Optical Technician

Voyager Technologies • San Diego, CA

8d • Onsite

About The Position

The Optical Technician provides hands-on technical support for the design, assembly, alignment, testing, and integration of electro-optical and photonic systems in a defense and aerospace environment. Working under the direction of senior optical engineers, the technician supports program milestones, quality standards, and the performance of precision optical instruments, laser systems, and imaging assemblies. The role reports to the Manufacturing Manager and is fully onsite in San Diego, California.

The position involves assembling and integrating optical and opto-mechanical systems; testing and verifying optical performance; supporting fabrication, repair, and troubleshooting; and maintaining quality records and documentation. The technician works with optical engineers, mechanical engineers, and program managers, and may support customer and government inspections. Work takes place in cleanroom, laboratory, and standard office environments, with occasional work outside standard business hours to meet program deadlines.

The good-faith base salary range is $75,000–$110,000. Voyager offers a flexible and comprehensive rewards program, including flexible time off, medical, dental, and vision coverage, gym membership options, a 401(k) plan with a company match, wellness programs, voluntary benefits, and employee support resources. Applicants must be a U.S. Person under applicable export regulations and be eligible to obtain required export authorizations.

Requirements

• Associate degree in Electro-Optics, Photonics, Electronics Technology, or a related technical discipline, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum 6 years of hands-on experience as an optical or electro-optical technician in a defense, aerospace, or precision optics manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated proficiency in optical alignment techniques, interferometric testing, and precision assembly of opto-mechanical systems.
• Prior experience supporting MIL-SPEC or government-contracted programs.
• Proficiency with optical test instruments, including interferometers such as Zygo or ESDI, autocollimators, spectrophotometers, power meters, and beam analyzers.
• Ability to read and interpret optical and mechanical engineering drawings, GD&T, and assembly procedures.
• Experience with ISO Class 5–7 cleanroom operations and associated contamination-control practices.
• Familiarity with ERP/MES systems such as SAP, Oracle, or equivalent for work-order tracking.
• Basic proficiency with the MS Office Suite.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Security Clearance.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 40 pounds unassisted.
• Ability to stand for extended periods, bend, and use fine motor skills for precision assembly work.
• Ability to wear required PPE, including ESD garments, cleanroom suits, and laser safety eyewear.
• Must be a U.S. Person as defined by applicable U.S. government export regulations and eligible to obtain required export authorizations.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with LIDAR, EO/IR sensor systems, or directed energy systems.
• Familiarity with Zemax or Code V optical design software for reviewing optical models.
• IPC-610 or J-STD-001 certification for soldering and electronics assembly.
• Experience with laser safety protocols under ANSI Z136.1 and serving as an assistant Laser Safety Officer.
• Six Sigma Green Belt or equivalent continuous improvement training.
• Coursework or training in geometrical optics, laser principles, or optical instrumentation.
• Experience with fiber-optic systems, free-space laser systems, or infrared imaging systems.
• Experience with data reduction tools such as Excel, MATLAB, or LabVIEW.

Responsibilities

• Assemble and align precision optical components, including lenses, mirrors, beam splitters, prisms, and filters, according to engineering drawings and assembly procedures.
• Integrate electro-optical subassemblies into sensor or imaging systems while maintaining mechanical and optical tolerances.
• Perform fiber-optic splicing, connector termination, and cable routing for photonic subsystems.
• Support installation and integration of laser systems, detectors, and associated opto-mechanical hardware.
• Conduct optical performance tests, including wavefront error, MTF, transmittance, focal length, and centration measurements.
• Operate optical test equipment such as interferometers, Shack-Hartmann sensors, spectrophotometers, power meters, and optical spectrum analyzers.
• Conduct functional and environmental testing, including vibration, thermal, and shock testing, in accordance with MIL-STD-810 and program test plans.
• Document test results in test travelers, data packages, and engineering notebooks; flag non-conformances and initiate corrective actions.
• Perform optical surface cleaning, inspection, and minor fabrication tasks, including polishing, cementing, and coating inspection.
• Support rework and repair of returned assemblies and troubleshoot alignment and performance issues to identify root causes.
• Fabricate and modify opto-mechanical fixtures, jigs, and tooling for assembly and test processes.
• Maintain first-article inspection records and dimensional inspection reports using CMMs, micrometers, and optical comparators.
• Follow AS9100 and ISO 9001 quality management procedures and support internal audits and corrective action processes.
• Ensure compliance with ESD, FOD, and ISO Class 5–7 cleanroom protocols.
• Complete work orders, assembly travelers, and material handling documentation accurately and on time.
• Collaborate with optical engineers, mechanical engineers, and program managers on design verification and qualification activities.
• Provide technician perspectives during design reviews and producibility assessments.
• Mentor junior technicians and support cross-training within the optical assembly team.
• Support customer and government source inspections as required.

Benefits

• Flexible Time Off (FTO).
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and their families, with a significant portion of premiums covered by the company and many benefits paid at 100% for employees.
• Flexible, affordable gym memberships with access to more than 12,700 nationwide options.
• 401(k) retirement plan with a 50% company match on contributions up to 8%.
• Company wellness programs supporting physical and mental well-being.
• Additional voluntary benefits and employee support resources.
• Opportunity to work alongside a highly talented team in an innovative, mission-driven environment.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree