Sr. Optical Systems Technician

About Us: Ocean Optics is a fast-paced, high performing and high growth organization that was recently named one of Orlando's Best Places to work!  Our people thrive in an inclusive, innovative, and collaborative culture.  Join our team of instigators of the possible where WE MEASURE WHAT MATTERS .For more information please visit http://www.oceanoptics.com

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

Join world-class experts in finding answers to our customers’ most challenging questions as a Sr. Optical Systems Technician. Ocean Optics develops world‑class spectroscopic systems that help solve some of the world’s biggest problems.

In this role, you will lead the build, alignment, integration, and verification of advanced optical and laser-based systems. This role requires deep, hands-on expertise in optical alignment, laser alignment, system-level testing, and technical reporting, with the ability to work independently on complex systems and mentor others. The ideal candidate brings exceptional lab craftsmanship, strong analytical skills, and clear technical communication to support product development, qualification, and production readiness. This position is based at our Orlando, Florida headquarters.

Key Responsibilities

Optical & Laser Alignment (Primary)

• Lead precision optical alignment of complex, multi-element systems including lenses, mirrors, prisms, beam splitters, filters, fiber components, and opto-mechanical assemblies.

• Perform advanced laser alignment for free-space and fiber-coupled systems, including beam shaping, pointing stability, polarization control, and coupling efficiency optimization.

• Independently set up and maintain alignment tooling such as optical rails, kinematic mounts, stages, alignment telescopes, autocollimators, shear plates, irises, and beam profilers.

• Diagnose and resolve complex alignment issues including clipping, ghost reflections, back-reflections, aberrations, polarization effects, speckle, and stray light.

• Develop, validate, and improve alignment procedures, fixtures, and best practices to improve repeatability, yield, and throughput.

Systems Integration & Build

• Integrate optical subsystems with mechanical, electrical, and software components while maintaining tight tolerances and optical cleanliness.

• Support R&D prototypes through transition to production, providing hands-on feedback to engineering for DFM, DFA, and DFT improvements.

• Review and contribute to assembly drawings, optical layouts, and configuration-controlled documentation.

Systems Testing & Verification

• Execute and lead system-level testing against defined requirements and test plans, including optical power, spectral response, resolution, stability, calibration, and performance verification.

• Set up and operate laboratory instrumentation such as spectrometers, power meters, cameras, oscilloscopes, interferometers (as applicable), motion stages, and DAQ systems.

• Perform structured troubleshooting and root-cause analysis; clearly communicate findings and corrective actions to engineering teams.

Reporting & Documentation (Primary)

• Author clear, comprehensive test reports including methods, data analysis, plots, conclusions, and recommendations.

• Maintain accurate lab notebooks, build travelers, test logs, and calibration records.

• Create, review, and maintain SOPs and work instructions for alignment, testing, safety, and handling.

• Provide concise status updates, risk assessments, and technical input to program and engineering leadership.

Safety & Lab Practices

• Operate lasers and sensitive equipment in compliance with laser safety standards and internal safety procedures.

• Champion best practices for optical handling, contamination control, ESD, and lab organization.

• Other duties as assigned.

ABOUT THE CANDIDATE

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 15 years of hands-on experience in optical and/or laser systems assembly, alignment, integration, and testing.

• Demonstrated expert-level capability in precision optical alignment and laser alignment.

• Strong understanding of optical fundamentals including beam propagation, collimation/focusing, polarization