Description
Job Title: Product Configuration Engineer
Location: Fremont, CA
Company: Gooch & Housego (G&H)
ABOUT US
G&H is a world leader in optical design, testing, and manufacturing. As experts in the technology of light, G&H partners with customers to deliver advanced optical systems, assemblies, and components for demanding applications.
Headquartered in Ilminster, Somerset (UK), with primary operations across the U.S. and Europe, G&H is recognized for its expertise across acousto-optic, electro-optic, crystal-optic, fiber optic, and precision optic technologies. We serve leading OEMs in aerospace & defense, life sciences, and industrial markets, with a legacy of innovation spanning more than 75 years.
THE ROLE
G&H is seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Product Configuration Engineer to support the development, documentation, and scaling of advanced photonics manufacturing processes. This role bridges engineering, manufacturing, and documentation disciplines to ensure that product configurations, processes, and workflows are accurately defined, controlled, and optimized across global operations.
Based in Fremont, CA, you will work closely with cross-functional teams, off-site & international manufacturing partners to drive process consistency, product quality, and operational efficiency. This position is ideal for someone who combines strong technical engineering expertise with structured documentation and configuration control capabilities.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Develop, manage, and maintain comprehensive product and process documentation, including:
- Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
- Work instructions
- Product configurations and manufacturing workflows
- Lead and support product configuration and process transfer activities from R&D and internal manufacturing sites to external/global manufacturing partners.
- Collaborate with engineering, production, and quality teams to define and standardize product builds, configurations, and process flows.
- Translate complex engineering and manufacturing concepts into clear, structured, and user-friendly documentation.
- Implement and maintain document and configuration control systems, ensuring version accuracy, traceability, and compliance with quality standards (e.g., ISO 9001).
- Train and support internal teams and contract manufacturers on product configurations, processes, and documentation usage.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on:
- Yield improvement
- Cost reduction
- Process efficiency and labor optimization
- Perform root cause analysis and troubleshooting for process, product, and equipment issues.
- Partner with global teams to ensure scalable, repeatable manufacturing processes across sites.
- Conduct regular audits and reviews of documentation and configurations to ensure accuracy, compliance, and alignment with current practices.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Materials, Manufacturing, or related field) or equivalent experience
- 5+ years of experience in manufacturing, process engineering, or product configuration roles
- Strong technical documentation and communication skills
- Experience with process definition, product configuration, or manufacturing documentation
- Familiarity with document control systems and quality standards (ISO 9001 or similar)
- Demonstrated problem-solving and analytical skills
- Ability to work cross-functionally in a fast-paced, global environment
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience in photonics, optics, semiconductor, or precision manufacturing
- Knowledge of materials such as lithium niobate or quartz
- Experience with:
- Thin-film coatings (metallic or dielectric)
- Grinding, polishing, or wafer processing
- Packaging processes for optical devices
- Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or 6S methodologies
- Experience with CAD, tooling development, or mechanical design
- Background in training or supporting manufacturing teams
- Experience working with international manufacturing partners
ADDITIONAL NOTES
This job description is intended to outline the general nature and level of work performed and is not exhaustive. Employees are expected to take on additional responsibilities as needed to support business objectives.
The Company is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants for employment. The Company does not discriminate in employment opportunity or practices on the grounds of gender, race, religion or belief, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
Employment with G&H may be subject to U.S. export control regulations (ITAR/EAR). Candidates may be required to provide information to ensure compliance with these regulations.
