We are seeking an Optical Test Lab Engineer to join our Prototyping and Integration (PI) Team. In this role, you will build, bring up, operate, and maintain optical test setups and characterization systems used to validate OISL hardware performance. You will work closely with optical design engineers to develop measurement solutions for free-space optical communication components, execute optical verification and qualification test campaigns, and contribute to the continuous improvement of lab operations. This role requires hands-on expertise in optical metrology, the ability to bring up and maintain complex lab infrastructure, and a track record of delivering reliable, high-quality test results in a fast-paced development environment. Export Control Requirement: Due to applicable export control laws and regulations, candidates must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum. Key job responsibilities Build, align, bring up, and maintain optical test benches and characterization systems for free-space optical communication hardware, including laser transmitters, receivers, beam steering assemblies, and optical subsystems. Operate and maintain optical lab infrastructure, ensuring test equipment is calibrated, functional, and ready to support development and qualification campaigns. Execute optical verification and qualification test campaigns, collecting and analyzing data against performance requirements and success criteria. Analyze optical test data, identify performance trends and anomalies, and present findings to Support troubleshooting and root cause investigation of optical performance issues; contribute to corrective actions to resolve failures. Contribute to the development and improvement of optical test procedures, measurement documentation, and calibration practices. Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and systems engineering teams to support integrated hardware validation. Assess lab operations, proactively fix deficiencies, and actively participate in lab improvement initiatives to increase efficiency and test quality. A day in the life You will spend your time hands-on in the optical lab-aligning test benches, configuring laser sources and detectors, running characterization routines, and maintaining the equipment and infrastructure that keeps test operations running smoothly. Between active measurements, you are analyzing data, updating procedures, troubleshooting equipment issues, and coordinating with engineering teams on upcoming test needs. The ideal candidate combines strong optical fundamentals with practical lab skills and takes pride in keeping a well-organized, efficient, and reliable lab environment. You deliver high-quality test data that engineering teams trust to make hardware decisions. BASIC QUALIFICATIONS - Bachelor's degree in engineering, physics, or equivalent - Experience building, aligning, and operating optical test setups or characterization systems. - Experience with optical measurement techniques including beam characterization, interferometry, radiometry, or imaging system performance evaluation. - Experience with lasers, detectors, fiber optics, and free-space optical components. - Experience with optical lab equipment and instrumentation (optical power meters, spectrometers, beam profilers, interferometers, or equivalent). PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS - Master's degree or above in engineering, physics, or equivalent - Experience in test setup automation using MATLAB, Python, or Pearl - Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to document and present optical test results to cross-functional stakeholders. - Experience with free-space optical communication systems, laser communication terminals, or satellite optical payloads. - Experience bringing up and maintaining optical lab environments, including equipment commissioning, calibration, and lab organization. - Experience with wavefront sensing, adaptive optics, or precision pointing and tracking systems. - Familiarity with optical design and modeling tools (Zemax OpticStudio, FRED, or equivalent). - Experience with measurement uncertainty analysis and calibration practices for optical instrumentation. - Experience working in cleanroom or controlled laboratory environments. - Experience with structured failure investigation and root cause analysis processes.