Technician II - Optical Test

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, with a focus on spectral measurements using spectrophotometers and FTIR spectrometers. You will work both solo, and with a team on optical testing, handling, assembly, with occasional light design and analysis work as your knowledge and experience grows. You will work with optical components that are integrated into complex space-based and airborne projects for critical NASA and DoW programs. The Engineering, Science and Analysis (ESA) Strategic Capabilities Unit comprises the technical talent and organizational leadership that enables 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.

Optical Test Laboratory & Spectral Measurements: 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 well in a collaborative environment 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. Inquisitive self-starter, comfortable asking questions to ensure thorough understanding of assigned work prior to commencement of activities.

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 well in a collaborative environment 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.

Inquisitive self-starter, comfortable asking questions to ensure thorough understanding of assigned work prior to commencement of activities.

Optical Handling, Inspection & Cleaning: 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. Integrate other optical components into higher level assemblies. Performing optical alignment of complex optical sensors.

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.

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.

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. Integrate other optical components into higher level assemblies. Performing optical alignment of complex optical sensors.

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.

Integrate other optical components into higher level assemblies.

Performing optical alignment of complex optical sensors.

Documentation & Teamwork:

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.

Work in a collaborative environment with optics personnel, engineers, and technicians to test and characterize components for state-of-the-art optical systems.

Ask questions to ensure thorough understanding of assigned work before starting activities.

Maintain a regular and predictable work schedule.

Establish and maintain effective working relationships within the department, the Strategic Business Units, Strategic Capabilities Units and the Company. Interact appropriately with others in order to maintain a positive and productive work environment.

Perform other duties as necessary.

On-Site 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.