Advanced Optics / Test Technician

About the Role

Imagine building your career by developing the solutions that support the mission of our nation’s service members, intelligence analysts, and first responders. That’s the challenge waiting for you at General Dynamics Mission Systems. Here, you have the opportunity to redefine innovation and excellence for the world. Are you ready? Then make a career move that makes an impact at General Dynamics Mission Systems.

Responsibilities

• Provide hands-on support on the installation and/or repair of systems to restricted customers, users, or company personnel, either at domestic or international field sites.
• Perform a variety of equipment/process operations involving technical skills in areas such as optical, electrical, software, mechanical, or manufacturing.
• Interpret complex engineering drawings, diagrams, and schematics to understand necessary interfaces.
• Set up and document repeatable RF measurement configurations, including baseline/reference measurements and controlled test conditions.
• Work safely with laboratory lasers and follow laser safety practices.
• Align free-space optical paths, including mirrors, lenses, beam steering, focusing, and verification of optical alignment.
• Follow detailed test procedures precisely, recognize anomalous measurements, troubleshoot setup issues, and escalate concerns.
• Handle and document test articles in accordance with site safety, security, and chain-of-custody procedures.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in electronics, photonics, engineering technology, physics, or a related technical discipline; equivalent hands-on laboratory and test experience may be considered.
• 3+ years of hands-on experience performing RF/Optical test and measurement in a laboratory, production, or field-test environment.
• Proficiency operating RF/Optical instrumentation, including vector network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, power meters, oscilloscopes, attenuators, couplers, and RF switching equipment.
• Working understanding of RF/Optical propagation, phase, frequency response, calibration, impedance matching, cable/connector care, and measurement uncertainty.
• Experience with fiber-optic components, including fiber coupling, connectors, patch cables, collimators, polarization-sensitive components, and proper fiber inspection/cleaning practices.
• Ability to work with large experimental data sets and basic data tools such as Excel, MATLAB, Python, or automated test-data collection software.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work effectively with engineers, researchers, and other technicians.
• U.S. citizenship is required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with atomic, quantum, photonic, vapor-cell, electro-optic, or laser spectroscopy test systems.
• Familiarity with cesium vapor cells, electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT), Rydberg-atom sensing, or related optical/RF measurement methods.
• Experience using Toptica laser systems or comparable tunable diode-laser equipment.
• Experience developing or improving automated test setups using Python, LabVIEW, MATLAB, SCPI, or instrument-control software.
• Familiarity with machine-learning data collection requirements, including class labeling, data integrity checks, balanced experimental conditions, and reproducibility.
• Experience supporting experiments that compare empty and material-filled enclosures or perform low-frequency penetration and phase-delay measurements.
• Prior work in regulated, controlled, government, defense, or research laboratory environments.

Physical and Safety Requirements

• Ability to work in a laboratory environment and wear required laser, electrical, and general laboratory personal protective equipment.
• Ability to perform careful bench work involving small optical and RF components.
• Ability to move or position test fixtures, instruments, and boxed test articles within normal laboratory lifting limits.
• Willingness to complete required laser-safety, electrical-safety, RF-safety, and site-security training before independent operation.

Pay

Target salary range: USD $31.14/Hr. - USD $33.40/Hr. This estimate represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors (geographic location, etc.). Actual pay may vary.

Company Overview

General Dynamics Mission Systems (GDMS) engineers a diverse portfolio of high technology solutions, products, and services that enable customers to successfully execute missions across all domains of operation. With a global team of 12,000+ top professionals, we partner with the best in industry to expand the bounds of innovation in the defense and scientific arenas. Given the nature of our work and who we are, we value trust, honesty, alignment, and transparency. We offer highly competitive benefits and pride ourselves in being a great place to work with a shared sense of purpose. You will also enjoy a flexible work environment where contributions are recognized and rewarded.