Optical Instrument Technician

Optical Instrument Technician - 94011

Join the Materials Management & Tooling team in Auburn, Washington, where you will maintain, calibrate, and repair precision optical instruments critical to aerospace manufacturing. You will work closely with engineering and production teams to ensure the accuracy and reliability of measurement systems, contributing directly to the quality and safety of Boeing aircraft.

• Receive and prioritize assignments based on area needs and supervisor direction.
• Review drawings, sketches, specifications, lab procedures, and technical documentation to perform work accurately.
• Inspect, set up, and repair electronic and optical units; perform necessary adjustments, calibrations, and repairs.
• Operate and maintain test equipment such as Universal Test Machines, voltmeters, collimators, interferometers, and computer‑aided optical instruments.
• Conduct tests including proof load, static load, tensile/compression, shear, torque, weld qualification, and driveability on materials, parts, and assemblies.
• Clean optical surfaces using appropriate solvents and perform delicate component handling.
• Fabricate, assemble, and test developmental and prototype mechanical, electrical, electromechanical, and optical assemblies.
• Use algebra, geometry, and trigonometry to calculate test parameters and support setup, repair, and calibration activities.
• Troubleshoot, repair, modify, and install electronic and computerized systems associated with optical measurement equipment.
• Perform computer upgrades, configuration, and maintenance of 3D measuring systems in compliance with QA and lab standards.
• Fabricate or replace parts such as mounts, gears, knobs, and shop aids to facilitate repairs and testing.
• Handle, align, calibrate, grind, polish, and coat optical components (lenses, prisms, mirrors) to meet engineering specifications.
• Maintain mechanical and electrical components (motors, bearings, leveling screws) to support optical systems.
• Operate fabrication equipment (lathes, mills, drill presses, grinders) to build test fixtures and accessories.
• Use precision measurement tools (micrometers, height gauges, dial indicators, depth gauges, tooling blocks) to ensure dimensional accuracy.
• Support MP&D teams by designing, fabricating, assembling, and setting up accessories and mounts for new and existing systems.
• Document new part designs in the Boeing Optical Tool catalog and develop measurement processes.
• Coordinate procurement of optical equipment, accessories, and targets.
• Record test results, maintain documentation, and enter data into computer systems per QA requirements.
• Communicate with stakeholders including tooling managers, engineers, technical support, suppliers, and vendors.
• Ensure all tools and test instruments are certified and maintained according to standards.
• Handle and dispose of hazardous materials safely following SDS guidelines and PPE use.
• Perform configuration management, system backups, audits, and document installation processes to comply with quality assurance standards.
• Provide onsite and remote technical support and training as needed.
• Work independently to plan, sequence, and perform bench and machine operations for fabrication, assembly, and testing.
• Collaborate with engineering on prototype development to prove, alter, or modify systems or components.
• Repair, rework, modify, and clean all optical instruments, ensuring compliance with specifications.
• Follow all safety, quality, and regulatory requirements throughout all tasks.

• 1+ year(s) of experience with optics, lasers, electronics, mechanical or instrumentation.
• 2+ years of experience with conventional and CNC machines.
• 1+ year(s) of experience in optical equipment assembly and repair.

• 5+ years in high‑precision manufacturing, tool and die, or aerospace environments and CAD for manufacturing.
• Ability to visualize a 3D object from a 2D drawing and use cognitive, software, and common tools for 3D transformation.
• Prototype machinist with strong skills in programming and operating conventional and CNC lathes/mills, proficiency with software like Mastercam.
• In‑depth…