Optical Engineering Technician (Aerospace)

Location: San Diego, California, United States; onsite work in cleanroom, laboratory, and office environments

Salary: $75,000–$110,000 USD base salary per year

Company

hirify.global develops mission-critical technologies for space, defense, and national security applications.

What you will do

• Assemble and align precision optical components, electro-optical subassemblies, laser systems, detectors, and opto-mechanical hardware.
• Perform optical performance, functional, and environmental testing using interferometers, autocollimators, spectrophotometers, power meters, and optical spectrum analyzers.
• Execute fiber optic splicing, connector termination, cable routing, optical cleaning, inspection, polishing, cementing, and coating inspection.
• Troubleshoot and repair returned assemblies, identify root causes, and fabricate or modify fixtures, jigs, and tooling.
• Maintain inspection records, test documentation, assembly travelers, work orders, and material handling records while supporting corrective actions.
• Collaborate with optical and mechanical engineers and program managers, contribute to design reviews, mentor junior technicians, and support customer and government inspections.

Requirements

• Associate degree in electro-optics, photonics, electronics technology, or a related technical discipline, or equivalent education and experience.
• At least 6 years of hands-on optical or electro-optical technician experience in defense, aerospace, precision optics manufacturing, or R&D.
• Proficiency in optical alignment, interferometric testing, precision opto-mechanical assembly, engineering drawings, GD&T, and assembly procedures.
• Experience with optical test instruments, ISO Class 5–7 cleanrooms, contamination control, and ERP/MES work-order systems.
• Active U.S. Secret security clearance required at the time of hire; must be a U.S. Citizen and eligible to meet U.S. export-control requirements.
• Ability to lift up to 40 lbs, perform extended standing and precision fine-motor work, wear required PPE, and occasionally work outside standard business hours.

Nice to have

• Experience with fiber optics, free-space lasers, infrared imaging, LIDAR, EO/IR sensors, directed energy, or MIL-SPEC programs.
• Familiarity with Zemax or Code V, IPC-610 or J-STD-001 certification, ANSI Z136.1 laser safety protocols, or Laser Safety Officer support.
• Six Sigma Green Belt or equivalent continuous improvement training.
• Ability to obtain a Top Secret clearance.

Culture & Benefits

• Flexible Time Off and programs supporting physical and mental well-being.
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and families, with significant company premium contributions.
• 401(k) plan with a 50% company match on contributions up to 8%.
• Flexible gym membership options and additional voluntary benefits.
• Mission-driven work alongside a technical team developing space, defense, and national security systems.