Optics Lab Manager & Test Engineer (Aerospace)

Location: San Carlos, California, United States; on-site. Applicants must be eligible under U.S. ITAR requirements as a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, protected individual, or applicant eligible to obtain the required authorizations. Relocation assistance may be available.

Salary: $145,000–$223,000 annually.

Company

hirify.global builds satellite infrastructure for orbital energy generation, infrared laser transmission, and secure high-bandwidth optical communications.

What you will do

• Own optics laboratory operations, including equipment calibration schedules, inventory, configuration management, and infrastructure coordination.
• Maintain laser safety systems, including interlocks, personal protective equipment, and posted procedures.
• Support optical and photonics engineers with free-space optical, interferometric, fiber-optic, and deployable opto-mechanical assembly alignment.
• Support field demonstrations, including ground-station setup, fiber-optic checkout, and pointing, acquisition, and tracking system validation.
• Execute formal test procedures and operate optical spectrum analyzers, power meters, oscilloscopes, BER testers, and beam profilers.
• Maintain cable and fiber routing logs, component records, test configurations, and other laboratory documentation.

Requirements

• Must work on-site in San Carlos, California.
• Must meet U.S. ITAR eligibility requirements.
• 3+ years of hands-on experience in an optical or photonics laboratory.
• Experience operating standard optical test equipment and performing precision optical alignment on a bench.
• Familiarity with Class 3B and Class 4 laser safety requirements.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to documentation.

Nice to have

• Experience with high-power fiber lasers or amplifier systems.
• Experience assembling precision opto-mechanical, interferometric, or polarization-sensitive hardware.
• Experience supporting thermal-vacuum and vibration testing of optical hardware.
• Experience managing a shared laboratory across multiple engineers and programs.
• Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in Optical Technology, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.

Culture & Benefits

• Equity in hirify.global.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and eligible dependents.
• 401(k) retirement savings plan, paid time off, and 10 paid holidays.
• Paid parental leave and possible relocation assistance.
• Daily office lunch and a stocked kitchen with beverages and snacks.