Optical Fabrication Technician

KBR Careers; Greenbelt (MD); On-site; USD 62,000 - 94,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401K match

Medical insurance

Dental

Vision

Life Insurance

AD&D

FSA

Disability

PTO

Flexible schedule

Training & development

Job summary

KBR in Greenbelt, MD, is seeking an Optical Fabrication Technician to support precision optical component fabrication for lasers and space systems. The role requires hands-on optical fabrication and CNC experience to deliver high‑quality optics for spacecraft and scientific missions.

You will work with engineers and technicians to optimize processes, interpret drawings and specifications, and maintain quality records in a collaborative, safety‑driven environment.

Qualifications

• Hands-on optical fabrication experience required.
• Experience programming and operating CNC equipment for optics.
• Experience with precision metrology and inspection.
• Ability to read engineering drawings and optical specs.
• Strong documentation, reporting and basic statistics.

Responsibilities

• Perform grinding, lapping, polishing, edging and finishing of optical components.
• Set up, operate and troubleshoot CNC optical fabrication equipment.
• Develop or modify CNC programs and optimize fabrication processes.
• Interpret drawings, prescriptions and fabrication specs.
• Perform precision measurements and inspect optical components.
• Collaborate with engineers to develop approaches for new optics.
• Maintain equipment, process docs and quality records.

Skills

Optical fabrication

CNC programming

Metrology

Engineering drawings

Documentation

Team collaboration

ISO knowledge

Tools

CNC equipment

Job description

Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR!

We at KBR share one goal: to improve the world responsibly as a company of innovators, thinkers, creators, explorers, volunteers, and dreamers

Optical Fabrication Technician

The Optical Fabrication Technician supports the fabrication of precision optical components for lasers and other advanced optical systems at GSFC. This hands‑on role requires experience in optical fabrication and CNC machining to produce high‑quality optical components for spacecraft and scientific missions.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform optical fabrication processes including grinding, lapping, polishing, edging, beveling, and finishing.
• Set up, operate, and troubleshoot CNC optical fabrication equipment.
• Develop or modify CNC programs and optimize fabrication processes.
• Interpret optical drawings, prescriptions, and fabrication specifications.
• Perform precision measurements and inspection of optical components.
• Work closely with engineers and other technicians to develop fabrication approaches for new and complex optics.
• Maintain fabrication equipment, process documentation, and quality records.

Required Skills & Experience

• Several years of hands‑on experience in optical fabrication.
• Experience operating and programming CNC equipment, preferably for optical fabrication.
• Experience with precision optical metrology and inspection.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings and optical specifications.
• Strong mechanical aptitude, troubleshooting skills, and attention to detail.
• Knowledge of laboratory practices, equipment calibration, and quality standards (e.g., ISO)
• Strong documentation, reporting, and basic statistical analysis skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in technical environments

Preferred Skills

• Experience with laser, aerospace, or scientific optics is highly desirable.
• Solid understanding of the NASA flight hardware development process and methodology

Basic Compensation

Jobs on this contract range from $62,400.00- $93,600.00 . Pay range is specific to the Greenbelt, Maryland area. The offered rate will be based on the position, contract affordability, the selected candidate’s working location, knowledge, skills, abilities, experience, and in consideration of internal parity.

Additional Compensation

KBR may offer bonuses, commissions, or other forms of compensation to certain job titles or levels, per internal policy or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be in the form of sign on bonus, relocation benefits, short-term incentives, long-term incentives, or discretionary payments for exceptional performance.

KBR Benefits

• 401K plan with company match
• medical
• dental
• vision
• life insurance
• AD&D
• flexible spending account
• disability
• paid time off
• or flexible work schedule
• We support career advancement through professional training and development.

Belong, Connect and Grow at KBR

At KBR, we are passionate about our people and our Zero Harm culture. These inform all that we do and are at the heart of our commitment to, and ongoing journey toward being a People First company. That commitment is central to our team of team’s philosophy and fosters an environment where everyone can Belong, Connect and Grow. We Deliver – Together.

KBR is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.