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Summary

The Senior Engineer Technology & Innovation (T&I) is responsible for developing and advancing new products, processes, and coating technologies, particularly for optical components. The role includes both technical and operational support throughout the product and process development cycle, following the Stage‑Gate methodology. The engineer works both independently and within cross‑functional teams and plays a key role in launching new products and processes.

Core responsibilities include developing or further improving coating processes and technologies, ensuring deep know‑how in optical coatings, and transferring this expertise to production teams. The engineer evaluates the feasibility of new customer applications and collaborates closely with Operations, Supply Chain, Quality, Sales, and Marketing. Customer-facing support may also be required to ensure successful implementation and alignment with customer needs.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Technology:

• Develop a well-funded understanding of the technology landscape in the area of expertise.
• Gain knowledge in latest science and market trends.
• Stay aware of the technology landscape and contribute to IP and digitalization initiatives.
• Support development of technology roadmap for BU when required.
• Participation in customer interactions, conferences.
• Support IP development and patent filing process.
• Support and help drive the global digitalization roadmap for engineering topics within the Business Unit.

Projects:

• Plan, lead, and execute development projects, coordinating cross‑functional teams and documenting progress.
• Independently drive and lead projects locally and globally to improve technical capabilities.
• Lead of medium scale technology projects.

Business:

• Support other manufacturing sites—especially Malaysia and China—with technical expertise, process alignment, and knowledge transfer.
• Build deep understanding of products, processes, and manufacturing capabilities.
• Support business development opportunity statements and participate on risk management activities including risk and cost assessment for new ideas.
• Perform detailed cost analysis for new product and cost reduction opportunities for new processes.
• Create documentation (SOPs, Work Instructions, FMEAs, Control Plans) in collaboration with Operations and Quality.
• Provide technical support for production and troubleshooting.

Talent / People:

• Provide mentorship and coaching for engineers Promote a results-driven environment that aligns with the company’s values and mission. 
• Continues professional education independently or upon initiative of Optics Balzers.

Qualifications

Education – University degree in engineering/ physics / related field of study

Experience:

• Professional experience in industry or research
• Experience in the optics industry preferred
• Demonstrated ability to successfully lead and execute on technical projects, design projects and teams

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Excellent written and presentation skills
• Required: organizational and engineering skills, communication skills, team player
• Fluent English
• Expertise in optics or space industry
• Ability to transfer knowledge clearly to production personnel
• Experience with OptiLayer thin film design software is highly preferred.
• Programming skills in python or a similar language for data analysis
• Independent working style.
• Preferred: prior experience serving as the technical expert and teaching others

Materion Corporation and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) is an equal employment opportunity employer. It is the Company’s policy to not unlawfully discriminate against an applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, sex, age, physical or mental disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances. The Company also prohibits harassment of applicants and employees based on any of these protected categories. It is also the Company’s policy to comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws respecting consideration of unemployment status in making hiring decisions. The information collected by this application is solely to determine suitability for employment, verify identity and maintain employment statistics on applicants.

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