Sr. Optical Technician

Headwall Photonics Inc.; Marlboro (MA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits package

401(k) with matching

Paid time off

Job summary

Headwall Photonics, Inc. in Marlborough, Massachusetts is seeking a Senior Optical Technician to lead advanced manufacturing of precision optical components.

This role covers preparation, replication, inspection, testing, and shipment, with emphasis on accuracy and documentation throughout production. You will train new staff, collaborate with Engineering on new products, and ensure adherence to safety and SOPs.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Minimum of seven years manufacturing experience, with at least five years in optical components manufacturing.
• Basic proficiency with MS Word, Outlook, and Excel.
• Ability to learn ERP systems, document control systems, and digital travelers after training.

Responsibilities

• Clean, polish, and prepare optical substrates using approved processes, chemicals, and equipment.
• Perform replication assembly and holographic mastering.
• Verify product compliance through in-process and final inspections using interferometers, microscopes, and vision systems.
• Maintain FIFO material handling and inspect tooling/fixtures for defects or wear; perform preventive maintenance.
• Collaborate with Engineering and Quality to transition new products into production and support customer programs.
• Follow SOPs and best practices; contribute to process improvements.
• Handle chemicals, resins, adhesives, and solvents per SDS requirements.
• Train new employees and junior technicians in manufacturing practices.
• Support production, quality, and safety objectives.

Skills

Manufacturing expertise

Optical components manufacturing

Training

Documentation

Quality inspection

Interferometers and vision systems

Education

High school diploma or GED

7+ years manufacturing experience (5+ in optics)

Tools

MS Word

Outlook

Excel

ERP systems

Document control systems

Digital travelers

Job description

Job Description: Senior Optical Technician

Position Summary

The Senior Optical Technician performs a wide range of advanced and complex manufacturing activities related to the preparation, replication, inspection, testing, and shipment of precision optical components. This role is responsible for handling materials throughout the production process, executing replication steps with a high degree of accuracy, and ensuring product quality through in-process and final inspections. The technician must follow all applicable procedures, work instructions, and safety guidelines while maintaining thorough documentation for each task performed. Senior Optical Technicians may also be responsible for training new employees and working with Engineering on new product development and transition to manufacturing.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Clean, polish, and prepare optical substrates using approved processes, chemicals, and equipment.
• Perform replication assembly and holographic mastering.
• Verify product compliance against specifications and work instructions by performing in-process and final inspections using instrumentation such as interferometers, microscopes, optical setups, and vision measurement systems.
• Maintain good material handing practices, including adherence to material, consumables, and tooling using FIFO (First-In, First-Out) practices; inspection of tooling and fixtures for cosmetic defects, damage, or wear; and periodic maintenance of tools, fixtures, and equipment in accordance with preventive maintenance guidelines.
• Work closely with Engineering, Quality, Planning, and other technicians to transition new products into production and support customer development programs as required.
• Follow and contribute to current best practices and standard operating procedures.
• Handle chemicals, resins, adhesives, and solvents according to proper safety procedures and SDS requirements.
• Train new employees and less experienced technicians in manufacturing practices and product-specific methodologies.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of production, quality, and safety objectives.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Minimum of seven (7) years of manufacturing experience, with at least five (5) years in optical components manufacturing.

Computer Skills

• Basic proficiency with MS Word, Outlook, and Excel.
• Ability to learn and use ERP systems, document control systems, and digital travelers after training.

Headwall Photonics Offers:

• Outstanding benefits package (including medical, dental, vision, life insurance)
• 401(k) plan with matching company contribution
• Generous holiday and paid time off schedules

Headwall Photonics, Inc. is an Affimitive Action and Equal Opportunity employer. We solicit and hire applicants regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected category. We conduct background checks in accordance with company policies and federal and state guidelines.

Job Location: Marlborough, Massachusetts

US Citizenship or permanent residency required