Principal R&D Engineer (Optical)

Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA — 5900 Golden Hills Drive

Base salary: $135,000–$170,000 annually; 3% bonus target.

Company

hirify.global Test & Inspection develops X-ray inspection, acoustic imaging, and optical metrology systems that identify defects in electronic products and improve manufacturing processes across multiple industries.

What you will do

• Own verification, validation, and calibration strategies for an optical metrology product line.
• Define verification plans, acceptance criteria, requirements traceability, and test coverage for builds and pilot runs.
• Design calibration methods for optical and electromechanical subsystems, including reference artifacts and uncertainty analyses.
• Build and maintain automated test scripts and data pipelines, including configuration control and code quality documentation.
• Design test fixtures and jigs in SolidWorks or Creo, including tolerance stack-ups and GD&T-ready drawings.
• Support prototype bring-up, motion and sensor integration, optical and mechanical alignment, environmental testing, and corrective-action investigations.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Mechatronics, Optical Engineering, or a related discipline; a master’s degree is preferred.
• 7+ years of experience developing mechatronic systems from prototype through pilot or transfer.
• Experience with test automation and data analysis using Python and/or Matlab and LabView.
• Proficiency in SolidWorks or Creo, with the ability to release fabrication-ready drawings using GD&T and tolerance stacks.
• Practical experience with motion stages, precision mechanics, sensors, DAQ, and laboratory instrumentation.
• Working knowledge of calibration design, error budgets, statistics, and Measurement Systems Analysis (MSA/GR&R).

Nice to have

• Experience with optics and optomechanics, including imaging, interferometry, alignment, and light fundamentals.
• Experience with manufacturing transfer, factory test development, reliability or environmental testing, and regulatory compliance.
• Familiarity with C# for instrument control.

Culture & Benefits

• Full-time position in a collaborative and inclusive work environment.
• Medical, prescription, vision, dental, and Health Savings Account benefits.
• 401(k), life insurance, retirement, and security benefits.
• Paid time off, paid holidays, and 16 paid volunteer hours per calendar year.
• Matching Gifts Program and opportunities for professional development.