Senior Assembly Technician in Colorado Springs, Colorado at OPTICAL ENGINES INC

Senior Assembly Technician

Optical Engines Inc. (OEI) — Colorado Springs, Colorado

Position Summary

Optical Engines Inc. is seeking a skilled, detail-oriented Senior Assembly Technician to assemble, integrate, test, inspect, and troubleshoot advanced optical, fiber-optic, RF, and electrical systems.

The technician will perform complex manufacturing work from engineering drawings, schematics, bills of materials, work instructions, and specifications while serving as a technical resource and mentor to junior technicians. The ideal candidate demonstrates strong technical judgment, precision workmanship, quality discipline, and a commitment to continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

• Assemble, integrate, route, terminate, and inspect electro-optical, fiber-optic, RF, electrical, and precision mechanical subassemblies and systems.
• Interpret drawings, schematics, bills of materials, procedures, and technical specifications.
• Prepare, strip, clean, cleave, splice, terminate, connectorize, and route optical fibers in accordance with approved procedures, bend-radius, cleanliness, and handling requirements.
• Assemble RF cables, electrical harnesses, connectors, and related components; perform soldering, crimping, wiring, connector termination, and continuity checks.
• Use hand tools, fixtures, microscopes, optical power meters, fusion splicers, multimeters, and other precision assembly and test equipment.
• Perform in-process and final inspections, functional verification, optical and electrical measurements, and systematic troubleshooting.
• Diagnose defects such as fiber damage, contamination, poor connections, excessive optical loss, and electrical or RF assembly issues; identify root causes and implement approved corrective actions.
• Accurately document test results, inspections, nonconformances, rework, and production records, and escalate design, process, quality, material, or schedule issues as needed.
• Mentor and train Assembly Technician I and II employees, demonstrate proper techniques and quality practices, verify process proficiency, and review work for compliance.
• Recommend improvements to assembly methods, work instructions, tooling, fixtures, production flow, cycle time, quality, and material utilization.
• Support root-cause analysis, corrective and preventive actions, new product introduction, engineering builds, and a culture of safety, accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED; technical training or an associate degree in electronics, photonics, manufacturing technology, or a related field preferred.
• Typically five or more years of hands-on experience in precision assembly, electronics manufacturing, fiber-optic or RF systems, or comparable high-technology manufacturing.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, assembly instructions, schematics, and technical specifications.
• Experience using precision tools, inspection equipment, and systematic troubleshooting methods.
• Strong attention to detail, adherence to documented procedures, and ability to identify defects, resolve routine issues, and escalate problems appropriately.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated reliability, accountability, sound judgment, and a quality-first mindset.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with fiber-optic stripping, cleaving, fusion splicing, connectorization, and optical loss measurement.
• Experience assembling RF cables, electrical harnesses, electronic components, and precision mechanical assemblies.
• Familiarity with optical and electrical test equipment, functional testing, ESD controls, FOD prevention, soldering, crimping, and applicable workmanship standards.
• Experience in aerospace, defense, photonics, laser systems, scientific instrumentation, or other regulated or high-reliability manufacturing environments.
• Experience mentoring technicians and supporting new product introduction or engineering builds.
• Familiarity with lean manufacturing, 5S, root-cause analysis, and continuous improvement practices.

Core Competencies

• Precision craftsmanship and consistent quality.
• Methodical technical problem-solving.
• Ownership of workmanship, documentation, and production commitments.
• Adaptability to new designs, prototypes, low-volume builds, and evolving processes.
• Effective mentoring, collaboration, and technical leadership.
• Initiative in improving safety, repeatability, efficiency, and team capability.

Measures of Success

• First-pass yield, defect rates, and reduced rework.
• Reduction of recurring defects and rework hours.
• On-time completion of assigned manufacturing orders.
• Compliance with procedures, inspection requirements, and documentation standards.
• Proficiency in assigned technical processes and progress of junior technicians.
• Implementation of approved quality and productivity improvements.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

• Hands-on work in a precision manufacturing, laboratory, or production environment.
• Frequent use of microscopes, precision tools, test instruments, and computer-based manufacturing documentation.
• Ability to perform detailed visual inspections, maintain concentration during precision tasks, and sit or stand for extended periods.
• Ability to handle components, tools, and materials required for the position.
• Compliance with safety, cleanliness, ESD, FOD, and product-handling requirements.

Recommended distinction between Technician II and Senior Technician

For OEI, I recommend defining the senior position as more than an experienced assembler. The senior technician should be capable of independently handling complex builds, resolving difficult assembly issues, and developing the capabilities of other technicians.

Responsibility Assembly Technician II Senior Assembly Technician

Assembly work Performs established procedures Handles complex and less-routine independently builds

Troubleshooting Resolves common issues Investigates difficult defects and root causes

Quality Meets documented requirements Helps prevent recurring defects and improve process

Training May assist colleagues Actively mentors and qualifies junior technicians

Engineering interaction Follows drawings and work Identifies discrepancies and instructions recommends process improvements

Continuous improvement implements established methods Helps develop better methods, tooling, and workflows