Optical Technician III

Orion Space Solutions designs and builds operational space payloads for national security and advanced sensing missions. Our instruments fly on orbit and deliver mission-critical data for government and commercial customers.

About the role

We are looking for a strong Optical Technician III to work directly with our EO/IR optical engineering team and help turn optical designs, models, and test plans into reliable lab data and flight-ready hardware. This is a hands-on, on-site position in Louisville, Colorado. You will handle precision optics, set up measurements, run FTIR and optical metrology tests, support visible-through-LWIR optical characterization, maintain lab equipment, and help close the loop between engineering intent and measured performance.

Responsibilities

• Work side-by-side with senior EO/IR optical engineers to set up, run, and document optical tests for payloads, optical benches, filters, detectors, calibration hardware, and prototype or flight-like assemblies.
• Perform FTIR measurements and spectral characterization of optical components and assemblies, including transmission, reflection, coating performance, filter behavior, and LWIR-relevant optical response.
• Support optical measurements from the visible through the LWIR using FTIR systems, spectrometers, broadband sources, lasers, blackbodies, collimators, integrating spheres, cameras, detectors, and lab data-acquisition tools.
• Perform basic and intermediate optical metrology, including inspection, alignment checks, dimensional checks, clear-aperture verification, wedge/parallelism support, surface-quality inspection, and cleanliness/FOD verification.
• Set up and align optical benches, mounts, sources, detectors, apertures, targets, test fixtures, and measurement accessories with minimal supervision.
• Handle lenses, mirrors, windows, filters, etalons, detector windows, optical flats, baffles, and flight or prototype hardware using proper optical handling, cleanroom, ESD, and contamination-control practices.
• Collect, organize, and reduce test data; maintain lab notebooks, equipment logs, calibration records, configuration notes, and test evidence packages.
• Support incoming inspection, supplier acceptance testing, environmental test pre/post measurements, payload AI&T, and anomaly troubleshooting.
• Keep the optical lab ready to work: maintain equipment, identify missing tools or fixtures, flag unsafe conditions, and help improve procedures as hardware matures.

You will be responsible for real measurements on real hardware, not just following a checklist.

Requirements

• HS diploma or equivalent.
• 5-6 years of experience in an optical manufacturing or R&D setting.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience as an Optical Technician.
• Proficiency with optical tools and instruments.
• Strong understanding of optical principles and systems.
• Experience with testing, troubleshooting, and repairing optical systems.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Knowledge of optical lens technology.
• Attention to detail and precision.
• Excellent problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to follow detailed instructions and procedures.
• Basic computer skills for record-keeping.

Pay

Projected compensation range: $40,752.75 – $70,861.13 per year. Final salary may vary based on experience, skills, location, and other factors.

Benefits

• Health Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Paid Time Off
• Holiday Pay
• Short Term and Long-Term Disability
• Retirement and Savings plans
• Learning and Development opportunities
• Wellness programs
• Other optional benefit elections