Optomechanical Assembly Technician

Location

Adrian, Michigan

A Day in the Lab

Morning starts with a clean bench, a tray of lenses and mirrors, and a build plan. You’ll assemble an optomechanical stack, verify clearances against drawings, and bring the system into alignment under a microscope. By midday, you’re running calibration routines, logging measurements, and working with an optical engineer to chase a faint aberration. In the afternoon, a quick stand-up with mechanical and electrical teammates helps prioritize a prototype build destined for field testing. You wrap by documenting results, updating configuration notes, and organizing components for tomorrow’s iteration.

What You’ll Do

• Assemble, align, and integrate optical and optomechanical components (lenses, mirrors, sensors, and related hardware).
• Support optical testing, calibration, and performance verification activities.
• Assist with troubleshooting and root-cause analysis of optical performance issues.
• Follow detailed assembly instructions, engineering drawings, and technical documentation.
• Record builds, test data, configurations, and engineering changes with accuracy.
• Contribute to prototype builds and rapid, iterative product development.
• Collaborate with optical, mechanical, and electrical engineers to refine assembly methods and improve system performance.
• Help manage inventory of optics, tools, fixtures, and lab equipment.
• Support manufacturing, integration, and quality efforts as designs transfer to production.
• Maintain an organized workspace and uphold safety and quality standards.

Who Thrives Here

• Hands-on builders who prefer the lab bench to a desk.
• Detail-focused technicians comfortable with small, high-precision parts.
• Fast learners who embrace new tools, technologies, and processes.
• Clear communicators who enjoy cross-functional teamwork.
• Curious problem-solvers who persist through technical challenges.
• People passionate about optics, imaging, and scientific instrumentation.

Minimum Experience

• Associate’s degree, technical certification, military technical training, or equivalent hands-on experience in optics, engineering technology, physics, electronics, manufacturing, or a related field.
• 0–3 years in optical assembly, laboratory work, precision manufacturing, electronics assembly, or similar technical environments.
• Exposure to hand tools, microscopes, measurement devices, alignment tools, or laboratory instrumentation.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, work instructions, and technical documentation.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and exceptional attention to detail.
• Comfort operating in a fast-paced engineering and development setting.

What You Bring

• Basic understanding of optical systems, lenses, mirrors, sensors, or imaging equipment.
• Hands-on experience assembling precision mechanical or technical components.
• Organizational strength and accurate documentation habits.
• Discipline to follow detailed procedures while maintaining quality.
• Effective teamwork and communication skills.
• Willingness to learn advanced optical alignment, testing, and troubleshooting techniques.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with interferometers, collimators, or alignment lasers.
• Experience with optomechanical assemblies, imaging systems, or telescope platforms.
• Background in cleanroom, laboratory, or controlled manufacturing environments.
• Basic electronics, wiring, or embedded systems knowledge.
• CAD familiarity (e.g., SolidWorks).
• Experience supporting prototype development or R&D.
• Personal interest in optics, astronomy, imaging systems, or scientific instruments.

How We Measure Success

• Assembly & Integration: By six months, independently building and integrating optical systems to spec while meeting documentation and quality requirements.
• Testing & Validation: Confidently supporting optical testing, calibration, and system validation.
• Technical Growth: Continual expansion of optics, imaging, and optomechanical knowledge; becoming a go-to resource.
• Collaboration: Trusted by engineers and technicians for precise execution and proactive communication.
• Quality & Precision: Consistent craftsmanship that meets the demands of high-performance optical systems.

You Should Be Proficient In

• Hydraulic Systems & Components
• Electrical Panel Installation
• Electrical Schematic Reading
• Aerospace Manufacturing