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Optics Process Development Engineer

Fives
Bedford
10 months ago
Applications closed

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Optics Process Development Engineer

Legal Entity: Fives Landis Ltd. Country: United Kingdom State: Bedfordshire City: Bedford Job Family: Engineering and Science Job Type: Permanent position Work Location: On-site Compensation:

The Optics Process Development Engineer will work as part of a multi-skilled team and be responsible for a wide range of tasks in the optical process development area. This includes testing and the development of high precision special purpose machinery and test equipment at the Cranfield Precision site in Bedfordshire. This role will also require the Development Engineer to visit customer sites around the globe for machine installation, upgrades, process development and service technical support.

Main duties and responsibilities:

Process development for Cranfield’s range of precision component grinding machines. Process during machine pass off/verification tests at Cranfield and on site at customers’ facilities. Provide customer training for Cranfield’s range of grinding machines. Deliver new machine build and R&D projects in line with the schedule. Liaise effectively with project teams on a technical level. When at customer sites: Complete regular site reports/visit reports, timesheets and other documentation as required. Maintain effective communication with all stakeholders. Exhibit a positive image of Cranfield Precision and Fives. Work with Cranfield Precision or Fives staff to develop practical ways to continuously improve the services provided for our customers. Assist with commissioning ultra-precision machine tools. Assist with set-up and error correction of ultra-precision machine tools. Assist with optical machine customers’ aftermarket requests and upgrades. Work within our ISO9000-2008 quality system Understand, and work at all times in line with Fives Values and Directives; specifically following the highest standards of health and safety. Carry out any other reasonable duties as requested.

Key Skills Requirements:

Relevant Engineering qualification in a Mechanical or Optical discipline, e.g. HNC/HND, C&G, BTEC, etc., or higher, or proven experience within the machine tool industry. Self-driven individual with a 'can-do' attitude. Effective communicator. Ability to work alone or as part of a team. Ability to problem-solve and fault-find in a logical and methodical manner. Proficient with basic software packages, such as Outlook, Word and Excel. Full driving licence and passport to enable travel to customer sites - UK and overseas. Willingness to work additional hours as required by the customer and the ability to work outside the UK for prolonged periods (e.g. up to 6 weeks) if required. Able to manage own time and meet tight deadlines.

Specialist Skills:

Ability to read, understand, interpret, and manufacture from optical, mechanical component and electrical drawings. Understanding of optical metrology systems such as Taylor Hobson PGI optics, white light interferometry and CMM systems. Understanding of ultra-precision machine tools and systems, with confidence in the use of micron, nanometer, wavelength and arc second data. Understanding of on-board machine metrology systems. Understanding of machine calibration methods and adjustments (e.g. laser alignment, talyvels, straight edges, etc.).

Desirable Knowledge:

Familiarity with: precision optical manufacturing and optical lens systems; optical metrology instruments; optical grinding wheel technologies; Cranfield Precision OGM and TTG grinding machine range and customers. R&D set-ups and trials for precision optical grinding, such as: Grinding wheel mounting; Manufacture and set-up of component mounts; Mechanical datums for optical alignment repeatability; Familiar with CAD packages such as SolidWorks, RhinoCAD or NX for component mount design.
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