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.
Position Summary:
We are looking for a hands-on Senior Manufacturing Engineer who thrives on the production floor. The ideal candidate can own equipment and process issues, develop the tools and procedures that make operations faster, and drive measurable improvement using Lean-sigma and data driven methods.
Duties & Responsibilities:
This role primarily supports post-processing of optical components (dicing, laser marking, beveling, and related finishing) at Viavi Solutions in Santa Rosa, CA. Primary responsibilities include:
- Own and improve manufacturing equipment and processes. Troubleshoot issues, perform root cause analysis, and drive corrective actions to closure.
- Build and maintain work instructions, fixtures and shop-floor tools, and software that improve efficiency, repeatability, and quality; train operators on their use.
- Program and maintain processing equipment such as for laser marking. Develop recipe programs, qualify equipment, and ensure traceability.
- Conduct failure analysis on nonconforming product to identify root causes and feed improvements back into the process.
- Lead continuous improvement using Lean, Six Sigma, SPC, and DOE to reduce scrap, improve yield, and increase throughput.
- Support dicing, beveling/rounding, and other optical finishing operations. Optimize parameters and qualify tooling as needed.
- Collaborate across engineering, quality, and maintenance on designing processes for new products and investigations on any quality issues.
- Perform other assignments as needed.
Pre-Requisites / Skills / Experience Requirements:
Required Skills/Qualifications
- BS in Mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing, or related engineering discipline; MS preferred.
- 5+ years of manufacturing engineering experience in a production environment.
- Hands-on equipment and process troubleshooting experience, comfortable diagnosing issues on the floor and driving root cause to closure.
- Experience creating work instructions and process documentation for manufacturing operations.
- Working knowledge of Lean tools, SPC, PFMEA, CAPA, and 8D methodology.
- Strong data analysis skills with advanced Excel and statistical tools (e.g., JMP, Minitab).
- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, and GD&T.
Preferred Skills/Qualifications
- Experience with precision manufacturing equipment (e.g., dicing saws, laser markers, CNC systems).
- Failure analysis experience using microscopy, SEM, or related characterization tools.
- Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification.
- AS9100 or ISO 9001 quality management system experience.
- Aerospace, defense, semiconductor, or precision manufacturing background.
- Experience with MES and/or ERP 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
Physical Requirements and Work Environment
- Work is performed in a cleanroom and adjacent production areas; gowning may be required during shift.
- Ability to stand and walk for extended periods with intermittent sitting at workstations and metrology stations.
- Manual dexterity to handle small, fragile components without damage or contamination.
- Close-vision acuity for inspection of product surfaces and reading metrology displays.
- Exposure to ordinary manufacturing hazards: dicing equipment, laser systems, compressed gases, cleaning solvents, and rotating machinery. All hazards are controlled per established EHS procedures.
Shift Schedule
This is a day-shift position. Schedule is subject to operational needs; occasional flexibility for training, coverage, or shift support may be required.
This position requires access to technology, materials, software or hardware that is controlled by export laws of the US. In order to be eligible, you be an eligible US Person as defined by USCIS.
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:
81,900to
152,100Exceptional 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
- BS in Mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing, or related engineering discipline
- MS degree
- 5+ years of manufacturing engineering experience in a production environment
- Hands-on equipment and process troubleshooting experience and driving root cause to closure
- Experience creating work instructions and process documentation for manufacturing operations
- Working knowledge of Lean tools, SPC, PFMEA, CAPA, and 8D methodology
- Strong data analysis skills with advanced Excel and statistical tools (e.g., JMP, Minitab)
- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, and GD&T
- Experience with precision manufacturing equipment (dicing saws, laser markers, CNC systems)
- Failure analysis experience using microscopy, SEM, or related characterization tools
- Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification
- AS9100 or ISO 9001 quality management system experience
- Aerospace, defense, semiconductor, or precision manufacturing background
- Experience with MES and/or ERP systems
- Must be an eligible US Person as defined by USCIS (export-controlled technology access)
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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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








