Mks Instruments · Irvine, CAPrepare for this interview
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A Day in Your Life at MKS: MKS Systems Irvine continues to make significant strategic investments in the development and fabrication of cutting-edge, high precision opto-mechanical assemblies and systems. We are seeking an influential and inspiring leader as Senior Director of Optical Engineering. In this position, you will lead a world-class team developing and testing optical, opto-mechanical, and laser systems for a wide array of applications and markets. You Will Make an Impact By: Leading and inspiring a high‑performing, multidisciplinary Development Engineering team, setting engineering strategy and technical vision. You will be the senior authority making engineering decisions with clear accountability for financial performance, program execution, and long‑term business impact. Driving product development and product test from definition through production, ensuring programs are appropriately resourced, delivered on time and within budget, and meet performance, quality, and reliability targets. Developing long‑term technology and R&D roadmaps aligned with customer and market needs, guiding engineering priorities and investment decisions. Partnering cross‑functionally with manufacturing, automation, quality, supply chain, operations, and product management partners to align engineering strategy with business objectives, customer needs, and production readiness. Skills You Bring: BS in STEM (advanced degree a plus) with 12+ years leading optics, opto‑mechanics, lasers, or photonics teams and scaling high‑impact engineering organizations. Defines architectures and requirements, drives trade studies, and integrates hardware/software/manufacturing/test to deliver reliable, high‑performance products. Builds and executes roadmaps that align engineering investment to customer needs and business strategy-balancing innovation, risk, cost, and time‑to‑market. Data‑driven problem solver fluent in PDP/FMEA/DfX/8D with strong executive communication to drive alignment, accountability, and continuous improvement. Supervisory Scope: This position includes d irect and second level management of a group of approximately 10 FTE , as well as managing associated budgets Physical Demands and Working Conditions: Office and laboratory work is required , with work in a cleanroom environment up to 50% of the time. Wearing of Personal Protective Equipment as well as cleanroom garb is required Must be able to lift , m ove, or position equipment up to 35 pounds while working in a laboratory environment Noise level in the laboratory environment can temporarily be elevated , but does not typically require PPE Travel Requirements: Up to 20 % Travel is required , including international travel We are interested in a qualified candidate who is eligible to work in the United States. However, we will not be sponsoring work visas for this position, at this time. Compensation and Benefits: Salary Pay Range: $260,000 - $300,000 per year. This range is a good faith estimate of the expected salary range for this position, based on a wide range of factors including qualifications, experience and training, operational and business needs and other considerations permitted by law. At MKS, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for the role. Bonus: This position is eligible for a discretionary annual bonus, in an amount to be determined by MKS [or as applicable]. Benefits: MKS offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance coverage (medical, dental and vision), 401(k) with company match, life and disability insurance, 12 paid holidays, sick time, 15 paid vacation days, [6 weeks fully paid] parental leave, adoption assistance and tuition reimbursement [and for participation in any stock programs, signing bonus, etc.]. MKS is an equal opportunity employer, including disability, veteran status and all categories protected by law. Please review our EOE statements for additional details. MKS will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act and the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers. #LI-EK1 Globally, our policy is to recruit individuals from wide and diverse backgrounds. However, certain positions require access to controlled goods and technologies subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) or Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Applicants for these positions may need to be "U.S. persons." "U.S. persons" are generally defined as U.S. citizens, noncitizen nationals, lawful permanent residents (or, green card holders), individuals granted asylum, and individuals admitted as refugees. MKS Inc. and its affiliates and subsidiaries ("MKS") is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer: diverse candidates are encouraged to apply. We win as a team and are committed to recruiting and hiring qualified applicants regardless of race, color, national origin, sex (including preg
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