Optical Systems Engineer

Job Title

Optical Systems Engineer

Role Summary

Lead development of advanced optical and opto-mechanical systems for semiconductor equipment and metrology. Serve as the principal optical expert, translating physical concepts into practical, manufacturable systems and delivering solutions from concept through prototype validation and production deployment.

Work cross-functionally with mechanical, electrical, software, controls, process, and systems engineering. This is a hands-on role requiring both theoretical analysis and experimental execution.

Experience Level

Senior - 8+ years of experience designing and delivering complex optical systems.

Responsibilities

Primary duties include design, analysis, prototyping, and production transfer of optical systems for semiconductor metrology and process control.

• Lead architecture, design, analysis, and development of optical systems for semiconductor manufacturing and metrology.
• Develop novel optical approaches for process monitoring, wafer alignment, implant verification, and materials characterization.
• Perform optical modeling, simulation, tolerancing, and performance analysis.
• Design and specify optical subsystems: illumination/lasers, polarization optics, imaging, spectroscopy, sensors/detectors, and calibration methodologies.
• Build and evaluate proof-of-concept systems and engineering prototypes; convert lab concepts into manufacturable systems for production environments.
• Develop experimental plans, execute measurements, analyze data, and draw engineering conclusions.
• Define system requirements and performance budgets; support vendor selection and custom component development.
• Troubleshoot optical, mechanical, and system-level issues; generate technical documentation, specifications, and test procedures.
• Evaluate intellectual property, technical risks, and competitive technologies; provide technical leadership and mentorship.

Requirements

Must-have technical skills and experience for successful performance in this role.

Must-have:

• 8+ years developing complex optical systems from concept through prototype and validation.
• Strong understanding of geometrical and physical optics, imaging systems, lasers/photonics, and optical metrology.
• Demonstrated ability to perform theoretical analysis and hands-on experimental work; develop optical test methods and calibration techniques.
• Experience with optical modeling, simulation, and tolerancing using engineering tools.
• Programming experience with MATLAB, Python, or similar scientific computing tools.
• Strong data analysis, problem-solving, and communication skills; ability to work independently and collaborate cross-functionally.

Nice-to-have:

• Experience in semiconductor equipment or semiconductor metrology.
• Familiarity with Zemax, Code V, FRED, COMSOL, or similar modeling tools.
• Experience designing opto-mechanical assemblies for industrial environments and developing production-worthy systems from research concepts.
• Knowledge of statistical analysis and measurement-system validation.

Education Requirements

M.S. or Ph.D. in Optical Engineering, Physics, Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field.

About the Company

Company: Axcelis Technologies

Headquarters: Beverly, MA, USA

Global supplier of ion implantation equipment and semiconductor manufacturing technologies. Axcelis designs and manufactures tools and services used in wafer fabrication by leading chipmakers to improve device performance and production yield.