NPI Optical Engineer

Location: Rehovot, IL (Nova HQ) (IL)

Description

What we are looking for

Nova is seeking an Optical Engineer to support qualification, integration, and manufacturing readiness of advanced optical subsystems.

In this role, you will work within the Hardware Engineering Matrix, collaborating across multidisciplinary teams to ensure robust and repeatable system performance throughout the full lifecycle — from characterization and qualification to integration and production support.

You will take ownership of optical subsystem activities, driving technical improvements, leading qualification efforts, and working closely with internal teams and external suppliers.

This position involves cross-functional collaboration with R&D, Production, Service, Materials & Logistics, Purchasing, and optical suppliers, contributing to the performance, reliability, and continuous improvement of Nova’s semiconductor metrology systems.

Role Responsibilities

What will you be doing

• Conduct lab tests for root‑cause analysis, optical module qualifications, and ongoing production support.
• Collaborate closely with R&D and Manufacturing to support the transfer of optical subsystems from development to production.
• Participate in and support Manufacturing Engineering activities, including ECO, EOL, cost‑reduction initiatives, documentation updates, work‑procedure revisions, and failure analysis.
• Act as the technical focal point for Nova’s optical suppliers, including qualification, performance monitoring, and technical alignment
• Support design reviews with R&D for optical components and assemblies, while collaborating with Purchasing to evaluate suppliers and ensure technical compliance.
• Develop and maintain test jigs and fixtures for Production, and assist Service teams with troubleshooting and improving system robustness.
• Work with Materials & Logistics to identify and qualify EOL alternatives and second sources.
• Analyze engineering and production data (e.g., Python) to identify trends, root causes, and opportunities for improvement.
• Take ownership of optical engineering projects including supplier qualification, second‑source introduction, and EOL replacement activities.
• Coordinate and direct integration and validation activities for optical modules within complex systems.
• Use excellent engineering knowledge to evaluate and improve optical performance throughout the product lifecycle.

Requirements

Requirements

• B.Sc. in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering (both requires specialism of Applied Physics) , or B.Sc. in Physics
• Background in optics or hands‑on experience with optical systems.
• Min 3 years of hands‑on experience with optical laboratory activity and optical systems, including measurements, characterization, analysis, and work with optical modules or related electro‑optic, photonic, metrology, or imaging hardware.
• Experience working with Optic suppliers, familiar with Optic commodity market and technology 
• Demonstrated ability to lead engineering tasks, take ownership of technical activities, and drive them to completion.
• Programming experience in Python or similar tools for engineering data analysis.
• Fluent English, with strong written and verbal communication skills – must
• Ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary hardware engineering environments.
• M.Sc. in Electro‑Optics - Advantage
• Previous experience in optical or electro‑optical engineering role - Advantage
• Familiarity with Agile or similar project management methodologies - Advantage

That special something you bring

• Strong team player with excellent interpersonal skills, proactive and comfortable working both independently and in cross functional teams.
• Strong technical orientation with system level thinking, engineering intuition, and attention to detail.
• High ownership and independence, reliable and capable of managing multiple tasks in multidisciplinary environments.
• Effective time management with the ability to meet deadlines, prioritize, and work under pressure.
• Strong analytical, problem solving, communication, and presentation skills, with a continuous learning mindset and ability to collaborate clearly across teams and suppliers.

Get to know us better:

Nova (NASDAQ: NVMI) is a global company and a leading provider of innovative metrology solutions for process control in semiconductor manufacturing.

With a team of ~1200 people in three R&D centers and 27 field offices, we bring insights into the world’s most advanced industry. We leverage multiple technology fields such as physics, optics, chemistry, and algorithms to develop hardware and software solutions that measure almost every advanced computer chip built in the world.

Nova dives deep into dimensions and layers at the atomic level to extract unique insights and provide our customers with crucial decision-making data, managing critical challenges by providing unique, differentiated solutions.

Our outstanding people-focused and innovative culture means every person at Nova has the power to make an impact and significantly redefine what people can achieve through technology.

Join us if you are 

A dreamer and brilliant high aimer who sees the impossible as the starting point and loves working in a multidisciplinary global team to create innovative breakthroughs.

If you need assistance due to a disability, you may contact us at [email protected]