Job Description

Space-Based & Airborne Optical Systems NASA & DoW Programs

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.

What You'll Do:

• 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.

On-Site Work Environment: This position requires regular in-person engagement by working on-site five days each normally scheduled week in the primary work location. Travel and local commute between company campuses and other possible non-company locations may be required.

Working Conditions:

• Work is performed in an office environment, laboratory, cleanroom, or production floor.

Required Skills and Education

• 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.

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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.

Preferred Skills and Education

• 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.

Benefits Information

Employee Benefits: At BAE Systems, we support our employees in all aspects of their life, including their health and financial well-being. Regular employees scheduled to work 20+ hours per week are offered: health, dental, and vision insurance; health savings accounts; a 401(k) savings plan; disability coverage; and life and accident insurance. We also have an employee assistance program, a legal plan, and other perks including discounts on things like home, auto, and pet insurance. Our leave programs include paid time off, paid holidays, as well as other types of leave, including paid parental, military, bereavement, and any applicable federal and state sick leave. Employees may participate in the company recognition program to receive monetary or non-monetary recognition awards. Other incentives may be available based on position level and/or job specifics.

Intern Benefits: Temporary employees generally are not eligible for BAE Systems benefits, but can elect to participate in the 401(k) savings plan. Temporary employees working 20+ hours per week are eligible for medical benefits, the employee assistance program, and business travel accident insurance.

Please note: Some benefits may be different for union employees that are governed by a collective bargaining agreement (CBA) or for positions covered by a wage law called the McNamara-O'Hara Service Contract Act (SCA).

This position will be posted for at least 5 calendar days. The posting will remain active until the position is filled, or a qualified pool of candidates is identified.

Multiple positions may be available on this opening.