Technician - Electro-Mechanical & Photonic Assembly

About the role

The Photonics Technology Branch develops components and techniques for electro-optic, RF and communication systems of interest to the Navy, including optical technologies for free-space communications, fiber lasers, solid-state lasers, microwave photonics systems and fiber communications, as well as RF-microwave and electronic warfare systems. The Technician works in a lab, field testing or office setting, Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm, 40-hour week.

Key responsibilities

• Hands-on prototype and sub-assembly fabrication, including mechanical assembly, chassis wiring, point-to-point soldering and component mounting
• Light fabrication tasks such as drilling, tapping holes and basic machining
• Optical fiber preparation, fusion/mechanical splicing and precision fiber spooling
• Routine tests and measurements on photonic integrated circuits (PICs), including optical coupling, benchtop instrument operation and test data logging, under the direction of scientific staff
• Comply with safety, quality and procedure requirements, including training, emergency response and safety committee participation

Required profile

• High school diploma; minimum 1-3 years of experience
• Preferred: associate degree in an engineering or technical discipline, or equivalent trade school or military technical training
• Ability to stand for long periods at a workbench and do desk work; lab research and field testing are possible
• Secret security clearance required; uncleared candidates can start while completing clearance paperwork

Required skills

• Practical experience in PCB and wire harness soldering
• Familiarity with workshop tools (drill press, hand tools, taps/dies); machine shop experience desirable
• Familiarity with fiber optics, basic optical test equipment (power meters, light sources, OSA) or PIC handling is a strong plus; on-the-job training provided

What we offer

• Salary range of $70,000-$80,000
• Health, dental and vision insurance, paid time off and holidays
• Retirement benefits including 401(k) matching, educational reimbursement, parental leave
• Employee stock purchase plan, tax-saving options, disability and life insurance, pet insurance