Optical Mech Technician

Yoh, A Day & Zimmermann Company; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 69,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Prescription, Dental & Vision

401K Retirement Savings Plan

Direct Deposit & weekly e‑payroll

Referral Bonus Programs

Certification and training

Job summary

Yoh, a Day & Zimmermann Company, seeks an Optical Technician to support the integration and testing of optical payloads for a satellite program. The role emphasizes precision assembly, alignment, and characterization of telescope and camera optics in a cleanroom environment, with emphasis on handling delicate flight optics and complex opto‑mechanical assemblies.

The position requires experience in optics, bonding with RTV/epoxies, alignment with metrology tools, meticulous documentation, and

Qualifications

• Experience in optics and optical assemblies within aerospace or high‑precision manufacturing.
• Precision bonding with RTV and epoxies for mounting optical elements.
• Solid understanding of optical alignment and metrology equipment.
• Follow detailed test procedures exactly as written in a cleanroom environment.
• Ability to read mechanical and electrical drawings/schematics and handle delicate components.
• Accurate data recording and reporting of test results.

Responsibilities

• Execute high‑precision assembly of telescopes and focal plane arrays.
• Perform ground‑based testing for image quality, MTF, and radiometric performance.
• Utilize interferometers, wavefront sensors, collimators, and integrating spheres for payload verification.
• Build and maintain opto‑mechanical and electrical test fixtures.
• Record test results and summarize data for engineering review via Jira or internal tools.
• Handle, measure, and clean flight‑critical optics following cleanroom protocols.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing and Test Engineers to troubleshoot failures.

Skills

Optics assembly

Alignment techniques

Metrology equipment

Cleanroom procedures

Documentation

Hardware handling

Soldering PCB

RTV/epoxies bonding

Education

Degree in Optical Engineering/Physics

Tools

Interferometer

Wavefront sensor

Collimator

Integrating sphere

Jira

Job description

Optical Technician

Planet is seeking a highly skilled Contract Optical Technician to support the integration and testing of optical payloads for the Pelican satellite program. This role is focused on the tactical execution of telescope and camera assembly, alignment, and characterization. We are looking for a precision‑oriented technician who excels in a cleanroom environment and has a proven track record of handling delicate flight optics and complex opto‑mechanical assemblies.

Impact You’ll Own

• Payload Integration and Assembly: Execute the high‑precision assembly of telescopes and focal plane arrays, including the delicate bonding of optics using RTV and aerospace‑grade epoxies.
• Optical Characterization: Perform ground‑based testing of cameras and telescopes for image quality, MTF, and radiometric performance following established test procedures.
• Precision Metrology: Utilize and maintain optical test stations, including the use of interferometers, wavefront sensors, collimators, and integrating spheres to ensure payload performance.
• Fixture Assembly: Build and maintain opto‑mechanical and electrical test fixtures to support the high‑volume production and verification of Pelican payloads.
• Data Recording: Meticulously record test results and prepare data summaries for engineering review, ensuring all anomalies are captured and reported via Jira or in‑house software.
• Component Handling: Proficiently handle, measure, and clean sensitive optical components according to strict cleanroom and laboratory safety protocols.
• Collaborative Debugging: Work closely with Manufacturing and Test Engineers to troubleshoot opto‑mechanical or electrical failures identified during the build or test cycle.

What You Bring

• Experience: Proven background in optics and optical assemblies, specifically within a high‑precision manufacturing or aerospace environment.
• High‑Reliability Bonding: Professional experience with the precision application of RTV and epoxies for mounting and securing optical elements.
• Alignment Expertise: Solid understanding of optical alignment techniques and the use of metrology equipment to verify image quality metrics.
• Laboratory Discipline: A methodical approach to following complex, detailed test procedures exactly as written, with no unauthorized deviations.
• Mechanical Aptitude: Proficiency with mechanical tools, fixtures, and the ability to read and interpret both mechanical and electrical drawings/schematics.
• Documentation Accuracy: Impeccable organizational skills with a focus on recording accurate, detailed test descriptions and data manipulation.
• Hardware Sensitivity: Extreme care when handling flight‑critical optics and a deep understanding of ESD‑safe and cleanroom best practices.

What Makes You Stand Out

• Educational Background: Degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related technical field.
• Spacecraft Payload Experience: Previous experience working on satellite telescopes, focal planes, or mission‑critical camera systems.
• Advanced Debugging: Ability to perform root‑cause analysis on complex opto‑mechanical systems and electrical cable/harness assemblies.
• Software Familiarity: Basic experience with Python or lab automation tools to assist in data collection and test station operation.
• Soldering Proficiency: Experience with PCB soldering and the assembly of delicate electronics associated with optical sensors.

Estimated Min Rate: $50.00

Estimated Max Rate: $65.00

What’s In It for You?

Benefits include:

• Medical, Prescription, Dental & Vision Benefits (for employees working 20+ hours per week)
• Health Savings Account (HSA) (for employees working 20+ hours per week)
• Life & Disability Insurance (for employees working 20+ hours per week)
• MetLife Voluntary Benefits
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• 401K Retirement Savings Plan
• Direct Deposit & weekly e‑payroll
• Referral Bonus Programs
• Certification and training opportunities

Note: Any pay ranges displayed are estimations. Actual pay is determined by an applicant's experience, technical expertise, and other qualifications as listed in the job description.

Yoh, a Day & Zimmermann company, 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.

Visit https://www.yoh.com/applicants-with-disabilities to contact us if you are an individual with a disability and require accommodation in the application process.

For California applicants, qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act. All of the material job duties described in this posting are job duties for which a criminal history may have a direct, adverse, and negative relationship potentially resulting in the withdrawal of a conditional offer of employment.

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

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