Posted:
10/1/2025, 5:17:41 AM
Location(s):
North Carolina, United States ⋅ Charlotte, North Carolina, United States
Experience Level(s):
Junior ⋅ Mid Level ⋅ Senior
Field(s):
Mechanical Engineering
An organization within Northrop Grumman’s Payload and Ground Systems (PGS) division, SYNOPTICS is the world-wide leader in the growth, fabrication, and coating of crystalline materials used in laser systems. These “solid-state” laser crystals are used in products ranging from medical lasers to military laser systems.
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
Website: https://northropgrumman.com/
Headquarter Location: Falls Church, Virginia, United States
Employee Count: 10001+
Year Founded: 1994
IPO Status: Public
Last Funding Type: Grant
Industries: Data Integration ⋅ Manufacturing ⋅ Remote Sensing ⋅ Security ⋅ Software