Primary Duties & Responsibilities

1. Process Development & Optimization

• Develop and optimize chemical-mechanical polishing and fine grinding techniques for ZnSe.
• Establish process parameters (abrasive selection, pressure, speed, slurry composition, pH control, temperature).
• Reduce defects such as surface haze, scratches, subsurface damage, and roughness through process improvements.

2. Production & Quality Control

• Implement statistical process control (SPC) for polishing uniformity.
• Define quality criteria (flatness, roughness, surface irregularities) based on interferometry.
• Work with the Quality Assurance team to ensure compliance with optical performance standards (ISO 10110, MIL-PRF-13830B).

3. Tooling & Equipment Management

• Maintain and optimize lapping and polishing equipment (single/double-sided polishers, planetary systems).
• Evaluate new tools, pads, slurries, and coatings to enhance performance.
• Develop predictive maintenance programs to ensure equipment reliability.

4. Defect Analysis & Root Cause Investigation

• Perform failure analysis using optical microscopy, interferometry, and SEM.
• Address process deviations and propose corrective actions to minimize yield loss.
• Optimize edge rounding, stress-relief polishing, and surface conditioning techniques.

5. Process Automation & Efficiency Improvements

• Implement automation and Industry 4.0 technologies for real-time process monitoring.
• Develop standard work procedures and automation scripts for consistent polishing outcomes.

6. Environmental & Safety Compliance

• Ensure handling of ZnSe follows EPA, OSHA, and material safety regulations.
• Develop waste management protocols for slurry disposal and recycling.
• Conduct risk assessments (FMEA, HAZOP) for chemical exposure and process hazards.

Education & Experience

Required:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering (Materials Science, Mechanical, Optical, or Manufacturing Engineering)
• 1-3 years of experience in precision optics polishing, CMP, or semiconductor wafer processing
• Proficiency in ZnSe material properties, surface roughness control, and finishing techniques
• Experience with abrasives (CeO₂, Al₂O₃, diamond), slurries, and polishing chemistries
• Strong knowledge of ISO 10110 optical surface specifications and MIL standards
• Familiarity with metrology tools (interferometers, profilometers, AFM, SEM)

Preferred:

• Six Sigma Certification (Green/Black Belt) for process optimization
• Experience with precision optics manufacturing (lenses, IR windows, laser optics)
• Knowledge of fluid dynamics in polishing slurry distribution
• Proficiency in Python, MATLAB, or LabVIEW for process automation

Key Skills and Competencies:

• Process Optimization & Root Cause Analysis – Expertise in reducing polishing defects
• Material Science & Surface Engineering – Understanding of ZnSe behavior under different conditions
• Metrology & Quality Assurance – Experience with precision optical measurements
• Lean Manufacturing & Continuous Improvement – Experience with SPC, DOE, and yield enhancement
• Technical Writing & Documentation – SOP development for consistent process execution

Working Conditions

• Cleanroom or controlled laboratory environment with polishing equipment
• May involve chemical handling and exposure to polishing slurries
• Requires close collaboration with production, and quality teams

Please refer to job description.