Sr. Optical Systems Technician

Halma plc • Orlando, FL

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Join world-class experts in finding answers to our customers’ most challenging questions as a Sr. Optical Systems Technician. Ocean Optics develops world‑class spectroscopic systems that help solve some of the world’s biggest problems. In this role, you will lead the build, alignment, integration, and verification of advanced optical and laser-based systems. This role requires deep, hands-on expertise in optical alignment, laser alignment, system-level testing, and technical reporting, with the ability to work independently on complex systems and mentor others. The ideal candidate brings exceptional lab craftsmanship, strong analytical skills, and clear technical communication to support product development, qualification, and production readiness. This position is based at our Orlando, Florida headquarters.

Requirements

• Minimum 15 years of hands-on experience in optical and/or laser systems assembly, alignment, integration, and testing.
• Demonstrated expert-level capability in precision optical alignment and laser alignment.
• Strong understanding of optical fundamentals including beam propagation, collimation/focusing, polarization, coherence effects, stray light, and optical tolerancing.
• Extensive experience executing and interpreting system-level test data, including measurement repeatability and uncertainty considerations.
• Proven track record of producing high-quality technical reports and documentation used for engineering decisions, qualification, or release.
• Ability to work independently on complex systems with minimal supervision.
• Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools for data analysis, plotting, and reporting.

Nice To Haves

• Fiber optics experience (fusion splicing, connector inspection, PM fiber alignment).
• Experience with interferometry, wavefront measurement, MTF/PSF characterization, or precision metrology.
• Familiarity with MATLAB, Python, LabVIEW, or optical design/test tools
• Experience supporting regulated or quality-controlled environments (ISO 13485, AS9100, or similar).
• Prior mentorship or informal technical leadership of junior technicians.
• Exceptional attention to detail and pride in workmanship.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong ownership mentality with focus on safety, quality, and schedule.
• Ability to mentor junior technicians and establish lab best practices.
• Comfortable operating in fast-paced R&D and transition-to-production environments.

Responsibilities

• Optical & Laser Alignment (Primary) Lead precision optical alignment of complex, multi-element systems including lenses, mirrors, prisms, beam splitters, filters, fiber components, and opto-mechanical assemblies.
• Perform advanced laser alignment for free-space and fiber-coupled systems, including beam shaping, pointing stability, polarization control, and coupling efficiency optimization.
• Independently set up and maintain alignment tooling such as optical rails, kinematic mounts, stages, alignment telescopes, autocollimators, shear plates, irises, and beam profilers.
• Diagnose and resolve complex alignment issues including clipping, ghost reflections, back-reflections, aberrations, polarization effects, speckle, and stray light.
• Develop, validate, and improve alignment procedures, fixtures, and best practices to improve repeatability, yield, and throughput.
• Systems Integration & Build Integrate optical subsystems with mechanical, electrical, and software components while maintaining tight tolerances and optical cleanliness.
• Support R&D prototypes through transition to production, providing hands-on feedback to engineering for DFM, DFA, and DFT improvements.
• Review and contribute to assembly drawings, optical layouts, and configuration-controlled documentation.
• Systems Testing & Verification Execute and lead system-level testing against defined requirements and test plans, including optical power, spectral response, resolution, stability, calibration, and performance verification.
• Set up and operate laboratory instrumentation such as spectrometers, power meters, cameras, oscilloscopes, interferometers (as applicable), motion stages, and DAQ systems.
• Perform structured troubleshooting and root-cause analysis; clearly communicate findings and corrective actions to engineering teams.
• Reporting & Documentation (Primary) Author clear, comprehensive test reports including methods, data analysis, plots, conclusions, and recommendations.
• Maintain accurate lab notebooks, build travelers, test logs, and calibration records.
• Create, review, and maintain SOPs and work instructions for alignment, testing, safety, and handling.
• Provide concise status updates, risk assessments, and technical input to program and engineering leadership.
• Safety & Lab Practices Operate lasers and sensitive equipment in compliance with laser safety standards and internal safety procedures.
• Champion best practices for optical handling, contamination control, ESD, and lab organization.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Ocean Optics offers a comprehensive compensation package and health and wellness benefits.
• Also, as a member of the Halma Group of companies (www.halma.com), our employees enjoy excellent career development, networking, and advancement opportunities worldwide.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed