Optical Technician III

001 University of Rochester; United States; On-site; USD 45,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Rochester seeks a technician to operate optical coating chambers, implement design strategies, and manage coating equipment. You will participate in coating processes, documentation, production, analysis, and inspection of optics to be coated.

The role emphasizes hands-on maintenance, accurate record-keeping, and collaboration with researchers and vendors in a manufacturing environment. Associate's degree and 3 years of relevant experience are required.

Qualifications

• Associate's degree in optics, electro-optics, physics, or mechanical technology with 3 years of relevant experience.
• Or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience with laser system alignment is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Operate optical coating equipment to manufacture high-damage threshold coatings.
• Perform metrology measurements for coating characterization.
• Maintain run and maintenance logs for coating runs.
• Keep vacuum coating chamber clean and inspected for defects.
• Oversee coating equipment usage and perform preventative maintenance.

Skills

Heavy optics handling

Mechanical skills

Electrical skills

Documentation

Education

Associate's degree in optics/electro-optics/physics/mechanical technology

Tools

Metrology equipment

Vacuum coating equipment

MS Word/Excel

Job description

As a community, the University of Rochester is defined by a deep commitment to Meliora - Ever Better. Embedded in that ideal are the values we share: equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect, and accountability. Together, we will set the highest standards for how we treat each other to ensure our community is welcoming to all and is a place where all can thrive.

Job Location (Full Address): 250 East River Rd, Rochester, New York, United States of America, 14623. Opening: Worker Subtype: Regular Time Type: Full time. Scheduled Weekly Hours: 40. Department: 250548 LLE-Laboratory for Laser Energ. Work Shift: UR - Day (United States of America). Range: UR URG 106 H. Compensation Range: $21.78 - $30.53. The referenced pay range represents the minimum and maximum compensation for this job. Individual annual salaries/hourly rates will be set within the job's compensation range, and will be determined by considering factors including, but not limited to, market data, education, experience, qualifications, expertise of the individual, and internal equity considerations.

Responsibilities

You will be responsible for operating thin film deposition chambers, including the implementation of design strategies, management of coating equipment and inspection of optics to be coated. You will participate in many aspects of coating, including process development and documentation, production, analysis and inspection. You will also be responsible for oversight of coating equipment usage and will need to take a hands-on approach toward preventative maintenance, minor repairs and equipment improvements.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Operate optical coating equipment to manufacture high-damage threshold coatings
• Perform metrology measurements for coating characterization
• Maintain reliable records, including accurate run logs of all coating runs and maintenance logs
• Maintain cleanliness of vacuum coating chamber
• Inspect cleaned optics to ensure surface to be coated is free of defects

MINIMUM EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Associate's degree in optics, electro-optics, physics, or mechanical technology and 3 years of relevant experience required
• Or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Previous experience working with alignment of laser systems preferred
• Previous experience working within a manufacturing environment preferred

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Ability to manipulate heavy mechanisms and glass substrates required
• Willingness to interact with fellow technicians, research scientists, students, and vendors with a friendly and professional attitude required
• Good mechanical or electrical skills preferred
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to document work and follow procedures preferred
• Electronics and vacuum coating experience preferred
• Basic understanding of computer hardware and software, including Microsoft Word and Excel

The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving an inclusive and welcoming culture to advance the University's Mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, Create - and Make the World Ever Better. In support of our values and those of our society, the University is committed to not discriminating on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law (Protected Characteristics). This commitment extends to non-discrimination in the administration of our policies, admissions, employment, access, and recruitment of candidates, for all persons consistent with our values and based on applicable law.

Located in western New York, Rochester is our namesake and our home. One of the world's leading research universities, Rochester has a long tradition of breaking boundaries - always pushing and questioning, learning and unlearning. We transform ideas into enterprises that create value and make the world ever better. If you're looking for a career in higher education or health care, the University of Rochester may offer the perfect opportunity for your background and goals. At the University of Rochester, we are committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving an inclusive and welcoming culture and are united by a strong commitment to be ever better - Meliora. It is an ideal that informs our shared mission to ensure all members of our community feel safe, respected, included, and valued.