Optical Manufacturing Process Development Co-op (Fall 2024)

Position Overview:

The Optical Manufacturing Co-Op will report to the Methods group under the Optical Fabrication department. In this group, the co-op will work with Metrology Engineers, Optical Manufacturing Engineers, and Scientists to advance our optical machining, grinding, and polishing processes and technologies.

The co-op will individually support small internal development efforts along with participating, under guidance, in opportunities for large technology and process development tasks. Throughout the Co-op, the individual will communicate scientific findings through presentations with senior engineering mentors.

 

Responsibilities: 

• Generate test plans and reports for various process development assignments to develop an understanding of material, chemical, and/or mechanical interactions
• Analyze test data to identify trends and effectively communicate scientific results
• Conduct experiments while following appropriate industry safety and quality standards
• Design and overseeing manufacturing of tooling
• Create new, or update existing, work instructions based on processes developed during Co-op

 

Education Requirements: 

• Completion of Sophomore year or later
• Pursuing BS in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or similar STEM background

 

Experience Required: 

• Previous Co-Op or research experience preferred
• Experience with 3d modeling software and drawing creation preferred
• Coding experience (MATLAB, Python, etc)
• Microsoft Excel experience
• Previous optical manufacturing or testing experience, or experience working with glass/ceramic materials preferred

 

The position is located onsite at our facility in Danbury, CT. Located in beautiful Fairfield County, Danbury offers a diverse economy, wonderful parks, cultural attractions, an impressive mix of private and public educational institutions and a vibrant arts scene. Our facility is nestled among a remarkable selection of communities to call home all with varying price points to fit many different budgets. We’re close to New York City, Boston, and other major cities – great for day trips and weekend getaways. Our lovely seasons along with award-winning institutions, colleges, cultural events, and a genuine sense of community brings a diverse population to the beautiful state of Connecticut!

 

EHS/Environmental Requirements:

• Comfortable working in a lab environment
• Occasional long periods of standing
• Occasional lifting of up to 25 lbs
• Wearing of PPE in production areas as appropriate (safety glasses, closed-toed shoes, steel-toed boots, hearing protection)
• Working with chemicals and solvents

 

Collaborating with world class experts, you will have the opportunity to develop innovative solutions in fulfillment of our customers’ requirements.  We believe in our mission, and we believe in supporting our employees.  We offer policies and programs that provide opportunities for continual learning, career growth and work/life balance along with a full suite of health and welfare benefits. 

 

Due to contract requirements, US citizenship is required.  Additionally, if you are a dual citizen (a citizen of the US and another country), the Company must obtain approval for you to have access to the information required for this position.  You will not be able to begin employment until such approval is obtained and this may take several months.

No visa sponsorship is available for this position.

 

ARKA Group L.P. is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status, age, or any other federally protected class.