- Home
- Jobs
- 31-Manufacturing Development Engineering
- Manager, Optical Manufacturing Development Engineering

Manager, Optical Manufacturing Development Engineering at Divergent
Torrance, California, United StatesFull-time31-Manufacturing Development EngineeringPosted about 1 month ago
Apply with PipelineAbout the Role
<div class="content-intro"><p>Divergent is building the new industrial age. Every day, our teams design, manufacture, and assemble advanced systems for some of the world’s most demanding industries. Our integrated engineering and manufacturing platform transforms complex designs into production-ready solutions, helping customers move faster, build smarter, and deliver critical systems when they matter most. Divergent is a qualified Tier 1 supplier to global automotive OEMs and supports leading U.S. aerospace and defense companies. </p>
<p>Join us and help push the boundaries of what can be built.</p></div><h2>Purpose</h2>
<p><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW133705639 BCX0">Lead the optical systems function within </span><span class="NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2Themed SCXW133705639 BCX0">Divergent's</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW133705639 BCX0"> Manufacturing Development Engineering (MDE) team, owning the integration, commissioning, and long-term calibration stability of optical subsystems (beam delivery, scanners/galvos, F-theta lenses, high-speed imaging) across the LPBF machine fleet. This is a player-coach role: </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW133705639 BCX0">you'll</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW133705639 BCX0"> lead a small team of optics engineers while staying hands-on with builds, troubleshooting, and calibration verification — ensuring machines hold optical performance and repeatability from commissioning through full-rate production.</span></p>
<h2>The Role</h2>
<ul>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Own optical subsystem integration and stabilization across LPBF machine builds, from initial bring-up through commissioning and steady-state production</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Lead development of calibration procedures and, critically, verification methods that confirm calibration integrity is maintained over time — through drift, wear, and environmental variation</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Build and lead a small team of optics engineers, working alongside them on builds, calibration, troubleshooting, and RCCA</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Partner with hardware design, controls/software, process engineering, and operations to resolve optical performance issues affecting build quality, uptime, and throughput</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Own documentation for optical subsystems: work instructions, calibration and verification procedures, acceptance criteria, and test plans</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Lead RCCA on optical-related failures and escapes; own corrective and preventive actions to reduce recurrence</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Establish metrics for optical system health (calibration hold time, drift rate, verification pass rate, MTBF) and drive continuous improvement</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Train technicians and engineers on calibration, alignment, and laser safety practices</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Support scale-up and replication of optical systems and processes across additional machines and factories</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>
<li><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span data-contrast="auto">Leadership & Management</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></span>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="2" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Lead and develop a small team with clear expectations, real-time feedback, and accountability, while remaining personally hands-on in the lab and on the floor</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Model Divergent's core values of Respect, Clarity, Winning Spirit, Commitment, and Interdependence through disciplined execution and cross-functional collaboration</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h2>Basic Qualifications</h2>
<ul>
<li>Ability to lawfully access information and technology that is subject to US export controls </li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Bachelor's degree in Optics/Optical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related discipline</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">5+ years of experience in electro-optical or opto-mechanical systems design, integration, or calibration, ideally within capital equipment or industrial systems</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Experience developing and validating calibration and verification processes for optical or laser systems</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Hands-on experience integrating high-power lasers, scanners/galvos, or beam delivery optics</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Experience with RCCA and technical troubleshooting of complex electro-optical systems</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Strong technical documentation skills (work instructions, test procedures, calibration standards)</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Demonstrated ability to lead or mentor others while remaining technically hands-on</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<h2>Preferred Qualifications</h2>
<ul>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Experience with LPBF or additive manufacturing systems</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Prior experience managing or formally mentoring engineers/technicians</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Familiarity with laser safety programs and standards</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Experience with high-power lasers (0.5kW+), beam shaping optics, or high-speed imaging/camera systems</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Knowledge of PLM/MES, configuration management, and change control</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Experience supporting factory scale-up or multi-site manufacturing deployment</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<h2>Work Environment</h2>
<ul>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">On-site in office, laboratory, and manufacturing floor spaces</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Hands-on work with lasers and optical equipment; adherence to laser safety protocols and required PPE</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">May occasionally require extended or weekend hours to meet deadlines</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>
</ul><div class="content-pay-transparency"><div class="pay-input"><div class="title">Pay Range</div><div class="pay-range"><span>$150,020</span><span class="divider">—</span><span>$206,280 USD</span></div></div></div><div class="content-conclusion"><p><strong>What We Offer:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Holistic Compensation Package:</strong> Enjoy a world-class compensation package that includes a competitive salary, equity plan, and discretionary results-based incentive bonus opportunities, ensuring you're truly valued for your contributions.</li>
<li><strong>Wellness and Time Off: </strong>Embrace a healthy lifestyle with paid vacation, sick time, and company holidays, including a year-end shutdown to recharge. We support growing families with paid parental leave, recognizing the importance of bonding time.</li>
<li><strong>Comprehensive Health and Wellness: </strong>Prioritize your well-being with our comprehensive health and wellness benefits, offering both HMO and Premium PPO options. Additionally, benefit from company-sponsored life insurance and short and long-term disability coverage for peace of mind.</li>
<li><strong>Investment in Growth:</strong> We're committed to your professional development. Take advantage of reimbursement opportunities for learning and development initiatives, empowering you to continuously expand your skill set and reach peak performance.</li>
<li><strong>Collaborative and High-Performing Environment:</strong> Join our collaborative, dynamic, and high-performing team within a fast-paced, mission-driven company. Together, we're disrupting the traditional manufacturing industry, fostering innovation, and integrating people and technology to reduce our footprint. </li>
</ul>
<p><br><strong><em>Equal Employment Opportunity</em></strong><br><em>Divergent is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any other applicable state or federal protected characteristic. Divergent provides affirmative action in employment for qualified Individuals with Disabilities and Protected Veterans in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act.</em><br><a href="https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12.pdf"><em>EEO Poster </em></a></p>
<p><em>In order to adjust to changes in our business, it may become necessary to add, remove or modify certain duties and responsibilities, or to reassign you to another job position. From time to time you may be asked to work on special projects or to assist with other work. Your cooperation and assistance in performing such additional work is expected. </em><br><em> </em><br><strong><em>E-Verify: Right to Work</em></strong><br><em>Our company participates in <a href="https://e-verify.uscis.gov/web/media/resourcesContents/E-Verify_Participation_Poster_ES.pdf">E-Verify</a>. E-Verify is a program that electronically confirms a candidate’s eligibility to work in the United States after completing the Employment Eligibility Verification (Form I-9). The information provided on the Form I-9 is compared to the records contained in the Social Security Administration and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) databases. This helps employers verify the identity and employment eligibility of newly hired employees.</em><br><em><a href="https://www.e-verify.gov/sites/default/files/IER_RightToWorkPoster.pdf">Eligibility to Work Poster (English)</a> | <a href="https://www.e-verify.gov/sites/default/files/everify/posters/IER_RighttoWorkPosterES.pdf">Eligibility to Work Poster (Spanish)</a></em><br><em> </em><br><strong><em>Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance (FCIHO)</em></strong><br><em>Pursuant to the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance (FCIHO), we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.</em></p>
<p><strong><em>No agencies, no solicitations, and no calls please.</em></strong></p></div>
Related Roles
Manufacturing Engineer, Machines (All levels)
Divergent
Torrance, California, United StatesManufacturing Development Engineer (All levels)
Divergent
Torrance, California, United StatesStaff Technical Program Manager, Machine Development
Divergent
Torrance, California, United StatesMaterial Coordinator II
Divergent
Torrance, California, United StatesMetrology & Inspection Technician - Onsite Interviews 10/15
Divergent
Long Beach, California, United States; Torrance, California, United StatesAssembly & Test Technician (1st shift)
Divergent
Torrance, California, United States