Operations Engineer I

COMPANY SUMMARY

Alluxa is a technology company that provides specialized optical filters and thin-film precision coatings for the most challenging applications in the industrial technology, life sciences, and semiconductor markets.  The company’s products are developed through a proprietary coating process using state-of-the-art, advanced equipment.  Alluxa partners with customers across major end markets to provide customized, complex precision coating solutions through Alluxa’s specialized technology platform and proprietary processes. Learn more about Alluxa:  https://www.alluxa.com/why-alluxa/

POSITION SUMMARY 

The Operations Engineer I performs assigned engineering work focused on the design, development, characterization, and improvement of precision optical coatings. This role contributes to manufacturing, quality, innovation, and process improvement activities through coating design, process development, metrology, equipment optimization, data analysis, and technical documentation. The role applies engineering analysis and judgment to make technical recommendations, resolve assigned product or process issues, and lead small assigned engineering projects within defined scope. All duties require a commitment to safety, quality, accuracy, and execution with excellence through continuous improvement, performance, integrity, and respect for people and the Company’s mission. Ideal candidates are reliable, detail-oriented, collaborative, technically curious, professional in conduct, and motivated to learn, solve problems, improve processes, and contribute to team success.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 

Thin Film Design, Manufacturing, and Process Support

• Perform assigned thin film coating design, process development, manufacturing engineering, and production troubleshooting activities.
• Design optical coatings to meet customer, internal, performance, manufacturability, and production requirements.
• Translate assigned coating designs into production-ready recipes, process instructions, and related manufacturing requirements using Company software and systems.
• Evaluate coating designs, process conditions, and production results to identify technical risks, improve manufacturability, and recommend actions that improve coating performance and repeatability.
• Troubleshoot assigned coating, metrology, substrate preparation, surface quality, equipment, and process issues to improve production flow, reduce variation, and resolve technical problems.
• Work cross-functionally with Sales, Operations, Engineering, Planning, Quality, and other stakeholders to interpret technical requirements, coordinate technical inputs, and advance assigned manufacturing actions to completion.
• Lead small assigned engineering projects from definition through implementation, including planning, data review, documentation, follow-up, and communication of results.
• Develop and implement small-scale engineering improvements focused on cost, quality, productivity, safety, capability, yield, coating repeatability, and process stability.

Product Testing, Data Review, and Quality Engineering

• Develop, maintain, and improve assigned product test methods, instructions, and data review practices used to verify coating performance and customer requirements.
• Analyze coating runs, metrology results, test data, specifications, and customer requirements to make technical recommendations within assigned scope related to product disposition, process adjustments, and corrective actions.
• Analyze and organize product performance data to inform internal review, customer documentation, investigations, and process improvement.
• Interpret customer optical, dimensional, drawing, and specification requirements to contribute to accurate internal product and process specifications.
• Evaluate and contribute to resolving technical product, process, documentation, and customer-related questions in coordination with Sales, Marketing, Quality, Operations, and other teams.

Documentation, Training, and Technical Development

• Develop, implement, and maintain technical documentation for assigned engineering methods, test activities, process changes, and controlled procedures.
• Provide technical training and knowledge transfer to technicians, specialists, and other employees on defined methods, tools, processes, and documentation.
• Build and apply technical knowledge in thin film coating, optical design, metrology, process development, and related technologies to improve design, manufacturing, testing, and troubleshooting methods.

Compliance, Continuous Improvement, and General Responsibilities

• Obtain and maintain required certifications, licenses, qualifications, or training as needed to meet Company, customer, regulatory, and industry requirements.
• Follow Company quality, environmental, sustainability, and safety policies; identify and escalate safety concerns; and apply safe work practices in assigned activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor/management.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in a STEM discipline, such as materials science, engineering, physics, or a related field; OR high school diploma or equivalent plus 10 years of directly relevant thin film coating experience in engineering, process development, or technical process support.
• Experience using Microsoft Office, advanced Excel, engineering software, or technical systems to compile data, review results, and support technical decisions.
• Experience applying statistical analysis, experimental design, test plans, test methods, and technical reporting to evaluate product and process performance.
• Ability to interpret technical specifications, communicate clearly, write accurate documentation, manage multiple priorities, and work with a high degree of accuracy.
• Familiarity with engineering design software, CAD tools, or related technical applications.
• Familiarity with precision measurement tools, lab instrumentation, metrology equipment, or process monitoring systems.
• Collaborative, reliable, and motivated to meet goals and improve processes.
• Must maintain satisfactory attendance, including timeliness.
• This position may involve access to information subject to U.S. Export Controls.  Any job offer may be contingent upon the applicant’s ability to meet applicable export control requirements.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE:

• Experience in thin film manufacturing or a technical manufacturing environment involving optical coating, metrology, process development, product testing, or engineering projects.
• Experience with thin film or optical design software, such as TFCalc, OptiLayer, or similar tools.
• Experience developing or maintaining Standard Operating Procedures, Job Safety/Hazard Analysis, Work Instructions, or other controlled documentation.
• Hands-on experience with metrology equipment, such as spectrophotometers, laser measurement systems, Zygo interferometers, flatness measurement systems, part measurement systems, or similar tools.
• Exposure to thin-film and high-vacuum process design, including hardware systems, tooling, fixtures, or related manufacturing support systems.
• Familiarity with lean manufacturing methods and tools, including 5S, SPC, root cause analysis, FMEA, 8D, DFM, NPI, and continuous improvement.
• Familiarity with quality, environmental, safety, and industry standards such as ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, ISO 10110, ISO 14997, AS9100, Cal/OSHA, and cleanroom requirements.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work within a manufacturing environment; moderate temperature and noise level, occasionally elevated.
• Ability to remain in a seated or standing position for the duration of the scheduled shift, as required by job duties.
• Ability to handle delicate optical components, samples, and precision tools with fine manual control while following contamination control and handling protocols.
• Ability to perform overhead and elevated tasks, including ladder work, while maintaining stability, reach, and control.
• Ability to work in various positions, including reaching, stooping, standing, bending, sitting, kneeling, and squatting for extended periods; able to perform repetitive hand tasks while standing or sitting for up to 10 hours.
• Ability to work with solvents, cleaning agents, lasers, sharp instruments, vacuum equipment, and high-temperature equipment while following safety and part handling protocols.
• Visual acuity for close and mid-range tasks, including viewing small components, reviewing data, and using a microscope or similar instrument.
• Required to wear a respirator, hairnet, face mask, gloves, and cleanroom suit when necessary.
• Able to work extended hours, including overtime, when required.
• Ability to lift and/or move up to 35 pounds on occasion and push or pull materials and equipment to complete assigned job tasks.
• The physical demands described here are representative of those required to perform the essential functions of this job; reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

EEO and Culture Statement:

Alluxa is a subsidiary of Enpro, a leading industrial technology company focused on critical applications across many end-markets, including semiconductor, industrial process, commercial vehicle, sustainable power generation, aerospace, food and pharma, photonics and life sciences. 

At Enpro, we believe that diversity drives innovation and inclusion fosters growth. We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. Our employment decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and business needs, without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, military service, or any other status protected by applicable law. If you require accommodation due to a disability at any time during the recruitment and/or assessment process, please contact Human Resources, and we will make all reasonable efforts to accommodate your request.

Enpro carefully considers a wide range of compensation factors including the background, education, training, and experience required, as well as geographic considerations such as cost of labor, and applicable local and state laws. These considerations can cause offered compensation to vary. The hiring range for this position is typically $78,960 - $106,600 annually. Actual offer will be based on the individual candidate. Enpro offers a range of benefits including, but not limited to medical, dental, vision, life, 401(k) matching, and other supplemental insurance options.​