Engineering Technician
Location: Chantilly, Virginia
Job Type: Full-Time | Onsite Work Schedule: 9/80 (Every other Friday off)
Work Environment: 100% onsite in Chantilly, VA (Dulles area facilities) Precision lab / manufacturing / defense environment Hands-on technical role supporting photonics and system integration Requires working with sensitive equipment and high-quality standards The Engineering Technician C supports fabrication, assembly, integration, and testing of photonic and precision components within a defense environment. This role requires strong hands-on technical skills, the ability to interpret engineering drawings, and experience working with machining or lab equipment. Candidates from electronics, mechanical, optical, or manufacturing backgrounds are encouraged, with on-the-job training provided for photonics-specific skills.
Key Responsibilities
Fabrication & Assembly
Perform precision assembly, fabrication, and inspection of components
Execute tasks such as: Optical fiber splicing and recoating Photonic circuit assembly Mechanical builds and soldering
Testing & Integration
Integrate optical and electronic equipment (power meters, laser sources, etc.) Perform system testing and validation Assist with calibration procedures and equipment setup
Technical Operations
Interpret engineering drawings, wiring diagrams, and technical instructions Operate machining tools (lathes, mills, CNC) Maintain lab equipment (wire bonding, photomasking, epoxy systems)
Quality & Maintenance
Ensure preventative maintenance and calibration compliance Maintain clean, organized, and controlled workspaces Follow strict quality, safety, and documentation standards
Collaboration
Work closely with engineering and production teams Communicate progress, issues, and quality metrics to leadership
Must-Have Qualifications
High School Diploma or equivalent 6+ years of relevant experience OR Associate's Degree + 2+ years of experience
Active TS/SCI with CI Poly Clearance (Mandatory) Experience with: Engineering drawings & technical documentation Lab / manufacturing / assembly environments Machining tools (lathe, mill, CNC) or similar
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with photonics or optical systems Background in electronics, mechanical systems, or precision assembly Experience in DoD lab / workshop environments Familiarity with fiber optics, optical alignment, or laser systems
Core Skills
Precision Assembly & Fabrication Engineering Drawings Interpretation Lab & Manufacturing Operations Optical / Photonics Systems (preferred) Machining & Tooling (CNC, lathe, mill) Testing & Calibration Quality Control & Compliance Technical Troubleshooting