Senior Electro-Mechanical Engineering Technician (Optical)

The Role

You will support the fabrication and assembly of optical subsystems, production tooling, and generate hardware performance records. This role will support manufacturing and development of the K2 Mega-class satellite and future generations of the spacecraft. The ideal candidate possesses advanced mechanical skills, will seek ownership over quality and reliability, is meticulous and tenacious, and is familiar with the handling and testing of optical components. A strong background in optical manufacturing, R&D and testing is desired.

Responsibilities

Partner directly with design engineering throughout the hardware development and pre-production stages, supporting component assembly and validation testing

Perform precision inspection, cleaning, bonding, and troubleshooting of optical components to exacting tolerances

Operate precision tooling including microscopes, adhesive dispensing systems, UV curing equipment, and optical alignment tooling to support next-generation hardware

Execute work from verbal instructions, engineering drawings, and technical procedures with minimal supervision, adapting quickly as designs evolve

Build, align, integrate, test, and maintain optical systems — including delicate freespace optics and mechanics, thermal management hardware, and fiber optic assemblies

Own test setup, execution, and data reporting, ensuring accuracy and traceability across all builds

Maintain ground support equipment performance and calibration

Champion laser safety and cleanliness standards on the production floor, holding yourself and the team accountable to the highest standards

Practice 5S principles of organizing and sustaining an efficient and presentable workspace

Thrive in fast paced/ all-hands-on-deck production environment, jumping in wherever needed to hit mission timelines

Qualifications

5+ years of experience assembling, integrating, and testing optical hardware or adjacent hardware (ie: technical hardware utilizing optical sensors, fibers, sources, or high-resolution mechanisms)

Proficiency with computers and ability to use MS Office and shop floor management software

Demonstrate high level of ownership and problem-solving abilities

Demonstrate ability to learn, adapt and work independently

Demonstrate dexterity and ability to handle delicate objects in a dynamic lab environment

Demonstrate ability to communicate and prioritize team success

Experience working with FOD, ESD sensitive hardware, and clean room requirements

Experience with optical cleanliness or similar (ie: use of lab solvents like HPLC IPA, Acetone, Methanol and delicate cleaning methods)

Nice to Have

Experience with optical metrology equipment such as interferometers, autocollimators, laser trackers, theodolites, power meters

Experience with handling optical fiber and optical fiber technology such as fiber splicers, polarization components, fiber polishing & cleaning, fiber cleaving

Experience with lasers and laser safety

Experience with optical wavefront optimization through alignment

Ability to troubleshoot or develop production code in LabVIEW, Python, MATLAB or similar

Able to read mechanical and engineering drawings and interpret tolerances (including GD&T)

Operate machining equipment such as a lathe, mill, drill press

Experience working with engineering in development and production environments

Strong communication skills with ability to provide feedback to engineering teams to improve tooling processes and part design

Willingness to provide constructive feedback to the engineering and production teams to improve tooling designs, processes and parts

Able to stay organized with strong attention to detail

Additional Requirements

Willing to work overtime and weekends as needed

Must be able to stoop, bend, crawl, and maneuver in tight spaces

Must be able to lift and carry parts or equipment up to 25 lbs. unassisted

Compensation and Benefits:

Hourly pay range for this non-exempt role is $40 - $45 + equity in the company

Compensation will be based on several factors including, but not limited to: knowledge and skills, education, and experience level

Comprehensive benefits package including paid time off, medical/dental/vision coverage, life insurance, paid parental leave, and many other perks