A natural match if you have 6+ years in defense or aerospace optics manufacturing.
Derived from job-description analysis by Serendipath's career intelligence engine.
Original posting from Voyager Technologies, Inc. via Greenhouse
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 - $110,000 at 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.
Voyager offers a highly competitive total compensation package designed to support the well-being, growth, and success of our employees. Employees benefit from a flexible and comprehensive rewards program that supports both professional and personal well-being.
Flexible Time Off (FTO), empowering employees to take the time they need to recharge and maintain a healthy work-life balance
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and their families, with a significant portion of premiums covered by the company and many benefits paid at 100% for employees
Flexible, affordable gym memberships with 12,700+ options nationwide, including 24 Hour Fitness, EoS Fitness, Crunch Fitness, Anytime Fitness, Blink Fitness, Chuze Fitness, and more! No long-term contracts and FREE on-demand workout videos before you enroll
401(k) retirement plan with a 50% company match on contributions up to 8%, supporting long-term financial security
Company wellness programs that support physical and mental well-being
Additional voluntary benefits and employee support resources
The opportunity to work alongside a highly talented team in an innovative, mission-driven environment
Voyager is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.
To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) (22 CFR Parts 120–130) and the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) (15 CFR Parts 730–774), applicants for this position must be a U.S. Person: a US Citizen, a lawful permanent resident of the U.S., or a protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. § 1324b(a)(3). Applicants must be eligible to obtain any required export authorizations from the U.S. Department of State or the U.S. Department of Commerce.
Minority/Female/Disabled/Veteran
The statements contained in this job description are intended to describe the general content and requirements for performance of this job. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties, responsibilities, and requirements. This job description is not an employment agreement or contract. Management has the exclusive right to alter the scope of work within the framework of this job description at any time without prior notice.
California pay range$75,000—$110,000 USD