Manager, Optical Manufacturing Development Engineering

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.

Join us and help push the boundaries of what can be built.

Purpose

Lead the optical systems function within Divergent's 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: you'll 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.

The Role

Own optical subsystem integration and stabilization across LPBF machine builds, from initial bring-up through commissioning and steady-state production

Lead development of calibration procedures and, critically, verification methods that confirm calibration integrity is maintained over time — through drift, wear, and environmental variation

Build and lead a small team of optics engineers, working alongside them on builds, calibration, troubleshooting, and RCCA

Partner with hardware design, controls/software, process engineering, and operations to resolve optical performance issues affecting build quality, uptime, and throughput

Own documentation for optical subsystems: work instructions, calibration and verification procedures, acceptance criteria, and test plans

Lead RCCA on optical-related failures and escapes; own corrective and preventive actions to reduce recurrence

Establish metrics for optical system health (calibration hold time, drift rate, verification pass rate, MTBF) and drive continuous improvement

Train technicians and engineers on calibration, alignment, and laser safety practices

Support scale-up and replication of optical systems and processes across additional machines and factories

Leadership & Management

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

Model Divergent's core values of Respect, Clarity, Winning Spirit, Commitment, and Interdependence through disciplined execution and cross-functional collaboration

Basic Qualifications

Ability to lawfully access information and technology that is subject to US export controls

Bachelor's degree in Optics/Optical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related discipline

5+ years of experience in electro-optical or opto-mechanical systems design, integration, or calibration, ideally within capital equipment or industrial systems

Experience developing and validating calibration and verification processes for optical or laser systems

Hands-on experience integrating high-power lasers, scanners/galvos, or beam delivery optics

Experience with RCCA and technical troubleshooting of complex electro-optical systems

Strong technical documentation skills (work instructions, test procedures, calibration standards)

Demonstrated ability to lead or mentor others while remaining technically hands-on

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with LPBF or additive manufacturing systems

Prior experience managing or formally mentoring engineers/technicians

Familiarity with laser safety programs and standards

Experience with high-power lasers (0.5kW+), beam shaping optics, or high-speed imaging/camera systems

Knowledge of PLM/MES, configuration management, and change control

Experience supporting factory scale-up or multi-site manufacturing deployment

Work Environment

On-site in office, laboratory, and manufacturing floor spaces

Hands-on work with lasers and optical equipment; adherence to laser safety protocols and required PPE

May occasionally require extended or weekend hours to meet deadlines

Pay Range$150,020—$206,280 USD

What We Offer Our Regular, Full-Time Employees:

Holistic Compensation Package: 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.

Wellness and Time Off: 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.

Comprehensive Health and Wellness: 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.

Investment in Growth: 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.

Collaborative and High-Performing Environment: 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.

Equal Employment OpportunityDivergent 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.EEO Poster

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. E-Verify: Right to WorkOur company participates in E-Verify. 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.Eligibility to Work Poster (English) | Eligibility to Work Poster (Spanish) Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance (FCIHO)Pursuant to the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance (FCIHO), we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

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