Optical Test Technician III

IDEX; West Henrietta (NY); On-site; USD 48,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

401(k) retirement savings with company

PTO and more

Job summary

IDEX Materials Science Solutions, a unit of IDEX Corporation, seeks a Test Technician for the B-shift (2:00pm–10:30pm) to perform final optical assembly optimization and testing in a controlled clean-room environment.

You will execute optical tests, interpret results, and support mechanical and optical adjustments to improve product performance, while collaborating with the assembly team to ensure high build quality and consistency.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in optics or related field preferred.
• 3–5 years of optical testing or assembly experience.
• Experience with optical test equipment such as interferometers, spectrophotometers, and beam profilers.
• Ability to read engineering drawings and follow procedures.

Responsibilities

• Perform optical testing and measurements such as transmission and wavefront error.
• Optimize assembly alignment and shim adjustments using optical test data.
• Interpret results and identify adjustments to improve optical performance.
• Support clean-room manufacturing environment and safety policies.
• Coordinate with assembly team to provide feedback on build quality and performance.

Skills

Optical theory

Optical testing

Data interpretation

Engineering drawings

Word Excel skills

Education

Bachelor's degree (optical background)

Associate degree in optics

Tools

Interferometers

Spectrophotometers

Power meters

Beam profilers

Job description

Job Description

This role is a B-Shift with hours of 2:00pm to 10:30pm. Who is Materials Science Solutions (MSS)? IDEX Materials Science Solutions (MSS) is a business platform within IDEX Corporation that brings together a portfolio of industry‑leading companies specializing in advanced materials, precision manufacturing, optics, coatings, ceramics, and engineered components. Serving customers in the semiconductor, space and defense, and precision forming industries, IDEX MSS partners with OEMs to solve complex engineering challenges through innovative materials science expertise and coordinated global support. From concept development and prototyping to high‑volume production, the organization delivers high‑performance, mission‑critical solutions that enable customers to advance cutting‑edge technologies and achieve reliable, scalable results.

About the role

The Test Technician position performs final optical assembly optimization and testing to ensure accuracy, repeatability, and performance within defined requirements. This role executes optical tests, interprets results, and supports mechanical and optical adjustments to improve product performance. The position also serves as a liaison to the assembly team by providing feedback on build quality and performance. Work is performed in a controlled clean‑room manufacturing environment and requires a strong understanding of optical theory, testing methods, and performance variation.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform optical testing accurately and consistently, including measurements of transmission, wavefront error, mechanical fit, and boresight error.
• Perform assembly optimization activities such as mechanical alignment and shim adjustments using optical test data.
• Apply optical theory and terminology to understand system performance and test results.
• Interpret measurement results and identify adjustable degrees of freedom to improve optical performance.
• Identify causes of variation in optical performance.
• Identify and troubleshoot test equipment issues, including alignment problems, sensor performance issues, and light‑source variation.
• Follow work instructions when available, using engineering drawings, production routers, and other available information when instructions are not available.
• Follow production schedules to support on‑time completion of testing activities.
• Diagnose assembly failures and recommend corrective actions.
• Perform simple assembly functions as required to support testing and optimization activities.
• Comply with health and safety policies and procedures.
• Support company values, including ethical conduct and high integrity in all actions.
• Comply with clean‑room protocols when entering and working in controlled clean‑room environments.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree (B.A.) from a four‑year college or university preferred, with an optical background strongly preferred.
• Associate degree in optics or equivalent technical discipline preferred.
• 3–5 years of related experience in optical testing, optical assembly optimization, or a combination of testing and precision optical assembly.
• Equivalent combinations of education, training, and experience may be considered.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Strong understanding of optical theories and optical terminology.
• Ability to understand and interpret optical measurements and performance data.
• Experience using optical test equipment such as interferometers, spectrophotometers, power meters, and beam profilers or cameras.
• Ability to identify adjustable parameters that influence optical performance.
• Ability to diagnose test and assembly‑related performance issues.
• Proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including communication with direct management and engineering.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret scientific and technical journals and documentation.
• Ability to work with mathematical concepts including probability, statistical inference, plane and solid geometry, trigonometry, ratios, and proportions.
• Strong reasoning ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Ability to interpret complex technical instructions presented in mathematical or diagram form and work with multiple variables.

Working Conditions & Physical Demands

Work is performed in a clean‑room manufacturing environment. Requires compliance with defined gowning and contamination‑control protocols. Involves use of optical test equipment and interaction with sensitive optical assemblies. Requires sustained visual focus and attention to detail. May involve extended periods of sitting or standing.

ITAR/EAR Criteria

Certain positions with IDEX Corporation and its business units require access to controlled goods and technologies subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations or the Export Administration Regulations. Applicants for these positions may need to be "U.S. Persons," as defined in these regulations. Generally, a "U.S. Person" is a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, lawful permanent resident, or an individual who has been granted refugee or asylum status.

Total Rewards

The compensation range for this position is $48,000.00 - $72,000.00, depending on experience. This position may be eligible for performance based bonus plan.

Benefits Package

• Health benefits, 401(k) retirement savings program with company match, PTO, and more.

IDEX Materials Science Solutions, a Unit of IDEX Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

IDEX is an Equal Opportunity Employer. IDEX gives consideration for employment to qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, creed, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other consideration or protected category made unlawful by federal, state or local laws.

Attention Applicants: If you are an individual with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application process, please let us know. Likewise, if you are limited in the ability to access or use this online application process and need an alternative method for applying, we will determine an alternate way for you to apply. Please contact our Talent Acquisition Team at [e-mail] for assistance with an accommodation. These contact tools may be used only by individuals with a disability for accommodation requests. Do not inquire as to the status of an application. This posting is for an existing vacancy.

Artificial intelligence is not used to screen, assess or select applicants.

IDEX (NYSE: IEX) is a company that has undoubtedly touched your life in some way. In fact, IDEX businesses make thousands of products that are mission‑critical components in everyday activities. Chances are the car you’re driving has a BAND‑IT clamp holding your side airbag safely in place. If you were ever in a car accident, a Hurst Jaws of Life rescue tool may have saved your life. If you or a family member is battling cancer, your doctor may have tested your DNA in a quest to find the best targeted medicine for you. It’s likely your DNA test was run on equipment that contains components made by our growing IDEX Health & Science team.

More information on our benefits and rewards can be found on our career page: https://www.idexcorp.com/careers/our-benefits-and-rewards/