Optical Component Assembler

Fibertek Inc; Herndon (VA); On-site; USD 33,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision

Disability insurance

401(k) with company match

HSA/FSAs

Employee Assistance Program

Education assistance

Paid time off and holidays

Flexible work schedules

9/8/80 alternate workweek

Job summary

Fibertek, Inc. is seeking an Optical Component Assembler to join a hands-on team in Herndon, VA. You will support precision optical and laser subassemblies for research and development, working closely with engineers to adapt to evolving designs and processes.

Ideal candidates enjoy meticulous hands-on work, possess strong attention to detail, and can learn new assembly techniques in a dynamic R&D environment. This role is on-site in Herndon with competitive benefits.

Qualifications

• Detail-oriented and able to perform precise hands-on work in optical assembly.
• Ability to read and follow engineering drawings and instructions.
• Capable of learning new assembly processes and techniques.
• Strong manual dexterity and careful handling of small components.

Responsibilities

• Perform precision assembly of optical and mechanical components for laser systems and subsystems.
• Install and secure optical components into mechanical mounts using adhesives and fixtures.
• Clean, handle, and protect precision optical components per procedures.
• Assemble prototype and low-volume hardware from drawings and work instructions.

Skills

Precision handwork

Attention to detail

Manual dexterity

Read engineering drawings

Independent work

Communication with engineers

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Microscopes

Precision fixtures

Epoxies/adhesives

Job description

Job Title

Optical Component Assembler

Location

Herndon, VA - Herndon, VA 20171 US (Primary)

Job Description

Join a team developing cutting-edge laser hardware for spaceflight applications and other mission-critical national programs. As an Optical component assembler, you will support the hands-on assembly and preparation of advanced optical and laser subassemblies used in next-generation photonics systems.

We are seeking a hands-on, detail-oriented Optical Assembler to support the development and assembly of advanced laser and optical systems.

This position will work closely with engineers and technicians to assemble precision optical and mechanical components into prototype and deliverable laser hardware. Unlike a high-volume manufacturing environment, our work consists primarily of research and development, prototype builds, and small quantities of customer and program hardware. Assemblies can vary significantly from project to project.

The ideal candidate is someone who enjoys precision hands-on work, takes pride in workmanship, can learn new assembly techniques quickly, and is comfortable working in an environment where designs and processes may evolve as development progresses.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform precision assembly of optical and mechanical components for laser systems and subsystems.
• Install and secure optical components into mechanical mounts using adhesives, mechanical fasteners, fixtures, and other approved techniques.
• Clean, handle, and protect precision optical components using appropriate procedures.
• Apply epoxies and other adhesives accurately and consistently.
• Assemble prototype and low-volume hardware based on engineering drawings, work instructions, sketches, and direction from engineering personnel.
• Use microscopes, precision hand tools, fixtures, and measurement equipment as required.
• Perform in-process inspections and basic verification of completed assemblies.
• Identify workmanship issues, unexpected conditions, or discrepancies and communicate them to engineering or quality personnel.
• Support development builds where assembly procedures may be refined or modified as the design matures.
• Maintain accurate build and inspection documentation.
• Maintain a clean and organized workspace appropriate for precision optical assembly.
• Support multiple projects and adapt to different assembly requirements as program needs change.
• Follow applicable safety, quality, configuration-control, and manufacturing procedures.

Job Requirements

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Demonstrated ability to perform detailed, precision hands-on work.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to workmanship and quality.
• Good manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination.
• Ability to work with small components using tweezers, hand tools, fixtures, and magnification.
• Ability to read and follow engineering drawings, written instructions, and assembly procedures.
• Ability to learn new assembly processes and techniques.
• Ability to communicate effectively with engineers and other technical personnel when requirements or assembly conditions are unclear.
• Ability to work independently while recognizing when additional direction is required.

Preferred Qualifications

• 1–3 years of experience in precision assembly, optical assembly, laser assembly, electronics assembly, aerospace, medical devices, or a similar technical manufacturing environment.
• Experience handling optical components.
• Experience working with epoxies, adhesives, solvents, or other controlled materials.
• Experience using microscopes or other optical magnification equipment.
• Experience with precision mechanical assembly.
• Experience reading mechanical drawings and toleranced dimensions.
• Experience working in an R&D, prototype, or low-volume manufacturing environment.
• Experience working under an ISO 9001, AS9100, or similar quality system.

Desired Attributes

The successful candidate will be:

• Detail-oriented: Takes pride in producing exceptionally clean and precise work.
• Patient: Comfortable performing delicate work where workmanship is more important than speed.
• Adaptable: Comfortable moving between different assemblies and projects.
• Mechanically inclined: Able to understand how components fit together and recognize potential problems.
• Curious: Interested in learning about lasers, optics, and precision assembly techniques.
• Communicative: Comfortable asking questions and working directly with engineers.
• Quality focused: Understands that small assembly errors can have significant effects on laser system performance.
• Team oriented: Works effectively in a collaborative R&D environment.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to perform precision hand assembly for extended periods.
• Ability to work with small components using tweezers, hand tools, fixtures, and microscopes.
• Ability to sit or stand at an assembly workstation for extended periods.
• Ability to visually inspect small components and assemblies using magnification.
• Ability to handle small parts and materials safely and accurately.

Salary Range

The base salary range for this position is $24-$38/hour. This range reflects the compensation Fibertek reasonably expects to offer for this role. Placement within the range will depend on factors such as the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s experience, education and training, key skills, and relevant market and business considerations.

Benefits offered

• including medical, dental, and vision coverage
• disability, life insurance, and AD&D
• a 401(k) plan with a company match and immediate vesting
• Flexible Spending Accounts and Health Savings Accounts
• an Employee Assistance Program
• education assistance
• paid time off and holidays
• flexible work schedules
• and a 9/8/80 alternate workweek option

Fibertek, Inc. is a recognized leader in advanced lasers, lidars and laser communication systems providing our DoD, NASA and aerospace customers discriminating capabilities. We pride ourselves in our innovation and customer success focused culture enabled by a creative and relaxed work environment. Fibertek fosters a progressive learning environment that values inspiration, promotes professional challenge and encourages personal growth. We offer a competitive and incentivized compensation package with excellent benefits.Fibertek, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment based on individual merit, skills, and experience. Fibertek does not engage in nor permits any discrimination in the workplace.