Mission of the Role
The mission of the Optical Assembly Technician is to assemble, align, integrate, and test precision electro-optical systems that meet Clear Align’s demanding performance and quality requirements. This hands-on role combines precision optical and mechanical assembly with alignment, integration, testing, and troubleshooting to ensure products are built accurately, efficiently, and in accordance with engineering drawings, work instructions, and customer specifications.
Working closely with Manufacturing, Engineering, and Quality, the Optical Assembly Technician plays an important role in transforming precision components into reliable imaging and sensing systems for mission-critical aerospace, defense, and commercial applications.
In Your First Year You Will (What Success Looks Like)
First 30 Days — Learn the Products & Process
- Learn Clear Align’s optical products, manufacturing processes, cleanliness standards, and assembly procedures.
- Become familiar with engineering drawings, specifications, bills of material, and work instructions used to build optical and electro-mechanical assemblies.
- Perform optical and mechanical assembly activities with guidance while following established cleanliness and handling requirements.
- Learn proper use of adhesives, epoxies, precision tools, fixtures, and applicable metrology equipment.
- Develop familiarity with required production documentation and traceability requirements.
- Demonstrate safe work practices, reliability, attention to detail, and effective collaboration with the production team.
By 60 Days — Build Technical Proficiency
- Perform routine optical and mechanical assembly operations with increasing independence.
- Read and interpret drawings, specifications, and work instructions to determine assembly sequence and requirements.
- Apply adhesives and epoxies using established processes and workmanship standards.
- Use applicable precision measurement tools such as calipers, micrometers, and drop gauges.
- Begin performing routine alignment, integration, and testing activities with guidance.
- Accurately complete required manufacturing and production documentation.
- Identify component, documentation, or assembly concerns and escalate them to the appropriate Manufacturing, Engineering, or Quality resource.
By 90 Days — Independently Execute Core Assembly Activities
- Independently assemble optical, mechanical, and electro-mechanical subassemblies according to established work instructions.
- Perform routine optical alignment and integration activities with minimal supervision.
- Conduct applicable optical and electrical testing according to established procedures.
- Maintain required cleanliness, workmanship, documentation, and material-handling standards throughout the assembly process.
- Troubleshoot routine assembly and alignment issues and seek technical support when appropriate.
- Manage assigned work priorities to support production schedules and delivery commitments.
- Proactively communicate issues that could affect quality, schedule, or successful completion of an assembly.
By 6 Months — Own Assembly, Alignment & Test Execution
- Independently assemble, align, integrate, and test assigned optical systems in support of production requirements.
- Precisely align multi-element lens systems and optical subassemblies using applicable active and passive alignment techniques.
- Integrate optical, mechanical, and electronic components into complete assemblies with minimal oversight.
- Perform detailed optical and electrical testing in accordance with established work instructions and acceptance criteria.
- Troubleshoot alignment, integration, and test issues and work collaboratively with Manufacturing and Engineering to resolve more complex problems.
- Consistently maintain accurate documentation and product traceability.
- Contribute to continuous improvement efforts that increase quality, efficiency, repeatability, or production throughput.
By 12 Months — Demonstrate Technical Ownership & Production Excellence
- Consistently produce high-quality optical assemblies that meet established performance specifications and customer requirements.
- Independently manage assigned builds from assembly through alignment, integration, and testing.
- Demonstrate sound technical judgment when troubleshooting optical alignment, integration, or test challenges.
- Identify potential workmanship, component, or process concerns encountered during assembly and communicate them promptly to the appropriate team.
- Support improvements to assembly methods, tooling, work instructions, and production processes based on hands-on manufacturing experience.
- Serve as a dependable technical contributor across Manufacturing, Engineering, and Quality.
- As experience and proficiency grow, share technical knowledge and help support the development of less-experienced technicians.
How You Know You Are Winning
- Optical assemblies consistently meet workmanship, performance, and customer requirements.
- Assigned work is completed accurately and in support of production schedules.
- Optical alignment, integration, and testing are performed accurately and repeatably.
- Production documentation and traceability records are complete and accurate.
- Sensitive optical, mechanical, and electronic components are handled and assembled appropriately.
- Routine technical issues are identified and resolved with increasing independence.
- Rework is minimized through careful execution and attention to detail.
- Manufacturing, Engineering, and Quality trust you as a reliable technical contributor.
- You actively contribute to improving assembly quality, efficiency, and repeatability.
Who You Are (Core Strengths & Competencies)
- Detail-oriented with strong visual acuity, manual dexterity, and a commitment to precision.
- Patient and disciplined when performing detailed hands-on assembly and alignment work.
- Mechanically inclined and comfortable working with delicate, high-value components.
- Strong problem-solver who approaches technical challenges methodically.
- Organized and capable of managing multiple production priorities.
- Committed to cleanliness, workmanship, documentation, and quality.
- Reliable, accountable, and able to work independently as technical proficiency develops.
- Effective communicator and collaborative team member.
- Motivated to continuously build technical skills and improve manufacturing processes.
QualificationsMust-Have Qualifications
- High School Diploma or equivalent.
- 3–5 years of experience in precision assembly, optical assembly, electro-mechanical assembly, or a related high-tech manufacturing environment.
- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and work instructions.
- Ability to learn and apply J-STD soldering requirements, including wiring, soldering, and workmanship practices used in assembly.
- Strong manual dexterity and attention to detail when working with delicate components.
- Ability to use precision measurement tools and follow established assembly procedures.
- Basic computer proficiency, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and email.
- Ability to accurately complete manufacturing documentation and electronic records.
- Must qualify as a U.S. Person under applicable export-control requirements.
Preferred Qualifications
- Technical degree, certificate, or specialized training in optics, electronics, manufacturing, or a related discipline.
- Experience assembling or aligning precision optical systems.
- Experience with adhesives, epoxies, and other precision assembly techniques.
- Soldering or micro-soldering experience.
- Experience using metrology tools such as calipers, micrometers, and drop gauges.
- Experience with interferometers, MTF testing, or optical inspection standards such as scratch/dig.
- Cleanroom assembly experience, particularly for aerospace or space applications.
- Experience working within an ISO 9001, AS9100, or similar Quality Management System.
- Experience using manufacturing databases, ERP systems, or other computerized production systems.
Why Clear Align
Clear Align designs, prototypes, and manufactures advanced imaging and sensing systems for mission-critical applications across defense, aerospace, border security, medical, and commercial markets. Our Optical Assembly Technicians play a hands-on role in transforming precision optical, mechanical, and electronic components into sophisticated systems our customers depend on.
In this role, your craftsmanship, attention to detail, and technical skill directly influence product performance and reliability. You will have the opportunity to work with advanced optical technologies, collaborate closely with Manufacturing and Engineering, and continue developing specialized skills in precision optical assembly, alignment, integration, and testing.
Clear Align is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Pay: $22.00 - $28.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid sick time
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Vision insurance
Experience:
- Electro-Optical Assembly: 3 years (Required)
- micro-soldering: 3 years (Required)
- aligning precision optical systems: 3 years (Required)
Work Location: In person
