Fibertek, Inc.

Solid State Laser Engineer / Builder

Fibertek, Inc.  •  Herndon, VA (Onsite)  •  26 days ago
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Job Description

We are seeking an experienced Senior Solid-State Laser Engineer / Builder to support the hands-on assembly, integration, alignment, and testing of advanced solid-state laser systems in a research laboratory environment. 

This a long-term and permanent position supporting a 30+ year old company within the DOD and NASA space! This role is 100% onsite at headquarters located in Herndon, VA. (Relocation Bonus available!)

This role works closely with laser, mechanical, and electrical engineers to execute builds based on verbal direction, sketches, and evolving documentation, particularly during early-stage prototype development. As systems mature, the technician will also support formalized build and acceptance testing for deliverable hardware intended for operation in demanding environments.

The ideal candidate is a senior technician who is comfortable working in a research setting, can independently execute complex optical builds, and brings strong workmanship and lab discipline without owning the underlying laser architecture or design direction. Key Responsibilities
  • Independently assemble, integrate, and align solid-state laser systems and subsystems
  • Build and align laser resonators, amplifiers, and non-linear frequency conversion modules
  • Support integration of lasers into mechanically and environmentally robust packaged systems
  • Execute optical alignment and troubleshooting with minimal supervision
  • Support early-stage prototype builds where procedures and designs may evolve
  • Perform performance characterization and diagnostic testing under engineering guidance
  • Execute formal acceptance and qualification testing for deliverable systems
  • Interpret verbal instructions, sketches, and partial documentation and translate them into high-quality hardware
  • Identify workmanship issues, integration risks, or build-related improvements and communicate them to the technical team
  • Accurately document configurations, alignment settings, and test results
  • Maintain lab organization, tooling, and laser safety practices
  • Serve as an experienced lab resource for best practices and informal mentoring
Minimum Requirements
  • 5+ years of hands-on laboratory experience with solid-state laser systems or high-power optical assemblies
  • Demonstrated experience supporting R&D or prototype laser development programs
  • Strong background in optical alignment, resonator setup, and laser diagnostics
  • Proven ability to execute complex builds based on verbal guidance and evolving requirements
  • High attention to detail, workmanship, and documentation
Education
  • Bachelor’s degree, Associate degree, technical certification, or equivalent hands-on laboratory experience
    (Relevant experience is valued over formal degree.)
Desired Qualifications
  • Experience with environmentally ruggedized or packaged laser systems
  • Experience with non-linear optics and frequency conversion (e.g., SHG, OPO, OPA)
  • Experience performing acceptance or qualification testing
  • Experience working in small research teams or defense / government-funded programs
  • Comfort serving as a “go-to” lab technician for complex optical builds

Fibertek, Inc.

About Fibertek, Inc.

Fibertek, Inc. develops advanced lasers and electro-optic systems for space and defense applications. Our customers include NASA, the U.S Department of Defense, and several of the leading aerospace prime contractors. With over 30 years of experience developing advanced fiber and bulk solid-state laser and lidar systems, Fibertek is a globally recognized leader and pioneer in our field. Fibertek's 50,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art facility includes 34 Class IV laser firing labs, electronics labs, wet labs, optical receiver labs, chemical labs and a NASA-certified in-house printed circuit board assembly lab. Fibertek is a fully vertically integrated company with an experienced staff of mechanical, optical, and electrical engineers and scientists, specializing in the development of custom lasers, lidars, 3-D imaging systems, including ground-based, airborne and space-based systems. Our team takes pride in the devices and systems we design and build, allowing us to be at the forefront of advanced laser and sensor system technology.

Industry
Aviation & Aerospace
Company Size
201-500 employees
Headquarters
Herndon, VA
Year Founded
1983
Website
fibertek.com
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