Test Technician

About the role:

The Test Technician position performs final optical assembly optimization and testing to ensure accuracy, repeatability, and performance within defined requirements. This role executes optical tests, interprets results, and supports mechanical and optical adjustments to improve product performance. The position also serves as a liaison to the assembly team by providing feedback on build quality and performance. Work is performed in a controlled clean‑room manufacturing environment and requires a strong understanding of optical theory, testing methods, and performance variation.

Key Responsibilities:

• Perform optical testing accurately and consistently, including measurements of transmission, wavefront error, mechanical fit, and boresight error.
• Perform assembly optimization activities such as mechanical alignment and shim adjustments using optical test data.
• Apply optical theory and terminology to understand system performance and test results.
• Interpret measurement results and identify adjustable degrees of freedom to improve optical performance.
• Identify causes of variation in optical performance.
• Identify and troubleshoot test equipment issues, including alignment problems, sensor performance issues, and light‑source variation.
• Follow work instructions when available, using engineering drawings, production routers, and other available information when instructions are not available.
• Follow production schedules to support on‑time completion of testing activities.
• Diagnose assembly failures and recommend corrective actions.
• Perform simple assembly functions as required to support testing and optimization activities.
• Comply with health and safety policies and procedures.
• Support company values, including ethical conduct and high integrity in all actions.
• Comply with clean‑room protocols when entering and working in controlled clean‑room environments.

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree (B.A.) from a four‑year college or university preferred, with an optical background strongly preferred.
• Associate degree in optics or equivalent technical discipline preferred.
• 3–5 years of related experience in optical testing, optical assembly optimization, or a combination of testing and precision optical assembly.
• Equivalent combinations of education, training, and experience may be considered.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

• Strong understanding of optical theories and optical terminology.
• Ability to understand and interpret optical measurements and performance data.
• Experience using optical test equipment such as interferometers, spectrophotometers, power meters, and beam profilers or cameras.
• Ability to identify adjustable parameters that influence optical performance.
• Ability to diagnose test and assembly‑related performance issues.
• Proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including communication with direct management and engineering.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret scientific and technical journals and documentation.
• Ability to work with mathematical concepts including probability, statistical inference, plane and solid geometry, trigonometry, ratios, and proportions.
• Strong reasoning ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Ability to interpret complex technical instructions presented in mathematical or diagram form and work with multiple variables.

Working Conditions & Physical Demands:

• Work is performed in a clean‑room manufacturing environment.
• Requires compliance with defined gowning and contamination‑control protocols.
• Involves use of optical test equipment and interaction with sensitive optical assemblies.
• Requires sustained visual focus and attention to detail.
• May involve extended periods of sitting or standing.

Additional Requirement:

Certain positions require compliance with International Traffic in Arms Regulations. Employees working in this capacity must meet applicable citizenship requirements and be U.S. Citizens or U.S. Permanent Residents in accordance with export control policies.