Optical Engineering Technician

Voyagertechnologiesinc; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Voyager Technologies in San Diego, CA, is seeking an Optical Engineering Technician to support the design, assembly, alignment, test, and integration of electro-optical systems in a defense/aerospace setting. The role emphasizes precision, quality, and cross-functional collaboration.

The candidate should have 6+ years of hands-on experience and an associate degree in a related field, with strong bench skills and cleanroom discipline for ISO/AS guidelines.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in Electro-Optics, Photonics, Electronics Technology, or related field.
• 6+ years hands-on optical/electro-optical technician experience in defense/aerospace.
• Experience with optical metrology and cleanroom protocols.

Responsibilities

• Assemble and align precision optical components per drawings and procedures.
• Test and verify optical performance using interferometers and related equipment.
• Support fabrication, repair, and rework of optical assemblies.
• Maintain quality records, travelers, and documentation per AS9100/ISO9001.
• Collaborate with engineers and program managers; mentor junior technicians.

Skills

Optical alignment

Test equipment handling

Cleanroom procedures

Documentation & data packages

Education

Associate degree in Electro-Optics

Tools

CMM

Micrometers

Optical comparators

Job description

Voyager is an innovative space, defense, and national security technology company committed to advancing and delivering transformative, mission-critical solutions. We tackle the most complex challenges to unlock new frontiers for human progress, fortify national security, and protect critical assets to lead in the race for technological and operational superiority from ground to space.

Forge the Future: Join Voyager Technologies

The future belongs to those who build it. At Voyager Technologies, we're building technologies that protect lives, expand frontiers and prepare us for what's next. And we're doing that with people who are wired to solve, build, adapt and lead. These roles are not for the faint of heart.

You’ll help lay the foundation for humanity's future. Join a culture where innovation thrives, curiosity is rewarded, and impact is real. We're a company of doers, thinkers and builders, united by purpose and grounded in reality.

If you want to put your skills to work where the stakes are real and the mission is bigger than any one person, forge the future with Voyager.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Optical Engineering Technician provides hands-on technical support for the design, assembly, alignment, test, and integration of electro-optical and photonic systems within a fast-paced defense and aerospace environment. Working under the direction of senior optical engineers, this role is critical to meeting program milestones, maintaining quality standards, and ensuring the performance of precision optical instruments, laser systems, and imaging assemblies. The ideal candidate brings 6 years of demonstrated technician experience in an optics or photonics manufacturing or R&D environment, strong bench skills, and the discipline to operate within cleanroom and controlled environments.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Assembly & Integration

• Assemble and align precision optical components including lenses, mirrors, beam splitters, prisms, and filters per engineering drawings and assembly procedures
• Integrate electro-optical subassemblies into larger sensor or imaging systems, ensuring mechanical and optical tolerances are maintained
• Perform fiber optic splicing, connector termination, and cable routing for photonic subsystems
• Support installation and integration of laser systems, detectors, and associated opto-mechanical hardware

Test & Verification

• Execute optical performance tests including wavefront error, MTF, transmittance, focal length, and centration measurements using interferometers, autocollimators, and profilometers
• Operate optical test equipment such as Zygo interferometers, Shack-Hartmann sensors, spectrophotometers, power meters, and optical spectrum analyzers
• Conduct functional and environmental testing (vibration, thermal, shock) in accordance with MIL-STD-810 and program test plans
• Document test results accurately in test travelers, data packages, and engineering notebooks; flag non-conformances and initiate corrective actions

Fabrication & Repair

• Perform optical surface cleaning, inspection, and minor fabrication tasks including polishing, cementing, and coating inspection
• Support rework and repair of returned assemblies, troubleshooting alignment and performance issues to root cause
• Fabricate and modify opto-mechanical fixtures, jigs, and tooling to support assembly and test processes

Quality & Documentation

• Maintain first-article inspection records and dimensional inspection reports using CMM, micrometers, and optical comparators
• Follow AS9100 and ISO 9001 quality management procedures; support internal audits and corrective action processes
• Ensure compliance with ESD, FOD, and cleanroom protocols (ISO Class 5-7)
• Complete work orders, assembly travelers, and material handling documentation accurately and on time

Collaboration & Support

• Collaborate closely with optical engineers, mechanical engineers, and program managers to support design verification and qualification activities
• Provide technical input during design reviews and producibility assessments from a technician's perspective
• Mentor junior technicians and support cross-training initiatives within the optical assembly team
• Support customer and government source inspections as required

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Associate degree in Electro-Optics, Photonics, Electronics Technology, or a related technical discipline; or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Coursework or training in geometrical optics, laser principles, or optical instrumentation preferred

Experience

• Minimum 6 years of hands-on experience as an optical or electro-optical technician in a defense, aerospace, or precision optics manufacturing environment
• Demonstrated proficiency in optical alig