Description
Position Summary:
The Junior Material Engineer will support the Optics group by contributing to research and development, new product development, and production activities. This entry-level role focuses on assisting with the development and characterization of materials for optical applications under the guidance of senior engineers and scientists. The position offers hands-on experience in material evaluation, laboratory work, and cross-functional collaboration while building a strong foundation in optical materials engineering. This position will also support the functions of the R&D – Optical Department to meet the requirements of the relevant ISO 9001:2015 standards based on the quality objectives established by Top Management.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
- Assist with research activities related to new materials, technologies, and processes for optical applications, including high refractive index materials.
- Support the design and execution of experiments, including sample preparation, data collection, and basic data analysis.
- Document experimental results and contribute to technical reports, presentations, and internal documentation.
- Assist senior engineers in evaluating and qualifying new materials, laboratory equipment, and external analytical services.
- Provide materials-related support to cross-functional teams involved in formulation development, prototyping, and manufacturing integration.
- Support surface engineering activities such as adhesion testing, surface treatments, and release layer evaluations.
- Help maintain the materials laboratory by following safety procedures, organizing equipment and materials, and assisting with routine lab operations.
- Collaborate with R&D, production, and other engineering teams to support ongoing projects and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Meets required ISO 9001:2015 standards and necessary training based on the relevant Quality Objectives.
Competencies:
To perform this job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:
- Written Communication – Read and interpret written information effectively, write clearly and concisely, adapt writing style for different audiences.
- Verbal Communication – Give focused attention to what others are saying, take time to understand what and respond when appropriate without interrupting, speak clearly and effectively express ideas and opinions, adapt and react professionally in both positive and negative situations.
- Teamwork & Collaboration – Balance team and individual responsibilities, consider others’ views objectively and with openness to changing your own, give and encourage feedback, contribute to a positive team dynamic, prioritize team success over personal interests, work effectively across departments toward company goals.
- Professionalism – Interact with others in a considerate manner, follow through on commitments, react well under pressure and preserve confidentiality, control emotions, and accept responsibility, maintain focus on solutions and treat others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position.
- Motivation & Initiative – Demonstrate persistence and ability to adapt to changes in daily workflow and overcome obstacles, ask for and offer help when needed, work independently when required, volunteer readily and look for ways to improve and create successful outcomes, positively contribute to overall work environment.
- Respect & Integrity – Treat people with respect, work ethically and with honesty and integrity, inspire the trust of others, demonstrate appreciation and sensitivity for cultural differences, help promote inclusion and understanding of the value of diversity, embrace differences and support a harassment-free environment.
Requirements
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science and Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, or a related field.
- Academic, internship, or co-op experience in materials characterization, laboratory research, or optical materials is a plus.
- Basic understanding of experimental methods, data analysis, and laboratory best practices.
- Strong attention to detail, willingness to learn, and ability to follow technical instructions.
- Good written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work effectively in a team environment and take direction from senior technical staff.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Ability to work and communicate within a multidisciplinary team and convey ideas and concepts.
- Technical experience with polymers, nanomaterials, or optics.
Supervisory Responsibilities: None.
Travel: Negligible.
Physical Demands: Frequently required to sit, speak, hear, see, and perform repetitive motion (data entry). Use of PPE (safety glasses, gowning, gloves, lab coat, respirator) may be required. Ability to work with hazardous/toxic materials if required. Occasionally required to lift or carry (10 lb. minimum). Reasonable accommodations will be made available if applicable.
Compensation: In compliance with Pay Transparency requirements, the salary range for this role in New York State is $65,000 - $95,000. This is not a guarantee of compensation or salary, as final offer may vary based on various factors including but not limited to experience and geographic location.
Equal Employment Opportunity: Vuzix is committed to a policy of Equal Employment Opportunity with respect to all employees, interns, and applicants for employment. Consistent with this commitment, our policy is to comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws concerning employment discrimination.
