Position: Optical Test Engineer – Optical Filters for Biotech & Analytical Instrumentation

About Semrock:
Semrock, Inc. – based in Rochester, New York – develops and manufactures high-performance optical thin-film filters that set the standard for biotech and analytical instrumentation. Semrock is a rapidly growing company, with revenue from both the volume OEM sales of tailored products and from the sales of standard catalog products to end-users. Semrock’s optical filter products are set apart by their state-of-the-art performance and reliability. Major markets include optical filters for fluorescence imaging and measurement systems and for Raman and laser analytical instrumentation.

Position Summary:
In support of its expanding business, Semrock is looking for an Optical Test Engineer to join its talented Manufacturing Engineering team. The Optical Test Engineer will develop optical test and metrology processes, and will also be expected to initiate and carry out extensive measurements within the manufacturing environment as required by process flow or engineering development work.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Manage / Own the manufacturing test and measurement processes

• Create new automated or semi-automated test and data collection systems, including hardware, algorithms, and software, as appropriate

• Use existing and create new optical measurement systems to accurately measure various parameters such as optical wedge, throughput in the presence of high optical density, reflectivity of high reflectance optics, residual polarization dependence, etc.

• Verify specifications from quality test records on an ongoing basis

• Conduct gage R&R studies to understand and improve the measurement processes

• Support metrology for new product development

• Create custom test and measurement processes for new OEM products

• Participate in setting cosmetic testing standards

Skills and Characteristics:
The opportunity will require a mix of optical laboratory skills, along with a solid understanding of basic optics and optical measurements. Knowledge of thin-film optical filters and the surface properties of optical glass will also be helpful. The right person will enjoy the challenge of a dynamic, small company environment and will be able to implement, document and otherwise clearly communicate the solutions to an array of metrology issues. This person will be both a self-starter and a team player.

Education / Experience:
• This position requires a Bachelor’s degree (Master’s preferred) in Optics, Physics, Materials Science, or related field along with 3+ years experience.

• Previous experience with optical metrology systems and components is required, including familiarity with both spectral and interferometric measurements. Familiarity with scattering and surface roughness measurements, understanding of polarization, measurement equipment and techniques.

• General experience with a wide range of manual optical inspection processes (such as the determination of scratch-dig properties of glass) is a plus.

• Previous software programming (C, Visual Basic, Labview) and automation skills are a plus.

• To be effective in this role the applicant must have excellent written and oral communications skills.

Reporting and Location:
The position is based in Rochester, New York and will report to the Director of Manufacturing Engineering