{"id":673233,"url":"https://alion.io/job/observable-optical-technician","title":"Optical Technician","company":{"id":678446,"name":"Observable Space","domain":"observable.space","url":"https://alion.io/company/observable-3","size_band":"201-500","is_staffing_agency":false,"employer_type":"direct","is_intermediary":false,"listed_via":null,"ats_vendor":"Ashby","truth_index":{"grade":"B","score":78,"open_postings":9,"ghost_share":0,"stale_share":0.667,"repost_share":0,"time_to_fill_p50_days":67,"computed_at":"2026-10-31T05:58:55Z"}},"role":"Field & Service","role_family":"Field & Service","seniority":"junior","employment_type":"full_time","work_mode":"hybrid","remote_scope":null,"remote_scope_basis":null,"remote_working_hours":null,"hiring_geo_confidence":"structured","locations":["Los Angeles, United States"],"countries":["US"],"hiring_countries":[],"hiring_countries_total":0,"salary":{"min":65000,"max":90000,"currency":"USD","period":"year","gross":null,"usd_annual":90000},"salary_estimate":null,"experience_years_min":null,"visa_sponsorship":false,"relocation_package":false,"has_equity":true,"technologies":[{"name":"SolidWorks","optional":true}],"status":"live","first_seen_at":"2026-04-03T21:08:37Z","employer_posted_date":"2026-09-10","last_verified_at":"2026-10-31T06:32:01Z","board_verified":true,"closed_at":null,"days_open":210,"trust":{"level":"stale","repost_count":0,"flags":["stale"],"days_open":210},"description":"About Observable Space\nAt Observable Space, we're redefining how humanity observes and connects with the universe. We're a vertically integrated, high-growth, space technology company building industry-leading precision optics platforms for Earth and in space. Our systems are trusted by thousands of customers, including NASA, JPL, SpaceX, Boeing, RTX, the US Space Force and the U.S. Department of War, leading research institutions and international partners.\nWe combine precision opto-mechanical hardware, embedded compute, cloud orchestration, and developer-friendly APIs into world class products at scale with in-house manufacturing. From advanced ground stations, on-orbit sensor suites, free space optical lasercom, to distributed compute platforms, we deliver the foundational systems enabling continuous, real-time navigation, observation, and communication in space.\nObservable Space is backed by top-tier institutional investors including Lux Capital, Upfront Ventures, RTX Ventures, Detroit Venture Partners and Embedded Ventures. To learn more, visit observable.space.\nAbout the Role\nWe are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Junior Optical Technician to join our growing team. In this role, you will support the assembly, alignment, testing, and maintenance of optical and optomechanical systems used in telescope platforms. You will work closely with optical, mechanical, and electrical engineers to ensure high-performance imaging systems are built and validated to exacting standards.\nWhat You'll Do\nAssemble, align, and integrate optical and optomechanical components, including lenses, mirrors, sensors, and fiber-optic systems.\n\nSupport the setup and execution of optical tests, calibrations, and performance verification procedures.\n\nAssist in troubleshooting optical systems and identifying root causes of performance issues.\n\nFollow detailed work instructions, assembly drawings, and engineering documentation to build precision systems.\n\nMaintain accurate documentation of builds, test results, and system configurations.\n\nSupport prototype builds and iterative development cycles in a fast-paced environment.\n\nCollaborate with engineering teams to provide feedback on assembly processes, tolerances, and design improvements.\n\nAssist with inventory management of optical components, tools, and lab equipment.\n\nSupport manufacturing and integration teams with assembly, testing, and quality control activities.\n\nCommunicate effectively with team members to ensure alignment on project requirements and timelines.\n\nWhat You'll Bring\nAssociate’s degree, technical certification, or relevant hands-on experience in optics, engineering technology, physics, or a related field (Bachelor’s degree is a plus but not required).\n\n0-3 years of experience in optical assembly, lab work, or precision mechanical/technical environments.\n\nBasic understanding of optical components and systems (lenses, mirrors, alignment concepts).\n\nExperience working with hand tools, microscopes, alignment equipment, or lab instrumentation.\n\nStrong attention to detail and ability to work with precision components.\n\nAbility to read and interpret technical drawings, procedures, and documentation.\n\nStrong communication and teamwork skills.\n\nComfortable working in a hands-on, fast-paced environment.\n\nPreferred Qualifications\nExperience with optical alignment techniques and test equipment (e.g., interferometers, collimators, alignment lasers).\n\nFamiliarity with optomechanical assemblies or telescope systems.\n\nExperience working in cleanroom or controlled lab environments.\n\nBasic knowledge of electronics or embedded systems is a plus.\n\nExposure to CAD tools (SolidWorks or similar) for interpreting designs.\n\nExperience supporting prototype builds or R&D environments.\n\nPassion for astronomy, optics, or scientific instrumentation.\n\nWhat We Offer\nCompetitive Compensation - A salary package aligned with industry standards and your experience.\nEquity Opportunities - Take part in our success with stock options.\nFlexible Work Environment - Enjoy working from our office or in a hybrid work setup with the flexibility to work remotely part of the week. We require a minimum of 3 days per week in our office to support collaboration and team culture. (LA Office only)\nUnlimited PTO (exempt only) - Take the time you need with our flexible, trust-based vacation policy, including paid holidays. We encourage everyone to rest, recharge, and take care of themselves.\nHealth & Wellness - Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage with 100% of the premium paid by the employer for employees.\nCutting-Edge Tools - Get access to the latest hardware and software you need to do your best work.\nMission-Driven Culture - Be part of a team working on meaningful challenges with real-world impact.\nInclusive Team - We foster a supportive and diverse workplace where all voices are valued.\nObservable Space is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.","description_format":"text","description_chars":5300,"description_truncated":false,"requirements":{"experience_years_min":null,"management_years_min":null,"team_size_min":null,"manages_managers":false,"education":{"level":"associate","optional":false},"security_clearance":false,"languages":[]},"benefits":["Equity","Flexible schedule","Hybrid work","Stock options","Unlimited PTO"],"hiring_locations":[{"name":"United States","iso":"US","kind":"country"}],"hiring_excludes":[],"relocation_offered":false,"industries":["Satellite Manufacturing","Space Services","Optics & Photonic Components"],"lifecycle":[{"event":"open","at":"2026-09-10T22:35:21Z"}],"visa":[],"liveness":{"score":13,"band":"cold","label":"Long shot","p_open":1,"p_active":0.454,"p_room":0.28,"age_days":210,"expected_fill_days":67,"reasons":["conf:3","win:tail","crowd:junior"],"computed_at":"2026-10-31T05:58:55Z"},"pay":{"stated_usd_annual":90000,"is_top_pay":true},"html_url":"https://alion.io/job/observable-optical-technician","json_url":"https://alion.io/job/observable-optical-technician.json","meta":{"generated_at":"2026-10-31T07:45:53Z","cache_seconds":300,"methodology":"https://alion.io/methodology","terms":"https://alion.io/terms","contact":"https://alion.io/contact","api":"https://alion.io/developers","about":"Alion is a live layer of people, companies and AI agents: who they are, whether they are real and active right now, what they do and how to work with them, readable by people and by agents and paid per call.","catalog":"https://alion.io/catalog.json","usage":{"tier":"crawler_verified","counted_by":"address","units_charged":1,"used_today":11564,"day_limit":null,"remaining_today":null,"minute_limit":300,"resets_at":"2026-11-01T00:00:00Z"}},"offers":[{"id":"company.slices","title":"One company in depth, by slice","status":"live","price":{"credits":0.02,"usd":0.002,"plus_per_slice":{"credits":0.05,"usd":0.005}},"unit":"per company, plus each slice with data","note":"the employer in depth","call":{"mcp_tool":"get_company","arguments":{"id":678446},"rest":"https://alion.io/mcp/rest/get_company?id=678446"},"human":"https://alion.io/catalog?offer=company.slices&for=job%2Fobservable-optical-technician"},{"id":"market.stats","title":"A market slice: pay, demand and time to fill","status":"live","price":{"credits":1,"usd":0.1},"unit":"per slice","note":"pay, demand and time to fill for this role and place","call":{"mcp_tool":"market_stats"},"human":"https://alion.io/catalog?offer=market.stats&for=job%2Fobservable-optical-technician"},{"id":"job.search","title":"Open jobs by role, technology, place, pay and visa","status":"live","price":{"credits":0.02,"usd":0.002},"unit":"per posting in a list","note":"similar open postings","call":{"mcp_tool":"search_jobs"},"human":"https://alion.io/catalog?offer=job.search&for=job%2Fobservable-optical-technician"},{"id":"company.verify","title":"Is this company real and active right now","status":"pilot","price":null,"unit":"per company","request":{"url":"https://alion.io/catalog/request","method":"POST","body":"{\"offer\": \"company.verify\", \"for\": \"job/observable-optical-technician\", \"note\": \"what you need it for\"}"},"human":"https://alion.io/catalog?offer=company.verify&for=job%2Fobservable-optical-technician"}],"agent":{"mcp":"https://alion.io/mcp/jobs","mcp_open":"https://alion.io/mcp/open","next":[{"tool":"get_job","arguments":{"id":673233}},{"tool":"search_jobs","arguments":{"company":"observable.space","detail":"compact"}},{"tool":"match_people","arguments":{"job_id":673233},"note":"people open to offers who fit this vacancy"}],"note":"The same data through MCP tools: https://alion.io/mcp/open needs no sign-in (compact searches, postings, people); https://alion.io/mcp with an Alion account has everything. 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