Engineering Technician in Colorado Springs, Colorado at OPTICAL ENGINES INC

Job Description: Engineering Technician

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

Reports to: Engineering Lead, or designated technical supervisor.

Position Type: Full-time, on-site position supporting engineering laboratory and manufacturing operations.

Position Summary

Optical Engines Inc. is seeking a hands-on, detail-oriented Engineering Technician to support the assembly, integration, testing, troubleshooting, and development of advanced photonics, fiber-optic, laser, RF, and electro-optical systems.

Working closely with optical, electrical, mechanical, and systems engineers, this position translates engineering designs and prototypes into reliable, repeatable hardware. The role emphasizes precision assembly, laboratory testing, instrumentation, technical problem-solving, accurate documentation, and continuous improvement.

The ideal candidate has strong mechanical aptitude, enjoys working with small components and precision tools, and demonstrates a commitment to quality, learning, and disciplined execution.

Key Responsibilities

1. Engineering Assembly and Integration

• Assemble, integrate, modify, and inspect fiber-optic, laser, RF, electrical, and electro-optical components and subsystems.
• Build prototypes and engineering test articles using drawings, schematics, bills of materials, and work instructions.
• Perform precision mechanical assembly, wiring, cable routing, connector installation, and component mounting.
• Support fiber-optic preparation, termination, splicing, routing, and inspection as required.
• Assist engineers with laboratory setups, prototype builds, design modifications, and hardware integration.

2. Testing, Measurement, and Troubleshooting

• Set up and operate laboratory instruments, including optical power meters, microscopes, oscilloscopes, multimeters, and fiber-optic test equipment.
• Conduct functional, electrical, optical, and environmental testing using established procedures.
• Collect and document test data, evaluate results against specifications, and identify performance discrepancies.
• Assist engineers with product characterization, validation, performance verification, and root-cause analysis.
• Identify assembly defects, wiring errors, damaged components, and other technical issues; support corrective actions.

3. Documentation and Quality Control

• Follow engineering drawings, specifications, standard operating procedures, and controlled work instructions.
• Maintain accurate assembly records, test results, material traceability, and configuration documentation.
• Identify and report nonconforming materials, components, and assemblies.
• Maintain laboratory equipment, fixtures, and tooling in ready-to-use condition.
• Follow ESD, laser safety, laboratory safety, and applicable quality requirements.

4. Engineering and Manufacturing Support

• Collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, quality, supply chain, and program personnel.
• Support design verification, engineering demonstrations, prototype development, and transition to production.
• Provide engineering feedback on assembly feasibility, component accessibility, manufacturability, and process improvements.
• Recommend improvements to tooling, test procedures, assembly methods, and work instructions.
• Help establish repeatable processes that improve product quality, consistency, and manufacturing efficiency.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Technical training, an associate degree, military technical training, or equivalent hands-on experience in electronics, mechanical assembly, photonics, fiber optics, or a related discipline.
• Demonstrated mechanical aptitude and ability to work with precision tools, small components, cables, and technical assemblies.
• Basic understanding of electrical circuits, mechanical drawings, wiring diagrams, and technical work instructions.
• Ability to operate hand tools and measurement instruments and follow detailed procedures.
• Strong attention to detail, manual dexterity, organization, and commitment to quality workmanship.
• Ability to document work accurately, communicate technical issues, and work effectively with engineering teams.
• Willingness to learn new technologies and take on increasing technical responsibilities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with fiber-optic assembly, fiber preparation, fusion splicing, connectorization, or optical inspection.
• Familiarity with lasers, photonics, RF components, electronics, or precision electromechanical systems.
• Experience operating microscopes, optical power meters, oscilloscopes, multimeters, or laboratory test equipment.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, electrical schematics, and bills of materials.
• Familiarity with ESD controls, configuration management, and quality-controlled manufacturing processes.
• Experience in aerospace, defense, telecommunications, scientific instrumentation, or other high-reliability industries.

Core Competencies

• Precision, attention to detail, and consistent workmanship.
• Mechanical aptitude and practical problem-solving.
• Quality consciousness and personal accountability.
• Ability to follow procedures while identifying and escalating problems.
• Initiative, adaptability, and willingness to learn.
• Effective communication and cross-functional teamwork.

Work Environment

This position involves hands-on work in an engineering laboratory, prototype development area, and/or controlled manufacturing environment. Responsibilities require bench work, use of microscopes and precision tools, and handling small optical, electronic, and mechanical components. Compliance with applicable laser safety, ESD, equipment-handling, and workplace safety procedures is required.

Measures of Success

• First-pass assembly and test acceptance.
• Accuracy and compliance with engineering specifications.
• Completeness and traceability of build and test documentation.
• Timely identification and resolution of technical issues.
• Consistent workmanship and adherence to safety requirements.
• Contributions to improved processes, repeatability, and engineering productivity.

Career Development

This position provides opportunities to develop expertise in fiber-optic assembly, optical testing, laser systems, RF integration, engineering prototyping, and manufacturing process development. Advancement opportunities may include Engineering Technician II, Senior Engineering Technician, Engineering Technologist, Test Technician, or Manufacturing Engineering Technician.