Manufacturing Engineer

The Charlotte facility has been operating for over 40 years in the laser industry and has developed the reputation of providing the highest quality products with timely deliveries.
Within the facility, solid-state oxide and fluoride crystals are grown from a high-temperature melt. SYNOPTICS has full optical fabrication capabilities for various plano and spherical geometries. SYNOPTICS serves the photonics and optics industry across the globe.
Learn more about SYNOPTICS at our website: https://www.northropgrumman.com/space/synoptics/.

Hours:
Monday - Thursday
6:00am - 4:00pm
Friday
6:00am - 10:00am
Flexibility required as hours may fluctuate depending on business needs.
Job Description:

Support production and provide sustaining engineering for the Precision Fabrication Department

Design, develop, and implement technical solutions relating to optical fabrication including processes, tooling, and equipment

Oversee the formulation of process instructions and procedures, providing training to production personnel as needed

Serve as subject matter expert for optical engineering across the business, supporting internal or customer needs

Prepare cost estimations and work with Business Develop or customers to resolve technical problems

Act in a self-directed manner to implement improvements, conduct root cause analysis, and implement corrective actions

Oversee capital equipment purchases as needed, ensuring proper qualification and implementation

Partner with facilities staff for troubleshooting, repair, and preventive maintenance of local equipment as needed

Basic Qualifications:

B.S. Degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related technical field (strong emphasis on optics) with 2 years of experience; M.S Degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related technical field (strong emphasis on optics) with 0 years of experience. 6 years of relevant, related experience may be considered in lieu of degree.

Strong organizational and communication skills (both written and verbal)

Deep technical expertise in optics, including a vigorous work ethic, curiosity, and passion for technical problem solving

Ability to be hands-on in a manufacturing environment and become a subject matter expert for optical fabrication and metrology of various materials

Proficient in 3D CAD packages, such as Autodesk Inventor

Preferred Qualifications:

Direct experience in the optics and laser industry, with a solid understanding of optical fabrication techniques such as polishing and grinding, particularly for hard materials

Proficient in laser fundamentals and related materials

Experience in multiple technical areas such as mechanical, electrical, materials, or optical engineering

Knowledge of thin-film coatings and optical design a plus

Hands-on experience with manual and CNC machining, along with a strong practical understanding of GD&T for both mechanical and optical parameters

Experience with 3D printing

0.25 (Co-Op or Internship) to 5 years' experience in a manufacturing environment, with a clear focus on optical engineering or related optical technologies

Hazardous Materials: *Solvents

Primary Level Salary Range: $77,600.00 - $116,400.00The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

Client-provided location(s): Charlotte, NC

Job ID: NorthropGrumman-R10209792

Employment Type: OTHER

Posted: 2025-10-02T20:13:05