support in a high-tech industry. The ideal candidate will be a detailed-oriented, hands-on engineer who will lead efforts to improve existing products and processes.

Responsibilities

Manufacturing Process Development and Improvement 

• Release new processes to production on time and within budget.
• Continuous process improvements made with cost reduction.
• Continuous process improvements made to eliminate/reduce dependency to expense items.
• Significantly improve yields for those products showing processing difficulties without increasing the unit cost.
• Deliver quality products to internal customer at all times.
• Completion of tasks and projects on time with a prompt response and technical documentation.
• Lead and coordinate projects within Engineering for process development.
• Provide technical and best practice guidance to Product Development and Manufacturing Engineering Technicians.

Manufacturing Process Support 

• Maintain current processes in focus areas to specifications set by process procedures and product specifications. 
• Develop and review standard operating procedures & train operators.
• Interact with suppliers to qualify new materials for processes. 
• Provide technical support to Assembly projects as well as companywide projects.
• React to production problems in real time to ensure timely delivery of the products.
• Respond to problem notes proactively in area of expertise.
• Design and deliver process equipment for process improvement.
• Ensure quality targets achieved while meeting cost targets.
• Assist with the creation of Engineering Change Notices (ECN) for existing products.
• Provide customer support for manufacturing issues.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical or Electrical preferred).
• 2-4 years of experience in manufacturing utilizing process control methodology.
• 2+ years of experience in direct manufacturing process engineering.
• Experience with advanced production technologies and evaluating and testing processes.
• Experience with Solidworks (or other 3D Modeling software) required.

Preferred Qualifications

• 5-7 years of experience in manufacturing utilizing process control methodology.
• 5+ years of experience in direct manufacturing process engineering.
• Experience working in a Lean manufacturing environment preferred.
• Labview and/or PLC Programing experience is a plus.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

Attalon, Inc. is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Export Control Compliance

This role involves access to technology, materials, software, or hardware subject to U.S. export control laws. Therefore, to be considered, candidates must be classified as a “U.S. Person” under applicable regulations or be eligible for authorization under a U.S. government export license.