TECHNICIAN (Electro-Mechanical & Photonic Assembly)

Amentum; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 70,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Paid time off and holidays

Retirement benefits (including 401(k)匹

Educational reimbursement

Parental leave

Employee stock purchase plan

Tax-saving options

Disability and life insurance

Pet insurance

Job summary

Amentum in Washington, DC area seeks a hands-on technician to fabricate prototypes and assemble mechanical sub-systems for photonics and fiber optics applications in Navy projects.

You will work under scientific staff to perform optical fiber preparation, splicing, testing, and data logging, with opportunities to learn PIC handling and optical test equipment.

Amentum offers safety culture, benefits, and a path in a federal contractor environment.

Qualifications

• 1–3 years of related experience.
• High School Diploma required.
• Practical experience in PCB/wire harness soldering and familiarity with workshop tools.
• Familiarity with fiber optics or basic optical test equipment is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Perform hands-on prototype fabrication and mechanical assembly.
• Conduct light fabrication tasks such as drilling and tapping.
• Prepare optical fiber, perform fusion/splicing, and precision fiber spooling.
• Under supervision, perform routine tests on photonic integrated circuits and log data.

Skills

PCB soldering

Mechanical aptitude

Workshop tools

Machining

Fiber optics

Optical test equipment

Education

Associate Degree in engineering/technical discipline

Military technical training / equivalent

High School Diploma

Tools

Power meters

Light sources

OSA

Photonic test fixtures

Job description

Purpose and Impact

The Photonics Technology Branch develops components and techniques for electro-optic, RF, and communication systems of interest to the Navy. Emphasis is given to optical technologies used for free-space communications, fiber lasers, solid-state lasers, microwave photonics systems, and fiber communications. Advanced technology for RF-Microwave and electronic warfare systems is being developed, including optically steered phased array radar antennas and techniques for advanced support measures.

Work Schedule

M-F 9am – 5 pm/40 Hour Week

Essential Responsibilities

Perform hands-on prototype and sub-assembly fabrication, including mechanical assembly, chassis wiring, point-to-point soldering, and component mounting. Execute light fabrication tasks such as drilling, tapping holes, and basic machining. Conduct optical fiber preparation, fusion/mechanical splicing, and precision fiber spooling. Under the direction of scientific staff, perform routine test and measurements on photonic integrated circuits (PICs), including optical coupling, benchtop instrument operation, and test data logging.

Work Environment, Physical Demands, and Mental Demands

• Lab Research/Field Testing/Desk
• Ability to stand for extended periods of time at a work bench as well as desk work. Lab research field testing are possible.

Minimum Requirements (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)

• Practical experience in PCB/wire harness soldering, strong mechanical aptitude, and familiarity with workshop tools (drill press, hand tools, taps/dies).
• Machine shop/machining experience is desirable.
• Prior familiarity with fiber optics, basic optical test equipment (power meters, light sources, OSA), or handling photonic integrated circuits is a strong plus (on-the-job training provided).

Security Clearance Required

• Secret, but candidates can start as uncleared. In the instance that an uncleared candidate is selected, candidate must complete paperwork sent by Amentum’s PERSEC team upon offer acceptance. Once the candidate completes everything required and PERSEC has submitted them for clearance processing, they may start with Amentum in an uncleared capacity. PERSEC will then “hand them off” to the FSO. However, since it takes quite some time for NRL’s badging and building access, the program may submit that paperwork as soon as the offer has been extended.

Minimum Education

• High School Diploma

Minimum Years of Experience

• 1 – 3 Years

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate Degree in an engineering/technical discipline, or equivalent technical trade school certification / military technical training.
• Equivalent technical trade school certification/military technical training

As part of our commitment to maintaining a safe and compliant work environment, Amentum is a drug-free workplace and requires all personnel to comply with company drug and alcohol policies as a condition of employment. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of the drug screening process. Please note that this may include pre-hire screening for marijuana, as well as other federally controlled substances due to Amentum’s role as a federal contractor and trusted partner to the US Government.

Other Responsibilities

Safety

Amentum enforces a safety culture whereby all employees have the responsibility for continuously developing and maintaining a safe work environment. As appropriate, each employee is responsible for completing all training requirements and fulfilling all self-aid/buddy aid responsibilities, participating in emergency response tasks and serving on safety committees and teams.

Quality

Quality is the foundation for the management of our business and the keystone to our goal of customer satisfaction. It is our policy to consistently provide services that meet customer expectations. Accordingly, each employee must conform to the Amentum Quality Policy and carry out job activities in compliance with applicable Amentum Quality System documents and customer contracts. Each employee must read and understand his/her Quality Management and Customer Satisfaction responsibilities.

Procedure Compliance

Each employee must read, understand and implement the general and specific operational, safety, quality and environmental requirements of all plans, procedures and policies pertaining to his/her job. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status.

Compensation Details

$70,000 - $80,000

The compensation range or hourly rate listed for this position is provided as a good-faith estimate of what the company intends to offer for this role at the time this posting was issued. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as job responsibilities, education, experience, skills, internal equity, market data, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and relevant laws.

Benefits Overview

Our health and welfare benefits are designed to support you and your priorities. Offerings include:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off and holidays
• Retirement benefits (including 401(k) matching)
• Educational reimbursement
• Parental leave
• Employee stock purchase plan
• Tax-saving options
• Disability and life insurance
• Pet insurance

Note: Benefits may vary based on employment type, location, and applicable agreements. Positions governed by a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), the McNamara-O'Hara Service Contract Act (SCA), or other employment contracts may include different provisions/benefits.

Original Posting

09/24/2026 - Until Filled

Amentum anticipates this job requisition will remain open for at least three days, with a closing date no earlier than three days after the original posting. This timeline may change based on business needs.

Amentum is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our hiring practices provide equal opportunity for employment without regard to race, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding), age, ancestry, United States military or veteran status, color, religion, creed, marital or domestic partner status, medical condition, genetic information, national origin, citizenship status, low-income status, or mental or physical disability so long as the essential functions of the job can be performed with or without reasonable accommodation, or any other protected category under federal, state, or local law. Learn more about your rights under Federal laws and supplemental language at Labor Laws Posters.