Optical Systems Manufacturing Process Writer

Optical Systems Manufacturing Process Writer

Minimum 40 hrs/week; overtime as needed

Optimax is experiencing exciting growth and expanding our team! Whether you are starting your career or looking for a new challenge, we offer a dynamic work environment, opportunities for advancement, and the chance to contribute to creating cutting-edge optics for a wide range of industries. Apply now and start your career journey with Optimax!

A unique corporate culture combined with a dynamic work environment:

At Optimax, we build lenses that power cutting-edge technologies in aerospace, defense, and consumer electronics. Our optics help shape breakthroughs that benefit humanity and protect our freedom. We offer a dynamic and collaborative work environment where innovation and teamwork thrive. We are looking for motivated individuals who are eager to learn, grow, and contribute to impactful projects.

Job Summary and Essential Job Duties

The Manufacturing Process Writer is responsible for capturing, documenting, and translating complex manufacturing procedures and expert knowledge into clear, concise, and accessible work instructions and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for production operators. This role is critical for preserving institutional knowledge, standardizing processes, and ensuring operators have the necessary information and resources to perform their tasks accurately, efficiently, and safely. The writer will work directly with subject matter experts (SMEs)-such as engineers, senior technicians, and seasoned operators-to capture key process steps and subtle "know-how" that can often be lost during employee transitions.

T hrough On the Job Training (OJT) and utilization of prior experience, the Manufacturing Engineer will:

• Documentation Development: Write, review, and revise manufacturing documentation, including (but not limited to):
  • Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
  • Work Instructions (WIs)
  • Training manuals and guides
  • Visual aids, charts, and diagrams
• Subject Matter Expert (SME) Collaboration: Conduct structured interviews, job shadowing, and observation sessions with experts to gather in-depth information about processes, procedures, and best practices.
• Knowledge Transfer: Serve as the primary agent for knowledge transfer, translating complex information into simple, graphically supported procedures that are accessible to all skill levels.
• Content Visualization: Work with experts and engineering teams to capture and develop visual elements, such as photographs, videos, drawings, and diagrams, to enhance clarity and understanding in documentation.
• Validation and Feedback: Review and test drafted documents with operators and production staff to validate accuracy and usability, incorporating feedback to continuously improve the documentation.
• Document Control and Compliance: Adhere to version control procedures and manage documents within a manufacturing execution system (MES), enterprise resource planning (ERP) system, or other document control system. Ensure all documentation meets regulatory and quality standards (e.g., ISO, GMP).
• Resource Management: Ensure that documentation includes all necessary resources for an operator, such as required materials, safety equipment, and quality checkpoints.

Advancement through the Process Writer ranks is attained via increasing levels of education, experience, industrial skills, math skills, computing skills, responsibility and leadership potential and effectiveness.

Education Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Technical Writing, Communications, Engineering, or a related technical field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 2+ years of relevant experience in a technical writing or process documentation role, preferably in a manufacturing or high-reliability electronics environment.

Skills and Specifications:

• Exceptional ability to synthesize highly technical information and translate it into clear, simple, and user-friendly language.
• Proficiency with document creation software (e.g., Microsoft Word, Excel) and content visualization tools.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to build effective relationships with cross-functional teams.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Experience in the Optics Industry and clean room practices.
• Experience with document management systems (DMS), manufacturing execution systems (MES), and/or an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system.

Work Requirements:

Physical Demands:

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch: and talk and hear.
• The job may involve prolonged periods of sitting/standing.
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
• Requires good hand-eye coordination, arm, hand and finger dexterity, including ability to grasp.

Work Environment:

• This position works in a manufacturing environment. The noise level can vary from quiet to loud frequencies.
• May involve the use of oils and solvents.
• Generally works in a clean environment and works to maintain the environment as such.
• May require area specific safety training
• The employee is regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts and fumes
• May be assigned to various production areas as needs require.

Compensation & Benefits:

Optimax offers competitive compensation based on experience and a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Bonus: 25% Monthly Profit Sharing
• Tuition Assistance: Support for continuing education
• Health Insurance: Medical, Dental, and Vision options
• 401(k): Retirement plan with employer match
• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation and paid holidays
• Other Benefits: Life Insurance, Disability Insurance, Health Savings Account (HSA)

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Optimax is committed to offering equal opportunity for all candidates. We encourage you to apply regardless of background, race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. Optimax will make reasonable accommodations for known physical or mental limitations of otherwise qualified employees and applicants with disabilities unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of our business.

ITAR Compliance:

Employment at Optimax Systems, Inc. is subject to export control compliance requirements, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) issued by the United States Department of State, Department of Defense Trade Controls, and the Export Administration Regulations. Learn more about the ITAR here. To meet export control compliance requirements for this position, an applicant must be a “U.S. Person” as defined by applicable regulations or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. “U.S. Person” includes a U.S. Citizen, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee.

If you require an accommodation to apply for this position, please contact our Human Resources team at 585-265-1020.