Optical Technician

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

Benefits offered by this job

401K plan with company match

Medical, dental, vision insurance

Paid time off

Flexible work schedule

Career development

Job summary

The Optical Technician at KBR Careers in Greenbelt, MD will support development, integration, and testing of advanced optical systems for spaceflight and ground applications. You will install, align, calibrate, and verify optical instruments and precision assemblies used in spacecraft and scientific missions.

This role requires hands-on metrology experience, ability to work in lab and cleanroom environments, and strong documentation skills.

Qualifications

• Experience with optical systems, metrology, and precision instrumentation.
• Familiarity with optical alignment, calibration, and testing techniques.
• Ability to work with metrology data and analysis software.
• Knowledge of laboratory practices, calibration and ISO quality standards.
• Strong documentation and reporting skills; basic statistics.

Responsibilities

• Perform optical integration, alignment, testing, calibration, and verification of flight and non-flight hardware.
• Provide optical metrology support using interferometers, theodolites, and laser trackers.
• Execute test plans and support integration activities in lab, cleanroom, and field environments, including thermal-vacuum.
• Operate, maintain, and calibrate optical and metrology equipment and related software.
• Develop and maintain technical documentation, including procedures, reports, and test plans.
• Support laboratory operations, including equipment management and calibration tracking.
• Assist with assembly, inspection, cleaning, bonding, and handling of precision optical components.
• Support logistics and facility readiness for integration and testing.
• Travel to off-site facilities or launch sites as required.

Skills

Optical systems

Metrology

Precision instrumentation

Optical alignment

Calibration

Testing techniques

Documentation

Independent / collaborative work

Tools

Interferometers

Theodolites

Laser trackers

Coordinate measuring systems

Job description

Title

Optical Technician

Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR!

Around here, we define the future.

The Optical Technician supports the development, integration, and testing of advanced optical systems for spaceflight, airborne, and ground-based applications. This role involves installing, aligning, calibrating, and verifying optical instruments, components, and precision assemblies used in spacecraft and scientific missions.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform optical integration, alignment, testing, calibration, and verification of flight and non-flight hardware
• Provide optical metrology support using instrumentation such as interferometers, theodolites, laser trackers, and coordinate measuring systems
• Execute test plans, procedures, and support integration activities in laboratory, cleanroom, and field environments, including thermal-vacuum conditions
• Operate, maintain, and calibrate optical and metrology equipment and support software tools
• Develop and maintain technical documentation, including procedures, reports, and test plans
• Support laboratory operations, including equipment management, calibration tracking, and compliance with quality standards
• Assist with assembly, inspection, cleaning, bonding, and handling of precision optical components
• Support logistics and facility readiness for integration and testing activities
• Travel to off-site facilities or launch sites as required

Required Skills & Experience

• Experience with optical systems, metrology, and precision instrumentation
• Familiarity with optical alignment, calibration, and testing techniques
• Ability to work with metrology data and analysis software
• 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

• Solid understanding of the NASA flight hardware development process and methodology
• Familiarity with optical ground support equipment and metrology software tools

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

KBR offers a selection of competitive lifestyle benefits which could include 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’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.

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