Facilities Engineer

Facilities Engineer

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work — and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

An organization within Northrop Grumman's Space Systems, 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.

This position will be for a Facilities Engineer located in Charlotte, NC.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• 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 STEM field – engineering, Physics, Mechanical Engineering, Optical Engineering or a closely related technical field with 2 years of experience.; M.S Degree in STEM field – engineering, Physics, Mechanical Engineering, Optical Engineering or a closely related technical field with 0 years of experience. (strong emphasis on optics)
• 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