Fiber Laser Engineer / Technician

NSS; Herndon (VA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

NSS is seeking an experienced Fiber Laser Systems Engineer / Technician to support hands-on build, integration, and testing of advanced fiber laser systems in a research laboratory.

This long-term, permanent role is onsite at NSS headquarters in Herndon, VA, supporting DOD and NASA programs. You will translate verbal direction into repeatable lab builds and mentor junior technicians through example.

Qualifications

• 5+ years hands-on lab experience with fiber lasers, optical systems, or photonics hardware.
• Experience supporting R&D or prototype development programs.
• Ability to work from verbal direction, sketches, evolving requirements.
• Strong fiber handling, optical alignment, and laser safety practices.
• High attention to detail, workmanship, and documentation quality.

Responsibilities

• Assemble and integrate fiber laser subsystems and multi-stage fiber amplifiers.
• Perform fiber handling tasks including splicing, routing, and repair.
• Align optical components and fiber paths with minimal supervision.
• Support early-stage prototype builds where procedures may be incomplete or evolving.
• Execute formal build, acceptance, and qualification testing for deliverable systems.
• Interpret verbal instructions and informal documentation, translating them into repeatable build steps.
• Identify build risks, workmanship issues, or design-for-assembly concerns and communicate them to the technical team.
• Accurately document configurations, test results, and lab observations.
• Maintain lab organization, tooling, and best practices.
• Informally mentor junior technicians or new team members through example and guidance.

Skills

Fiber laser systems

Optical alignment

Lab documentation

Prototype development

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher

Tools

Splicing equipment

Metrology tools

Test equipment

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Fiber Laser Systems Engineer / Technician to support the hands-on build, integration, and testing of advanced fiber laser systems in a research laboratory environment. This role is critical to the successful execution of both prototype development efforts and formal deliverable systems.

This a long-term and permanent position supporting a 30+ year old company within the DOD and NASA space! This role is 100% onsite at headquarters located in Herndon, VA. (Relocation Bonus available!)

The resource will work closely with engineers and scientists, translating verbal direction, sketches, and partially defined procedures into high-quality hardware and repeatable lab work. This position is well-suited for a technician who has spent years in the lab, understands how research environments evolve, and takes pride in careful execution and mentoring through example.

Key Responsibilities

• Independently assemble and integrate fiber laser subsystems and multi-stage fiber amplifiers
• Perform complex fiber handling tasks including splicing, routing, and repair
• Align optical components and fiber paths with minimal supervision
• Support early-stage prototype builds where procedures may be incomplete or evolving
• Execute formal build, acceptance, and qualification testing for deliverable systems
• Interpret verbal instructions and informal documentation, and help translate them into repeatable build stepsIdentify build risks, workmanship issues, or design-for-assembly concerns and communicate them to the technical team
• Accurately document configurations, test results, and lab observations
• Maintain lab organization, tooling, and best practices
• Informally mentor junior technicians or new team members through example and guidance

Minimum Requirements

• 5+ years of hands-on laboratory experience with fiber lasers, optical systems, or photonics hardware
• Demonstrated experience supporting R&D or prototype development programs
• Proven ability to work from verbal direction, sketches, and evolving requirements
• Strong understanding of fiber handling, optical alignment, and laser safety practices
• High attention to detail, workmanship, and documentation quality

Education

• Bachelor's degree, Associate degree, technical certification, or equivalent hands-on experience (Degree is less important than relevant laboratory experience.)

Desired Qualifications

• Experience transitioning systems from prototype builds to deliverable hardware
• Experience with formal acceptance or qualification testing
• Experience working in small research teams or government/defense-related programs
• Comfort serving as a "go-to" lab resource for build best practice