Optical Technician III

Orion Space Solutions designs and builds operational space payloads for national security and advanced sensing missions.

Our instruments fly on orbit and deliver mission-critical data for government and commercial customers.

We are looking for a strong Optical Technician III to work directly with our EO/IR optical engineering team and help turn optical designs, models, and test plans into reliable lab data and flight-ready hardware.

This is a hands-on, on-site position in Louisville, Colorado.

It is not a remote job and it is not a paperwork-only lab support role.

You will handle precision optics, set up measurements, run FTIR and optical metrology tests, support visible-through-LWIR optical characterization, maintain lab equipment, and help close the loop between engineering intent and measured performance.

If you like careful hands-on optical work, disciplined test execution, and being trusted to solve real lab problems without waiting for step-by-step instructions, this is the job.

• Work side-by-side with senior EO/IR optical engineers to set up, run, and document optical tests for payloads, optical benches, filters, detectors, calibration hardware, and prototype or flight-like assemblies.
• Perform FTIR measurements and spectral characterization of optical components and assemblies, including transmission, reflection, coating performance, filter behavior, and LWIR-relevant optical response.
• Support optical measurements from the visible through the LWIR using FTIR systems, spectrometers, broadband sources, lasers, blackbodies, collimators, integrating spheres, cameras, detectors, and lab data-acquisition tools.
• Perform basic and intermediate optical metrology, including inspection, alignment checks, dimensional checks, clear-aperture verification, wedge/parallelism support, surface-quality inspection, and cleanliness/FOD verification.
• Set up and align optical benches, mounts, sources, detectors, apertures, targets, test fixtures, and measurement accessories with minimal supervision.
• Handle lenses, mirrors, windows, filters, etalons, detector windows, optical flats, baffles, and flight or prototype hardware using proper optical handling, cleanroom, ESD, and contamination-control practices.
• Collect, organize, and reduce test data; maintain lab notebooks, equipment logs, calibration records, configuration notes, and test evidence packages.
• Support incoming inspection, supplier acceptance testing, environmental test pre/post measurements, payload AI&T, and anomaly troubleshooting.
• Keep the optical lab ready to work: maintain equipment, identify missing tools or fixtures, flag unsafe conditions, and help improve procedures as hardware matures.

You will be responsible for real measurements on real hardware, not just following a checklist.

• Experience in an optical manufacturing or R&D setting
• Proficiency with optical tools and instruments
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
• Knowledge of optical lens technology
• Attention to detail and precision
• Effective communication skills
• Basic computer skills for record-keeping
• Minimum of 2 years of experience as an Optical Technician.
• Strong understanding of optical principles and systems.
• Experience with testing, troubleshooting, and repairing optical systems.
• Excellent problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to follow detailed instructions and procedures.

We are an equal opportunity employer and federal government contractor.

We do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment as protected by law.