Optical Technician

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

Job summary

KBR in Greenbelt, MD is seeking an Optical Technician to join our spaceflight, airborne, and ground-based optical systems teams. You will install, align, calibrate, and verify optical instruments and precision assemblies used in spacecraft and scientific missions.

You’ll perform optical integration and testing, use interferometers and metrology tools, document procedures, and support lab operations and field logistics. Travel to off-site facilities or launch sites may be required.

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 and quality standards (e.g., ISO).
• Strong documentation and reporting skills.

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

Skills

Optical systems

Metrology

Precision instrumentation

Optical alignment

Data analysis

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.

Company Culture

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.

KBR — Delivering Solutions, Changing the World. KBR brings together the best and brightest to deliver science, technology and engineering solutions that help governments and companies around the world accomplish their most critical missions and objectives. In everything we do, we are guided by our ONE KBR Values:

ONE KBR Values

• We Value Our People – We create diverse, inclusive environments in which each person can feel safe, respected and valued, and where everyone has opportunities to grow and reach their full potential.
• We Deliver – We are uncompromising in our commitment to deliver innovative, high-quality, technology-led solutions for our customers and exceptional, sustainable value for all our stakeholders.
• We Are People of Integrity – We value honesty, trust, courage, fairness, prudence and tenacity. We believe doing what’s right for the planet, the communities where we work, and our people is good for business.
• We Empower – We empower our people with a shared purpose, the right tools and the supportive culture they need to be proactive decision-makers, to be adaptive to change, and to succeed.
• We Are a Team of Teams – We have a will to succeed, but we value the achievements of our team of teams over individual accomplishments. Our collective focus makes us a better, stronger, and more effective company.
• We have also embedded environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles in every business operation and corporate function. Not only are we committed to operating safely, sustainably and equitably, but we are also committed to using our capabilities and expertise to help our customers accomplish their sustainability goals.

Worldwide, KBR employs a diverse workforce approximately 29,000 people strong, with customers in more than 80 countries and operations in 40 countries. At KBR, We Deliver.