Optical Technician

Voyager is an innovative space, defense, and national security technology company committed to advancing and delivering transformative, mission-critical solutions. We tackle the most complex challenges to unlock new frontiers for human progress, fortify national security, and protect critical assets to lead in the race for technological and operational superiority from ground to space.

Forge the Future: Join Voyager Technologies

The future belongs to those who build it. At Voyager Technologies, we’re building technologies that protect lives, expand frontiers and prepare us for what’s next. And we’re doing that with people who are wired to solve, build, adapt and lead. These roles are not for the faint of heart.

You’ll help lay the foundation for humanity's future. Join a culture where innovation thrives, curiosity is rewarded, and impact is real. We’re a company of doers, thinkers and builders, united by purpose and grounded in reality.

If you want to put your skills to work where the stakes are real and the mission is bigger than any one person, forge the future with Voyager.

The Optical Technician provides hands-on technical support for the design, assembly, alignment, test, and integration of electro-optical and photonic systems within a fast-paced defense and aerospace environment. Working under the direction of senior optical engineers, this role is critical to meeting program milestones, maintaining quality standards, and ensuring the performance of precision optical instruments, laser systems, and imaging assemblies. The ideal candidate brings 6 years of demonstrated technician experience in an optics or photonics manufacturing or R&D environment, strong bench skills, and the discipline to operate within cleanroom and controlled environments.

The position reports to the Manufacturing Manager and is fully onsite, based in San Diego, CA.

Job responsibilities:

Assembly & Integration

• Assemble and align precision optical components including lenses, mirrors, beam splitters, prisms, and filters per engineering drawings and assembly procedures
• Integrate electro-optical subassemblies into larger sensor or imaging systems, ensuring mechanical and optical tolerances are maintained
• Perform fiber optic splicing, connector termination, and cable routing for photonic subsystems
• Support installation and integration of laser systems, detectors, and associated opto-mechanical hardware

Test & Verification

• Execute optical performance tests including wavefront error, MTF, transmittance, focal length, and centration measurements using interferometers, autocollimators, and profilometers
• Operate optical test equipment such as Zygo interferometers, Shack-Hartmann sensors, spectrophotometers, power meters, and optical spectrum analyzers
• Conduct functional and environmental testing (vibration, thermal, shock) in accordance with MIL-STD-810 and program test plans
• Document test results accurately in test travelers, data packages, and engineering notebooks; flag non-conformances and initiate corrective actions

Fabrication & Repair

• Perform optical surface cleaning, inspection, and minor fabrication tasks including polishing, cementing, and coating inspection
• Support rework and repair of returned assemblies, troubleshooting alignment and performance issues to root cause
• Fabricate and modify opto-mechanical fixtures, jigs, and tooling to support assembly and test processes

Quality & Documentation

• Maintain first-article inspection records and dimensional inspection reports using CMM, micrometers, and optical comparators
• Follow AS9100 and ISO 9001 quality management procedures; support internal audits and corrective action processes
• Ensure compliance with ESD, FOD, and cleanroom protocols (ISO Class 5–7)
• Complete work orders, assembly travelers, and material handling documentation accurately and on time

Collaboration & Support

• Collaborate closely with optical engineers, mechanical engineers, and program managers to support design verification and qualification activities
• Provide technical input during design reviews and producibility assessments from a technician's perspective
• Mentor junior technicians and support cross-training initiatives within the optical assembly team
• Support customer and government source inspections as required

If your experience aligns with our basic qualifications and you are inspired by our mission, we’d like to connect. If you don’t see the right role right now, Join Our Talent Community and stay connected as we continue to build what’s next.

• Associate degree in Electro-Optics, Photonics, Electronics Technology, or a related technical discipline; or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Minimum 6 years of hands-on experience as an optical or electro-optical technician in a defense, aerospace, or precision optics manufacturing environment
• Demonstrated proficiency in optical alignment techniques, interferometric testing, and precision assembly of opto-mechanical systems
• Prior experience supporting MIL-SPEC programs or government-contracted programs
• Proficient with optical test instruments: interferometers (Zygo, ESDI), autocollimators, spectrophotometers, power meters, beam analyzers
• Skilled in reading and interpreting optical and mechanical engineering drawings, GD&T, and assembly procedures
• Experience with cleanroom operations at ISO Class 5–7 and associated contamination control practices
• Familiarity with ERP/MES systems (SAP, Oracle, or equivalent) for work order tracking
• Basic proficiency with MS Office Suite; experience with data reduction tools (Excel, MATLAB, or LabVIEW a plus)
• Ability to obtain and maintain a US Government Security Clearance

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with LIDAR, electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensor systems, or directed energy systems
• Familiarity with Zemax or Code V optical design software for review of optical models
• IPC-610 or J-STD-001 certification for soldering and electronics assembly
• Experience with laser safety protocols per ANSI Z136.1 and serving as a Laser Safety Officer (LSO) assistant
• Six Sigma Green Belt or equivalent continuous improvement training
• Coursework or training in geometrical optics, laser principles, or optical instrumentation preferred
• Experience with fiber optic systems, free-space laser systems, or infrared imaging systems is strongly preferred

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift and carry up to 40 lbs unassisted
• Extended periods of standing, bending, and use of fine motor skills for precision assembly work
• Work performed in a combination of cleanroom, laboratory, and standard office environments
• Must be able to wear required PPE including ESD garments, cleanroom suits, and laser safety eyewear
• Occasional work outside standard business hours to meet program deadlines

The good faith base salary range for this role is $75,000 - $110,000at the time of this posting. Where you fall within the range depends on your experience, skills, and location. This range reflects base salary only and does not include benefits or bonus/incentive. This range may be adjusted in the future.