FSO Lab Manager / Technician

General Dynamics Mission Systems • Annapolis Junction, MD

1d • Onsite

About The Position

General Dynamics Mission Systems is seeking a self-directed FSO Lab Manager / Technician to support our Free-Space Optical (FSO) communications and electro-optical development programs. Consistent with the Engineering Technician role, this person provides technical assistance, troubleshooting, and support to the engineering team — performing research and laboratory functions (layout, building, testing, troubleshooting, and repair of devices, assemblies, subsystems, and systems) while owning day-to-day operation of the FSO lab. This includes performing solder operations at a production level quality per IPC requirements. This is a dual-scope role: the person both owns the lab and performs hands-on technician work at the bench. The ideal candidate takes full ownership of lab responsibilities with minimal direction, anticipates program needs, and keeps the lab ready to support engineering and test schedules.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Technology degree in Engineering or a related specialized area/field, or equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience, plus 2 years of relevant experience; or Master's degree.
• Department of Defense TS/SCI with Poly security clearance is preferred at time of hire.
• Applicants selected will be subject to a U.S. Government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.
• U.S. citizenship is required.
• Performing solder operations at a production level quality per IPC requirements.
• Hands-on use of specialized optical equipment: e.g. fusion/mechanical fiber splicers, theodolites/autocollimators, interferometers, beam profilers, spectrum/optical spectrum analyzers.
• Experience in free-space optical communications or laser/electro-optical systems.
• Familiarity with calibration management and lab equipment tracking systems.
• Experience supporting a controlled lab environment.
• Comfort operating independently.

Nice To Haves

• IPC certification (e.g., IPC J-STD-001, IPC-A-610); fiber optic certification (e.g., FOA CFOT) a plus.
• Laser safety training or LSO/Deputy LSO experience.

Responsibilities

• Own the FSO lab: layout, readiness, cleanliness, and configuration control of the bench setups.
• Equipment management: inventory, calibration tracking/scheduling, and coordination of repairs; ensure test equipment is in-cal and available when programs need it.
• Consumables and supplies: track and replenish fiber, connectors, solder, optics, and lab consumables; interface with purchasing/vendors.
• Laser and lab safety: maintain a safe optical lab environment, support laser safety practices (LSO coordination, signage, PPE, controlled access), and manage ESD controls.
• Scheduling / prioritization: coordinate shared lab and equipment use across multiple engineers and programs.
• Maintain lab documentation, equipment records, and as-built configuration.

Benefits

• Flexible schedules with every other Friday off work, if desired (9/80 schedule).
• Competitive benefits, including 401k matching, flex time off, paid parental leave, healthcare benefits, health & wellness programs, employee resource and social groups, and more.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level