Fiber Laser Engineer / Technician

We are seeking an experienced Fiber Laser Systems Engineer / 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.

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!)

The resource 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