Technician II - Optical Test

About the Role

In this career-building technical opportunity, you will gain expertise in the optics and aerospace field with room to develop measurement and analysis skills as your experience builds. We are seeking a motivated, detail-oriented Optical Technician with a “can-do” team disposition to support our optical testing laboratory, focusing on spectral measurements using spectrophotometers and FTIR spectrometers.

You will work with optical components integrated into complex space-based and airborne projects for critical NASA and DoW programs. The Engineering, Science and Analysis (ESA) Strategic Capabilities Unit comprises technical talent and organizational leadership enabling the successful delivery of high-impact discriminating technologies for our customers’ missions. Our collaborative, cross-functional teams are committed to innovation, integrity, continual learning, and strong execution.

Responsibilities

• Perform spectral transmission and reflectance measurements of optical components and coatings using UV-VIS-NIR spectrophotometers.
• Perform infrared spectral measurements using FTIR spectrometers, following established procedures and setups.
• Prepare samples, configure measurement fixtures, and set up instruments for spectral testing under guidance from senior technicians and leads.
• Run calibration checks and reference standards to verify instrument performance before measurements.
• Record, reduce, and analyze measurement data using basic math skills and standard analysis software.
• Compare measured spectral data against component specifications and flag out-of-family results to leads and engineers.
• Operate additional optical measurement equipment as trained, including measuring microscopes and profilometers.
• Assist with the general maintenance and housekeeping of the optical test laboratory and associated equipment.
• Perform solo tasks, running them to completion in a timely manner.
• Work collaboratively with a team of optics personnel, engineers, and technicians to test and characterize components and assist in building novel state-of-the-art space-based and airborne optical systems.
• Balance fast-paced daily work, often with multiple simultaneous measurements and critical tasks.
• Conduct inspection and cleaning of optical components, including:
  • Optical inspection per company processes and commercial standards.
  • Scratch-Dig measurements.
  • Abrasion/adhesion testing.
  • Basic dimensional measurements.
  • Vendor data package review.
• Perform cleaning of optical components per company processes and commercial standards.
• Measure and test optical components and assemblies using a variety of equipment, including:
  • Interferometers.
  • Spectrophotometers.
  • Scatterometers.
  • Measuring microscopes.
  • Profilometers.
• Process flight optics, including:
  • Bonding optics into support structures using a variety of adhesive materials.
  • Supporting integration of optical components and subassemblies into payloads.
  • Integration of lenses into higher-level assemblies using commercial lens alignment equipment.
  • Integrating other optical components into higher-level assemblies.
  • Performing optical alignment of complex optical sensors.
• Produce data packages and reports of completed measurements using Microsoft Office tools and custom systems.
• Input required information into electronic build records in accordance with company processes.
• Maintain a regular and predictable work schedule.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships within the department, Strategic Business Units, Strategic Capabilities Units, and the Company.
• Interact appropriately with others to maintain a positive and productive work environment.
• Perform other duties as necessary.

Work Environment

This position requires regular in-person engagement by working on-site five days each normally scheduled week in the primary work location. Travel and local commute between company campuses and other possible non-company locations may be required.

Work is performed in an office environment, laboratory, cleanroom, or production floor.

Requirements

• High School diploma or equivalent plus 1 year or more related experience.
• Each higher-level related degree (e.g., Bachelor’s or Master’s) may substitute for two years of related experience. Degree must be from a university, college, or school accredited by an agency recognized by the US Secretary of Education or US Department of Education.
• Optical, physics, chemistry, or materials laboratory experience with hands-on instrument operation.
• Experience handling delicate components or samples requiring care and cleanliness.
• Experience following detailed written procedures and recording measurement data.

Skills

• Familiarity with spectral measurement concepts (transmission, reflectance, wavelength ranges) and aptitude to develop proficiency with spectrophotometers and FTIR spectrometers.
• Mechanical aptitude and manual dexterity for working with delicate optical and opto-mechanical hardware.
• Excellent attention to detail and practice following detailed processes and procedures with consistency and rigor.
• Ability to read and interpret component drawings and specifications.
• Working knowledge and use of Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to run technical software programs.
• Excellent collaboration skills and ability to work with many different disciplines.
• Inquisitive self-starter, comfortable asking questions to ensure thorough understanding of assigned work.
• Aptitude to learn optical measurement equipment.
• As this position requires operating a company vehicle, an offer and subsequent employment are contingent upon possessing and maintaining a valid US driver's license and a satisfactory motor vehicle record review.

Preferred Qualifications

• Optical lab, optical assembly, optical test setup, and optical alignment experience; space-based optical system experience is preferred.
• Hands-on experience operating UV-VIS-NIR spectrophotometers.
• Hands-on experience operating FTIR spectrometers.
• Experience measuring optical coatings, filters, or witness samples.
• Experience working in cleanroom environments.
• Experience inspecting and cleaning delicate optical components.
• Space-based or airborne optical system experience.
• Knowledge of optical engineering fundamentals.
• Experience with additional optical measurement equipment, including interferometers, spectrophotometers, profilometers, scatterometers, lens alignment equipment, theodolites, and measuring microscopes.
• Electronics aptitude.
• Willingness and ability to acquire a security clearance.

Pay

Full-Time Salary Range: $47,614 - $76,181. This range is based on market pay structures. Individual salaries are determined by a variety of factors including business considerations, local market conditions, and internal equity, as well as candidate qualifications such as skills, education, and experience.

Benefits

Regular employees scheduled to work 20+ hours per week are offered:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Health savings accounts.
• A 401(k) savings plan.
• Disability coverage.
• Life and accident insurance.
• Employee assistance program.
• Legal plan.
• Paid time off and paid holidays.
• Other types of leave, including paid parental, military, bereavement, and applicable federal and state sick leave.
• Employee recognition program to receive monetary or non-monetary recognition awards.
• Other incentives may be available based on position level and/or job specifics.