Technical Specialist II – Optical Assembly

BAE Systems•Westminster, CO

20h•Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a skilled mid-career Optical Technician with hands-on expertise in space-based optical assembly, precision alignment, and bonding of flight-grade optical components for NASA and DoW development programs. This role demands a technician who operates with a high degree of independence, applies modern alignment tools and techniques, and thrives in a fast-paced, cleanroom-driven environment. The Engineering, Science and Analysis (ESA) Strategic Capabilities Unit comprises the technical talent and organizational leadership that enables the successful delivery of high-impact discriminating technologies for our customers’ missions. Our collaborative, cross-functional teams are committed to innovation, integrity, continual learning and strong execution.

Requirements

High School diploma or equivalent plus 4 or more years of related experience.
Each higher-level degree, i.e., Bachelor’s or Master’s, may substitute for two years of related experience. Degree must be from a university, college, or school which is accredited by an agency recognized by the US Secretary of Education, US Department of Education.
Demonstrated experience with precision optical alignment using laser alignment systems, interferometers, autocollimators, or theodolites.
Direct experience bonding flight optics using aerospace-grade adhesives and controlled bonding processes in a cleanroom environment.
Hands-on experience integrating optical components into space-based or airborne sensor systems.
Proficiency operating interferometers (Fizeau, Twyman-Green), spectrophotometers, scatterometers, profilometers, and measuring microscopes.
Ability to read and interpret optical component drawings, assembly drawings, and optical specifications including GD&T callouts.
Excellent hand-eye coordination and demonstrated aptitude for precise opto-mechanical assembly and bonding work under magnification.
Working knowledge of cleanroom protocols (ISO Class 5–7), ESD controls, and flight hardware handling procedures.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) for data packages, reports, and process documentation.
Ability to operate technical analysis software for wavefront, spectral, and dimensional data reduction.
Solid organizational skills with consistent rigor in following detailed processes, travelers, and written procedures.
Proven ability to manage multiple concurrent tasks across simultaneous programs while maintaining quality and schedule.
Collaborative team player with solid communication skills across engineering and technician disciplines.
Experience working in cleanroom environments.
As this position requires operating a company vehicle, an offer and subsequent employment are contingent upon possessing and maintaining a valid US driver's license and a satisfactory motor vehicle record review.

Nice To Haves

High School diploma with 10 or more years of hands-on optical technician experience, or a 2-year technical degree with 8 or more years of directly relevant experience.
Precision Optical Alignment
Align multi-element lens assemblies using commercial laser-based alignment stations (e.g., Opto-Alignment Technology systems).
Perform wavefront-guided alignment using Fizeau and Twyman-Green interferometers to achieve diffraction-limited performance.
Use theodolites, autocollimators, and laser trackers to establish and verify optical axis and bore-sight relationships between subsystems.
Execute tip/tilt, decenter, and despace adjustments using precision actuators and kinematic mounts.
Align reflective and refractive optical systems including telescopes, collimators, and spectrometer assemblies.
Optical Bonding & Integration
Bond optics into metal and composite structures using controlled adhesive dispensing techniques (syringes, micro-applicators, automated systems).
Execute flexure and semi-kinematic bonding configurations for athermal performance across thermal environments.
Cure and post-cure bonded assemblies per process traveler specifications.
Support integration of bonded sub-assemblies into instrument optical benches and telescope structures.
Optical Test & Characterization
Measure transmitted and reflected wavefront error using phase-shifting interferometry; analyze Zernike decomposition and PV/RMS performance metrics.
Characterize spectral transmission, reflectance, and coating performance using UV-VIS-NIR spectrophotometers.
Measure scattered light levels and BRDF using scatterometers for stray light analysis support.
Perform dimensional verification using metrology-grade measuring microscopes and profilometers; compare to optical drawings and GD&T callouts.
Review and assess vendor data packages; flag non-conformances and work with engineers to disposition parts.
Optical Cleaning & Inspection
Perform first-article and incoming inspections of optical components per company and commercial standards.
Execute precision cleaning of flight optics using drag-wipe, drop-and-drag, and CO2 snow-cleaning techniques as appropriate to surface type and coating.
Inspect surfaces for Scratch-Dig per MIL-PRF-13830B using calibrated inspection illuminators and microscopes.
Maintain inspection and cleaning records; support non-conformance reporting and corrective action processes.

Responsibilities

Independently execute optical assembly, integration, and alignment tasks from start to finish with minimal supervision.
Utilize lens alignment systems and interferometric wavefront sensing to align and verify complex multi-element optical trains.
Perform precision bonding of flight optics into opto-mechanical structures using aerospace-grade adhesives, including epoxy injection, UV cure, and flexure-bond techniques.
Integrate optical subassemblies into airborne and space-based sensor payloads, maintaining cleanroom protocols and handling standards throughout.
Conduct full characterization of optical components and assemblies using interferometers, spectrophotometers, scatterometers, profilometers, and measuring microscopes.
Perform surface quality inspections (Scratch-Dig, cleanliness per ISO and MIL standards) and prepare detailed data packages documenting as-built performance.
Develop and refine alignment procedures, build instructions, and traveler documentation for novel optical systems.
Troubleshoot alignment errors, bonding anomalies, and measurement discrepancies; recommend and implement corrective actions.
Collaborate closely with optical engineers, systems engineers, and program teams across multiple simultaneous flight programs.
Maintain a consistent, reliable cleanroom presence (5 days/week in-person) with dependable core hours to support program schedules.
Maintain a regular and predictable work schedule.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships within the department, the Strategic Business Units, Strategic Capabilities Units and the Company. Interact appropriately with others in order to maintain a positive and productive work environment.
Perform other duties as necessary.