Engineering Technician; Optical

POSITION INFORMATION

• Department / Function: Engineering - IPG Defense
• Reports To: Lead Optical Engineer
• Work Location: Huntsville, AL
• Employment Type: Full-time (Hourly)
• Travel: Minimal (less than 5%).
• Security / Clearance: Not required; ability to obtain a security clearance may be required for some programs.

IPG Defense, a stand-alone business of IPG Photonics, was incorporated in 2026 to provide direct support for defense products. Headquartered in Huntsville, AL, IPG Defense is bringing commercial scale to laser defense systems, leveraging IPG Photonics’ 36 years of experience in fiber laser technology. Our mission: develop and deliver the most advanced, next-generation laser defense solutions for military and civilian use - systems that accurately and reliably detect, track, target, and neutralize threats.

IPG Photonics is the world’s leading developer and manufacturer of high-performance fiber lasers and amplifiers for diverse applications in numerous markets. Founded in 1990, IPG pioneered the development and commercialization of optical fiber-based lasers - a critical technology in our high-energy laser (HEL) systems, including the CROSSBOW program.

Your skills and experience will play a key role in shaping our growing organization, building our capabilities, and delivering on our mission. Join us and build a career that will shape the future of laser defense.

The Optical Engineering Technician provides hands-on technical support for high-energy laser systems, with a focus on laser beam characterization, precision laser alignment, and optical bench metrology. This role executes optical test procedures, builds and aligns optical assemblies, maintains laser equipment, and supports engineering activities through practical optical and photonics skills.

• Execute laser beam characterization: beam quality (M²), power output, wavelength, and beam-profile measurements using power meters, beam profilers, spectrometers, and thermal imaging.
• Perform optical bench metrology using interferometers, autocollimators, and alignment telescopes; set up optical test benches and measurement systems.
• Document optical performance data and measurements in laboratory databases.

• Perform precision laser and optical alignments of lenses, mirrors, prisms, and beam-delivery assemblies.
• Assemble prototype optical systems and fiber-optic assemblies, including splicing, termination, and connector installation.
• Maintain clean-room protocols and optical component handling procedures.

• Operate high-power laser systems safely following established safety protocols.
• Perform routine maintenance on laser sources, cooling systems, and optical components; monitor performance and identify degradation.
• Replace optical components, perform system calibrations, and support laser-safety compliance activities.

• Support creation of optical test procedures and assembly work instructions.
• Assist manufacturing with optical assembly processes, quality control, and troubleshooting of production issues.
• Support optical component qualification and supplier evaluation activities.

• Associate degree in Photonics Technology, Optical Engineering Technology, or a related technical field; military optical/laser training or equivalent technical certification also acceptable.
• 2-5 years of hands-on experience in optics, laser systems, or photonics manufacturing.
• Proficiency with optical test and metrology equipment (power meters, beam profilers, spectrometers, interferometers).
• Experience with precision laser alignment and optical assembly…