Manufacturing Engineer

Posted 10 Days Ago
Be an Early Applicant
Santa Rosa, CA, USA
In-Office
69K-127K Annually
Mid level
Information Technology
The Role
Support optics manufacturing by developing and optimizing thin-film coating processes, troubleshooting production, applying SPC and lean/Six Sigma methods, enabling NPPI, and partnering with manufacturing, quality, and maintenance to improve yield, throughput, and safety.
Summary Generated by Built In

Summary:

VIAVI (NASDAQ: VIAV) is a global provider of network test, monitoring and assurance solutions for telecommunications, cloud, enterprises, first responders, military, aerospace, and railway. VIAVI is also a leader in light management technologies for 3D sensing, anti-counterfeiting, consumer electronics, industrial, automotive, government and aerospace applications.
We are the people behind the products that help keep the world connected at home, school, work, at play, and everywhere in between. VIAVI employees are passionate about supporting customer success and we welcome people who bring their best every day to the company – to question, to collaborate and to push for solutions that will delight our customers.
Manufacturing Engineer:
Job Summary:
The Manufacturing Engineer supports VIAVI’s optics manufacturing team in developing, maintaining, and evolving advanced manufacturing processes for thin-film-based optical coatings. This role focuses on optimizing production through data analysis, quality control, and continuous improvement. The position involves hands-on work with equipment, processes, and technologies such as thin-film deposition, high-vacuum systems, complex metrology, and safety systems. The role requires a blend of technical expertise, problem solving, and close partnership with the manufacturing, engineering, quality, and maintenance teams to meet production goals and drive continuous improvement.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Key Responsibilities:

Process Development & Optimization

  • Develop, implement, and optimize manufacturing processes for optical coating production, including thin-film deposition, cleaning, and inspection.
  • Design and execute experiments to identify critical process parameters and improve product yield, quality, and throughput.
  • Troubleshoot production issues, analyze root causes, and implement effective corrective and preventive actions.

Production Support

  • Work closely with manufacturing, engineering, and maintenance teams to support daily operations.
  • Provide real-time support to the manufacturing floor, including occasional off-shift remote assistance.

Continuous Improvement

  • Use statistical process control (SPC) and other analytical tools to monitor process performance and identify areas for improvement.
  • Drive improvements in cost, quality, productivity, and safety using Lean and Six Sigma methodologies.

New Product & Process Introduction (NPPI)

  • Collaborate with R&D, Quality, and Production teams to transition new products from development to manufacturing, ensuring manufacturability and cost-effectiveness.

Project Management

  • Effectively manage multiple projects with shifting priorities.

Pre-Requisites / Skills / Experience Requirements:

Required Job Qualifications:

  • 3+ years of manufacturing engineering experience in a related field
  • MS or BS in Physics, Chemical, Electrical, Industrial, or Mechanical Engineering, or a similar related discipline
  • Proven track record supporting and improving manufacturing processes in an engineering role
  • Working knowledge of quality systems — PFMEA, CAPA, 8D root-cause, SPC
  • Software & computer competency including MS Office, advanced Excel skills, AI tool generation, experience with statistical analysis tools (e.g., JMP, Minitab) and data-driven problem-solving.
  • Familiarity with lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies.
  • ITAR eligible US persons only.
  • Fluent in English (reading and writing)

Preferred Experience:

  • Optical thin-film coating manufacturing or specialty materials manufacturing
  • Transitioning products from prototype to production
  • ISO 9001 / AS9100 quality systems
  • MES (Manufacturing Execution Systems)

Key Attributes:

  • Self-motivated, organized, and autonomous
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Effective project and priority management
  • Fast learner with strong technical curiosity
  • Hands-on, shop-floor-engaged mindset
  • Ability to influence and collaborate across teams
  • Excellent communication and presentation abilities

If you have what it takes to push boundaries and seize opportunities, apply to join our team today.

VIAVI Solutions is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer – minorities/females/veterans/persons with disabilities.

Job Posting Pay Range:

68,600

to

127,400

Exceptional qualifications, experience and location may impact salary.  VIAVI offers a competitive benefits package that includes paid time off, health, life and disability insurance, 401(k), and a bonus program.

Skills Required

  • 3+ years of manufacturing engineering experience in a related field
  • MS or BS in Physics, Chemical, Electrical, Industrial, or Mechanical Engineering (or related)
  • Proven track record supporting and improving manufacturing processes
  • Working knowledge of quality systems: PFMEA, CAPA, 8D root-cause, SPC
  • Software competency: MS Office and advanced Excel skills
  • Experience with statistical analysis tools (e.g., JMP, Minitab)
  • Familiarity with lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies (Six Sigma)
  • Hands-on experience with thin-film coating manufacturing, high-vacuum systems, or complex metrology
  • Experience transitioning products from prototype to production / NPPI
  • Familiarity with ISO 9001 / AS9100 quality systems
  • Experience with MES (Manufacturing Execution Systems)
  • ITAR eligible US person
  • Fluent in English (reading and writing)

VIAVI Solutions Compensation & Benefits Highlights

The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about VIAVI Solutions and has not been reviewed or approved by VIAVI Solutions.

  • Leave & Time Off Breadth Time off options are described as generous, including paid time off with flexible scheduling and work-from-home arrangements. Feedback suggests some teams implement unlimited or discretionary PTO and respect balance through flexible start times.
  • Healthcare Strength Health coverage is portrayed as comprehensive, spanning medical, dental, vision, life, disability, wellness initiatives, annual health exams, and emergency medical coverage for travel. Strong medical allowances and an employee assistance program further reinforce perceived coverage depth.
  • Strong & Reliable Incentives Incentive programs are highlighted through variable pay and bonus structures that can augment base pay. Feedback suggests twice-yearly bonuses may occur when company performance supports it.

VIAVI Solutions Insights

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The Company
HQ: Chandler, Arizona
4,570 Employees

What We Do

VIAVI Solutions (NASDAQ: VIAV) is a global leader in both network and service enablement and optical security performance products and solutions. Our technologies contribute to the success of a wide range of customers – from the world’s largest mobile operators and governmental entities to enterprise network and application providers to contractors laying the fiber and building the towers that keep us connected

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