Space-Based & Airborne Optical Systems NASA & DoW Programs

We are seeking a skilled mid-career Optical Technician with hands-on expertise in space-based optical assembly, precision alignment, and bonding of flight-grade optical components for NASA and DoW development programs. This role demands a technician who operates with a high degree of independence, applies modern alignment tools and techniques, and thrives in a fast-paced, cleanroom-driven environment.

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.

What You’ll Do:

• Independently execute optical assembly, integration, and alignment tasks from start to finish with minimal supervision.
• Utilize lens alignment systems and interferometric wavefront sensing to align and verify complex multi-element optical trains.
• Perform precision bonding of flight optics into opto-mechanical structures using aerospace-grade adhesives, including epoxy injection, UV cure, and flexure-bond techniques.
• Integrate optical subassemblies into airborne and space-based sensor payloads, maintaining cleanroom protocols and handling standards throughout.
• Conduct full characterization of optical components and assemblies using interferometers, spectrophotometers, scatterometers, profilometers, and measuring microscopes.
• Perform surface quality inspections (Scratch-Dig, cleanliness per ISO and MIL standards) and prepare detailed data packages documenting as-built performance.
• Develop and refine alignment procedures, build instructions, and traveler documentation for novel optical systems.
• Troubleshoot alignment errors, bonding anomalies, and measurement discrepancies; recommend and implement corrective actions.
• Collaborate closely with optical engineers, systems engineers, and program teams across multiple simultaneous flight programs.
• Maintain a consistent, reliable cleanroom presence (5 days/week in-person) with dependable core hours to support program schedules.
• 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.

• High School diploma or equivalent plus 4 or more years of related experience.
• Each higher-level degree, i.e., Bachelor’s or Master’s, may substitute for two years of related experience. Degree must be from a university, college, or school which is accredited by an agency recognized by the US Secretary of Education, US Department of Education.
• Demonstrated experience with precision optical alignment using laser alignment systems, interferometers, autocollimators, or theodolites.
• Direct experience bonding flight optics using aerospace-grade adhesives and controlled bonding processes in a cleanroom environment.
• Hands-on experience integrating optical components into space-based or airborne sensor systems.
• Proficiency operating interferometers (Fizeau, Twyman-Green), spectrophotometers, scatterometers, profilometers, and measuring microscopes.
• Ability to read and interpret optical component drawings, assembly drawings, and optical specifications including GD&T callouts.
• Excellent hand-eye coordination and demonstrated aptitude for precise opto-mechanical assembly and bonding work under magnification.
• Working knowledge of cleanroom protocols (ISO Class 5–7), ESD controls, and flight hardware handling procedures.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) for data packages, reports, and process documentation.
• Ability to operate technical analysis software for wavefront, spectral, and dimensional data reduction.
• Solid organizational skills with consistent rigor in following detailed processes, travelers, and written procedures.
• Proven ability to manage multiple concurrent tasks across simultaneous programs while maintaining quality and schedule.
• Collaborative team player with solid communication skills across engineering and technician disciplines.
• Experience working in cleanroom environments.

• High School diploma with 10 or more years of hands-on optical technician experience, or a 2-year technical degree with 8 or more years of directly relevant experience.
• Precision Optical Alignment
  • Align multi-element lens assemblies using commercial laser-based alignment stations (e.g., Opto-Alignment Technology systems).
  • Perform wavefront-guided alignment using Fizeau and Twyman-Green interferometers to achieve diffraction-limited performance.
  • Use theodolites, autocollimators, and laser trackers to establish and verify optical axis and bore-sight relationships between subsystems.
  • Execute tip/tilt, decenter, and despace adjustments using precision actuators and kinematic mounts.
  • Align reflective and refractive optical systems including telescopes, collimators, and spectrometer assemblies.
• Optical Bonding & Integration
  • Bond optics into metal and composite structures using controlled adhesive dispensing techniques (syringes, micro-applicators, automated systems).
  • Execute flexure and semi-kinematic bonding configurations for athermal performance across thermal environments.
  • Cure and post-cure bonded assemblies per process traveler specifications.
  • Support integration of bonded sub-assemblies into instrument optical benches and telescope structures.
• Optical Test & Characterization
  • Measure transmitted and reflected wavefront error using phase-shifting interferometry; analyze Zernike decomposition and PV/RMS performance metrics.
  • Characterize spectral transmission, reflectance, and coating performance using UV-VIS-NIR spectrophotometers.
  • Measure scattered light levels and BRDF using scatterometers for stray light analysis support.
  • Perform dimensional verification using metrology-grade measuring microscopes and profilometers; compare to optical drawings and GD&T callouts.
  • Review and assess vendor data packages; flag non-conformances and work with engineers to disposition parts.
• Optical Cleaning & Inspection
  • Perform first-article and incoming inspections of optical components per company and commercial standards.
  • Execute precision cleaning of flight optics using drag-wipe, drop-and-drag, and CO2 snow-cleaning techniques as appropriate to surface type and coating.
  • Inspect surfaces for Scratch-Dig per MIL-PRF-13830B using calibrated inspection illuminators and microscopes.
  • Maintain inspection and cleaning records; support non-conformance reporting and corrective action processes.