Job Description

**Optical Technician

**

**Location:

** Adrian, Michigan

**

**

**About the Position

**

This is a hands-on optical assembly and testing role supporting the development of advanced imaging and optical systems. You will work directly with optical, mechanical, and electrical engineers to assemble, align, test, and validate precision optical systems used in cutting-edge applications.

The ideal person enjoys working with their hands, thrives in a laboratory or technical environment, and takes pride in precision, craftsmanship, and attention to detail. This is an excellent opportunity for someone early in their career looking to gain exposure to advanced optics, imaging systems, and prototype development while working alongside a highly technical engineering team.

**Responsibilities

**

• Assemble, align, and integrate optical and optomechanical components including lenses, mirrors, sensors, and related assemblies

•  Support optical testing, calibration, and performance verification activities

• Assist in troubleshooting optical systems and identifying root causes of performance issues

• Follow detailed assembly instructions, engineering drawings, and technical documentation

• Maintain accurate records of builds, test results, configurations, and engineering changes

• Support prototype builds and iterative product development efforts

• Collaborate with optical, mechanical, and electrical engineering teams to improve assembly processes and system performance

• Assist with inventory management of optical components, tools, fixtures, and laboratory equipment

• Support manufacturing, integration, and quality activities as products transition from development into production

• Maintain organized workspaces and adhere to quality and safety standards

**Who You Are

**

• Most effective in hands-on technical environments rather than behind a desk all day

• Detail-oriented and capable of working with small, high-precision components

• Comfortable learning new technologies, tools, and technical processes

• Strong communicator who works well within collaborative engineering teams

• Curious and resourceful when troubleshooting technical challenges

• Passionate about technology, engineering, optics, imaging systems, or scientific instrumentation

**Experience Requirements

**

• Associate's degree, technical certification, military technical training, or equivalent hands-on experience in optics, engineering technology, physics, electronics, manufacturing, or a related technical discipline

• 0–3 years of experience in optical assembly, laboratory environments, precision manufacturing, electronics assembly, or related technical fields

• Experience working with hand tools, microscopes, measurement equipment, alignment tools, or laboratory instrumentation

• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, work instructions, and technical documentation

• Strong mechanical aptitude and attention to detail

• Comfortable working in a fast-paced engineering and development environment

**What You Bring

**

• Basic understanding of optical systems, lenses, mirrors, sensors, or imaging equipment

• Experience assembling precision mechanical or technical components

• Strong organizational skills and ability to document work accurately

• Ability to follow detailed procedures while maintaining quality standards

• Effective communication and teamwork skills

• Willingness to learn advanced optical alignment, testing, and troubleshooting toltechniques

**Preferred Qualifications

**

• Experience with optical alignment equipment such as interferometers, collimators, or alignment lasers

• Exposure to optomechanical assemblies, imaging systems, or telescope platforms

• Experience working in cleanroom, laboratory, or controlled manufacturing environments

• Basic electronics, wiring, or embedded systems knowledge

• Familiarity with CAD software such as SolidWorks

• Experience supporting prototype development or R&D activities

• Personal interest in optics, astronomy, imaging systems, or scientific instrumentation

**What Success Looks Like

**

**Assembly & Integration

**

Within the first six months, you are independently assembling and integrating optical systems while consistently meeting quality and documentation standards.

**Testing & Validation

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You are supporting optical testing and calibration efforts while developing confidence in troubleshooting and system validation activities.

**Technical Growth

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You continue expanding your understanding of optics, imaging systems, and optomechanical assemblies while becoming a trusted technical resource within the team.

**Collaboration

**

Engineers and technicians rely on you to execute builds accurately, communicate issues proactively, and support ongoing development efforts.

**Quality & Precision

**

Your work consistently demonstrates the attention to detail, craftsmanship, and precision required for high-performance optical systems.

You should be proficient in:

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