Optical Systems and Laser Technician

Aetherflux; San Carlos (CA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading clean energy company based in San Carlos, California, is looking for an Optical Systems and Laser Technician. This full-time position involves designing and optimizing high-power laser systems for satellites. The ideal candidate will possess 2-3 years of hands-on experience with laser systems and relevant educational qualifications. Join a world-class team solving the global energy crisis through innovative engineering solutions.

Qualifications

• At least 2–3 years of experience with high-power laser systems.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings.
• Proficient in specifications of optics and fiber optics.

Responsibilities

• Assemble, test, and integrate high-power laser systems.
• Align optical systems to meet quality requirements.
• Perform maintenance on laser equipment.

Skills

Hands-on experience with laser systems

Proficiency with lab test equipment

Experience with fiber laser component integration

Strong background in science and electronics

Technical communication skills

Education

Associate’s degree in photonics or optics

Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD in Optical Engineering, Physics

Tools

Lab test equipment (oscilloscopes, cameras)

Optical spectrum analyzers

Power meters

Job description

Optical Systems and Laser Technician

(this is a full-time position based onsite out of our San Carlos, California headquarters office)

About Aetherflux

Aetherflux is solving the global energy crisis by building the infrastructure for abundant, resilient, and continuous space-based solar energy. We are tackling humanity’s most complex engineering challenge with a world-class team dedicated to delivering a revolutionary power platform. Aetherflux is transforming how civilization powers, computes, and connects—from orbit to Earth.

Overview

The Laser Engineer at Aetherflux will play a key role in designing, developing, and optimizing high‑power laser systems for our satellites. This role requires expertise in laser physics, optical engineering, and space systems, with a strong focus on integrating lasers into a spaceborne environment. You will collaborate with mechanical, electrical, optical, software, and systems engineers to push the boundaries of laser power beaming from space to Earth.

Key Responsibilities

• System Assembly & Integration: Assemble, test, and integrate high‑power fiber laser systems and free‑space optical systems into mechanical structures intended for space deployment.
• Alignment and Testing: Align optical systems (lenses, mirrors) to meet wavefront and beam quality requirements. Conduct final testing and validation of laser systems to ensure they meet performance specifications.
• Maintenance & Troubleshooting: Perform routine maintenance on laser equipment. Troubleshoot and resolve issues with the systems, including power supplies, optics, and controls.
• Prototyping & Characterization: Support the development, assembly, and characterization of laser and optical systems in a laboratory environment.
• Documentation: Maintain detailed records of equipment use, test schedules, maintenance reports, and performance assessments.
• Safety & Compliance: Adhere to all safety protocols and procedures, including the use of protective equipment, to ensure a safe working environment.
• Collaboration: Work closely with engineers and scientists from cross‑functional teams (mechanical, electrical, thermal) to integrate components and deliver high‑performance systems.

Qualifications & Skills

• Experience: At least 2–3 years of hands‑on experience with laser systems, preferably high‑power, solid‑state, fiber, or semiconductor lasers.
• Education: An Associate’s degree in photonics or optics is typical for a technician role; Aetherflux’s engineer roles require a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD in Optical Engineering, Physics, or a related discipline.

Required Technical Skills

• Proficiency with lab test equipment (oscilloscopes, cameras, beam profilers, optical spectrum analyzers, power meters, wavefront sensors)
• Experience with fiber laser component integration and testing
• Experience with optical systems, imaging and non‑imaging
• Experience with optical and laser diagnostic methods such as knife‑edge test
• Strong background in science, technology, mathematics, and electronics
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and blueprints
• Proficiency with specifications of optics and fiber optics

Preferred Technical Skills

• Experience with high‑power laser beams and high‑power laser diagnostics
• Proficiency with optical fiber cleaving and splicing
• Proficiency with Linux, Python, MATLAB, and/or LabVIEW
• Experience working in a clean‑room environment

Soft Skills

• Strong problem‑solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills to interact with diverse professional backgrounds.
• Experience working in multidisciplinary teams including software, electrical, hardware, optical, and non‑technical specialties.
• Strong technical presentation and communication skills.

Capability to work in a highly regulated, clean, and demanding R&D or manufacturing environment.

Seniority level

Mid‑Senior level

Employment type

Full‑time

Job function

Manufacturing and Engineering

Industries

Defense and Space Manufacturing

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