Optical Engineering Technician

About the role

Voyager Technologies is an innovative space, defense, and national security technology company dedicated to developing and delivering cutting-edge solutions. This role is crucial for the design, assembly, alignment, test, and integration of electro-optical and photonic systems in a fast-paced defense and aerospace environment.

Responsibilities

• Assemble and align precision optical components including lenses, mirrors, beam splitters, prisms, and filters per engineering drawings and assembly procedures
• Integrate electro-optical subassemblies into larger sensor or imaging systems, ensuring mechanical and optical tolerances are maintained
• Support installation and integration of laser systems, detectors, and associated opto-mechanical hardware
• Execute optical performance tests including wavefront error, MTF, transmittance, focal length, and centration measurements using interferometers, autocollimators, and profilometers
• Operate optical test equipment such as Zygo interferometers, Shack-Hartmann sensors, spectrophotometers, power meters, and optical spectrum analyzers
• Conduct functional and environmental testing (vibration, thermal, shock) in accordance with MIL-STD-810 and program test plans
• Document test results accurately in test travelers, data packages, and engineering notebooks; flag non-conformances and initiate corrective actions
• Perform optical surface cleaning, inspection, and minor fabrication tasks including polishing, cementing, and coating inspection
• Support rework and repair of returned assemblies, troubleshooting alignment and performance issues to root cause
• Fabricate and modify opto-mechanical fixtures, jigs, and tooling to support assembly and test processes
• Maintain first-article inspection records and dimensional inspection reports using CMM, micrometers, and optical comparators
• Follow AS9100 and ISO 9001 quality management procedures; support internal audits and corrective action processes
• Ensure compliance with ESD, FOD, and cleanroom protocols (ISO Class 5–7)
• Complete work orders, assembly travelers, and material handling documentation accurately and on time
• Collaborate closely with optical engineers, mechanical engineers, and program managers to support design verification and qualification activities
• Provide technical input during design reviews and producibility assessments from a technician's perspective
• Mentor junior technicians and support cross-training initiatives within the optical assembly team
• Support customer and government source inspections as required

Qualifications

• Minimum 6 years of hands-on experience as an optical or electro-optical technician in a defense, aerospace, or precision optics manufacturing environment
• Demonstrated proficiency in optical alignment techniques, interferometric testing, and precision assembly of opto-mechanical systems
• Prior experience supporting MIL-SPEC programs or government-contracted programs
• Experience with fiber optic systems, free-space laser systems, or infrared imaging systems is strongly preferred
• Proficient with optical test instruments: interferometers (Zygo, ESDI), autocollimators, spectrophotometers, power meters, beam analyzers
• Skilled in reading and interpreting optical and mechanical engineering drawings, GD&T, and assembly procedures
• Experience with cleanroom operations at ISO Class 5–7 and associated contamination control practices
• Familiarity with ERP/MES systems (SAP, Oracle, or equivalent) for work order tracking
• Basic proficiency with MS Office Suite; experience with data reduction tools (Excel, MATLAB, or LabVIEW a plus)
• Active U.S. Secret security clearance required at time of hire
• Ability to obtain Top Secret clearance preferred
• Must be a U.S. Citizen