Senior Fiber Laser Systems Technician in Herndon, Virginia at FIBERTEK, INC.

Herndon, VA - Herndon, VA 20171 US (Primary)

We are seeking an experienced Fiber Laser Systems Technician to support the hands-on build, integration, and testing of advanced fiber laser systems in a research laboratory environment. This role is critical to the successful execution of both prototype development efforts and formal deliverable systems.

The technician will work closely with engineers and scientists, translating verbal direction, sketches, and partially defined procedures into high-quality hardware and repeatable lab work. This position is well-suited for a technician who has spent years in the lab, understands how research environments evolve, and takes pride in careful execution and mentoring through example.

Key Responsibilities

• Independently assemble and integrate fiber laser subsystems and multi-stage fiber amplifiers
• Perform complex fiber handling tasks including splicing, routing, and repair
• Align optical components and fiber paths with minimal supervision
• Support early-stage prototype builds where procedures may be incomplete or evolving
• Execute formal build, acceptance, and qualification testing for deliverable systems
• Interpret verbal instructions and informal documentation, and help translate them into repeatable build steps
• Identify build risks, workmanship issues, or design-for-assembly concerns and communicate them to the technical team
• Accurately document configurations, test results, and lab observations
• Maintain lab organization, tooling, and best practices
• Informally mentor junior technicians or new team members through example and guidance

Minimum Requirements

• 5+ years of hands-on laboratory experience with fiber lasers, optical systems, or photonics hardware
• Demonstrated experience supporting R&D or prototype development programs
• Proven ability to work from verbal direction, sketches, and evolving requirements
• Strong understanding of fiber handling, optical alignment, and laser safety practices
• High attention to detail, workmanship, and documentation quality

Education

• Bachelor’s degree, Associate degree, technical certification, or equivalent hands-on experience (Degree is less important than relevant laboratory experience.)

Desired Qualifications

• Experience transitioning systems from prototype builds to deliverable hardware
• Experience with formal acceptance or qualification testing
• Experience working in small research teams or government/defense-related programs
• Comfort serving as a “go-to” lab resource for build best practice