6-Month Precision Opto-Mechanical Technician

Space and Earth Science Data Analysis; Greenbelt, Northern (MD, KY); Hybrid; USD 38,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

ADNET Systems, Inc. at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, MD seeks a hands-on mechanical engineering student or recent graduate for six months on-site to design, fabricate, and assemble precision opto-mechanical components and tooling.

You will build lab machinery, test assemblies, automate motion control, and write data acquisition and analysis scripts in Python or MATLAB, while measuring mirror quality with metrology equipment and supporting X-ray testing at beamlines.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled undergraduate student (co-op or semester away) or recent graduate in mechanical engineering or a related field.
• Hands-on experience building and integrating mechanical or electromechanical systems.
• Some programming experience in Python or MATLAB.
• Familiarity with CAD and reading engineering drawings.
• Available to work full time on-site in Greenbelt, MD for six months.
• US Citizenship or Permanent Residency (LPR) required, with US residency for the past 3 consecutive years.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Tier 1 Investigation through NASA.

Responsibilities

• Design, fabricate, and assemble precision opto-mechanical components, fixtures, and tooling from engineering drawings; utilize 3D printing and tolerance analysis.
• Build and test lab machinery; integrate motors, sensors, wiring, and controllers; troubleshoot and qualify assemblies.
• Contribute to automation and motion control for precise positioning of mirror segments and test equipment.
• Write data acquisition, analysis, and simulation scripts in Python or MATLAB; run iterative tests and evaluate results against requirements.
• Measure mirror quality with metrology equipment (ZYGO, 4D interferometers); support X-ray testing at Goddard beamlines.
• Maintain thorough records of procedures and data; follow NASA and Goddard safety rules.

Skills

Hands-on mechanical systems

Python or MATLAB

CAD (SolidWorks/AutoCAD)

Education

Mechanical engineering degree (undergrad/grad)

Tools

SolidWorks

AutoCAD

3D printing

Job description

ADNET Systems, Inc. at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, MD seeks a hands-on mechanical engineering student or recent graduate for six months on-site to design, fabricate, and assemble precision opto-mechanical components and tooling.

You will build lab machinery, test assemblies, automate motion control, and write data acquisition and analysis scripts in Python or MATLAB, while measuring mirror quality with metrology equipment and supporting X-ray testing at beamlines.