Engineering Technician (Optical)

IPG Defense; Huntsville (AL); Hybrid; USD 34,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid vacation time

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) plan with company matching

Employee stock purchase plan

Job summary

IPG Defense Huntsville is seeking an Optical Engineering Technician to support high-energy laser systems, performing beam characterization, precision alignment, and optical bench metrology in a clean-room environment.

You will operate and maintain laser equipment, document results, and assist with manufacturing and safety compliance, contributing to defense-grade photonics programs in a small, technically focused team.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in Photonics Technology or related technical field (military optical/laser training acceptable).
• 2–5 years of hands-on optics, laser systems, or photonics manufacturing experience.
• Proficiency with optical test and metrology equipment (power meters, beam profilers, spectrometers, interferometers).
• Experience with precision laser alignment and optical assembly techniques.
• Knowledge of laser-safety protocols and optical component handling.
• Ability to read optical drawings, specifications, and assembly procedures.

Responsibilities

• Execute beam characterization: M², power, wavelength, beam profile measurements using meters and profilers.
• Perform optical bench metrology with interferometers and alignment telescopes; set up test benches.
• Document optical performance data in lab databases.
• Perform precision laser and optical alignments of lenses, mirrors, prisms, and assemblies.
• Assemble prototype optical systems and fiber-optic assemblies including splicing and termination.
• Maintain clean-room protocols and optical component handling.

Skills

Optics & photonics

Laser alignment

Beam characterization

Metrology equipment

Reading optical drawings

Safety protocols

Education

Associate degree in Photonics Technology

Tools

Power meters

Beam profilers

Spectrometers

Interferometers

Job description

POSITION INFORMATION

• Department / Function: Engineering - IPG Defense
• Reports To: Lead Optical Engineer
• Work Location: Huntsville, AL
• Employment Type: Full-time (Hourly)
• Travel: Minimal (less than 5%).
• Security / Clearance: Not required; ability to obtain a security clearance may be required for some programs.

ABOUT IPG DEFENSE

IPG Defense, a stand-alone business of IPG Photonics, was incorporated in 2026 to provide direct support for defense products. Headquartered in Huntsville, AL, IPG Defense is bringing commercial scale to laser defense systems, leveraging IPG Photonics’ 36 years of experience in fiber laser technology. Our mission: develop and deliver the most advanced, next-generation laser defense solutions for military and civilian use - systems that accurately and reliably detect, track, target, and neutralize threats.

IPG Photonics is the world’s leading developer and manufacturer of high-performance fiber lasers and amplifiers for diverse applications in numerous markets. Founded in 1990, IPG pioneered the development and commercialization of optical fiber-based lasers - a critical technology in our high-energy laser (HEL) systems, including the CROSSBOW program.

Your skills and experience will play a key role in shaping our growing organization, building our capabilities, and delivering on our mission. Join us and build a career that will shape the future of laser defense.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Optical Engineering Technician provides hands-on technical support for high-energy laser systems, with a focus on laser beam characterization, precision laser alignment, and optical bench metrology. This role executes optical test procedures, builds and aligns optical assemblies, maintains laser equipment, and supports engineering activities through practical optical and photonics skills.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Beam Characterization & Bench Metrology

• Execute laser beam characterization: beam quality (M²), power output, wavelength, and beam-profile measurements using power meters, beam profilers, spectrometers, and thermal imaging.
• Perform optical bench metrology using interferometers, autocollimators, and alignment telescopes; set up optical test benches and measurement systems.
• Document optical performance data and measurements in laboratory databases.

Laser Alignment & Optical Assembly

• Perform precision laser and optical alignments of lenses, mirrors, prisms, and beam-delivery assemblies.
• Assemble prototype optical systems and fiber-optic assemblies, including splicing, termination, and connector installation.
• Maintain clean-room protocols and optical component handling procedures.

Laser System Operations & Maintenance

• Operate high-power laser systems safely following established safety protocols.
• Perform routine maintenance on laser sources, cooling systems, and optical components; monitor performance and identify degradation.
• Replace optical components, perform system calibrations, and support laser-safety compliance activities.

Documentation & Manufacturing Support

• Support creation of optical test procedures and assembly work instructions.
• Assist manufacturing with optical assembly processes, quality control, and troubleshooting of production issues.
• Support optical component qualification and supplier evaluation activities.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Associate degree in Photonics Technology, Optical Engineering Technology, or a related technical field; military optical/laser training or equivalent technical certification also acceptable.
• 2-5 years of hands-on experience in optics, laser systems, or photonics manufacturing.
• Proficiency with optical test and metrology equipment (power meters, beam profilers, spectrometers, interferometers).
• Experience with precision laser alignment and optical assembly techniques.
• Knowledge of laser-safety protocols and optical component handling.
• Ability to read optical drawings, specifications, and assembly procedures.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience with high-power fiber lasers or solid-state laser systems.
• Defense, aerospace, or laser system production experience.
• Knowledge of beam-delivery systems and optical damage mechanisms.
• Familiarity with fiber-optic systems, connector technologies, and thermal management of optics.
• Certification in laser safety (LSO training).

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Optical laboratory and clean-room settings with high-power laser exposure (comprehensive safety training provided).
• Excellent manual dexterity, visual acuity, and color discrimination for precision alignment and optical inspection.
• Ability to lift up to 35 pounds and work with precision equipment while following contamination-control procedures.

WHY JOIN IPG DEFENSE

• Work at the forefront of directed-energy and photonics innovation on systems that matter to national security.
• Vertically integrated technology: we design and build our own lasers, giving engineers end-to-end ownership from component to fielded system.
• Small, expert, fast-moving team in Huntsville, AL — one of the nation’s fastest-growing aerospace and defense hubs.
• Career growth through hands-on work across the full product lifecycle: concept, prototype, integration, field test, and production.
• Competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package - see Compensation & Benefits below.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

Benefits Provided:

All Regular US employees receive:

• Paid vacation time accrued based on years of service
• Paid sick time
• 12 (twelve) Paid Holidays Each Calendar Year

Additional Benefits Offered:

IPG also offers access to:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans with options for HSA/FSA
• Dependent Care FSA
• Paid Basic Life and AD&D Insurance
• Short-term and Long-term Disability insurance
• 401(k) plan with Company matching
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)
• Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Adoption Assistance
• Pet Insurance
• Parental Bonding Leave
• Bright Horizons Backup Care
• Bright Horizons College Coach

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

IPG Defense is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.