Mechanical Technician

Job Title

Mechanical Technician Job Description

This is a full-time, onsite role based at a facility in Redmond, WA. You will work in a lab and assembly environment focused on developing high‑bandwidth free‑space optical communication systems for satellite‑to‑satellite links. The work is highly collaborative, and you will regularly interact with multi‑disciplinary engineering teams across different locations. The environment is dynamic and innovation‑driven, with a strong focus on early‑stage development, rapid prototyping, and solving challenging, novel problems that have not been addressed at scale before.

Appropriate lab safety practices are followed, and face masks are required while onsite. You can expect hands‑on work with mechanical assemblies, fiber optic and electrical cabling, and test setups for optical and free‑space communication hardware. The culture values problem‑solving, adaptability, and close teamwork in pursuit of advanced communication technologies.

• Build mechanical assemblies for early‑stage and prototype hardware.
• Build opto‑mechanical assemblies that integrate mechanical and optical components.
• Support development activities, including prototyping and iterative hardware builds.
• Assist in failure investigations by disassembling, inspecting, and reworking mechanical and opto‑mechanical assemblies.
• Install and dress fiber optic cables with attention to bend radius, routing, and protection.
• Install and dress electrical cables, ensuring clean routing, strain relief, and proper termination.
• Perform precision alignment of mechanical components to meet tight tolerances and performance requirements.
• Work closely with design engineers during early hardware builds to interpret drawings, models, and build instructions.
• Collaborate with engineers to refine assembly processes and provide feedback on design for manufacturability and assembly.
• Support the build and test of fiber optical assemblies used in high‑bandwidth communication systems.
• Support the assembly and test of free‑space optical assemblies for satellite communication.
• Document assembly steps, issues, and test outcomes as required by the engineering team.
• Adapt to evolving requirements and priorities in an ambiguous, development‑focused environment.
• Contribute to a near‑term push to assemble a batch of prototypes by efficiently and accurately putting mechanical and opto‑mechanical assemblies together.

• Proven mechanical technician or engineering technician experience with hands‑on mechanical assembly.
• Strong experience building and assembling mechanical hardware, including precision mechanical components.
• Ability to perform precision alignment of mechanical components and assemblies.
• Experience working with cabling, including installation and dressing of electrical cables.
• Ability to read and follow engineering drawings, schematics, and build documentation.
• Comfort working in an ambiguous, early‑stage development environment with changing requirements.
• Mid to senior level years of experience as a mechanical or engineering technician.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to high‑quality workmanship.
• Effective collaboration skills to work closely with design and development engineers.

• Experience with opto‑mechanical assemblies or optical systems is highly desirable but not required.
• Experience installing and dressing fiber optic cables is a strong plus.
• Background in aerospace, medical device, or automotive industries is highly relevant.
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field is beneficial but not strictly required if equivalent experience is present.
• Experience supporting prototyping, early hardware builds, and iterative development cycles.
• Familiarity with failure analysis or supporting failure investigations on mechanical or opto‑mechanical assemblies.
• Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced environment tackling novel technical challenges.
• Interest in or exposure to high‑bandwidth optical communication systems is a plus.
• Openness to a 6‑month contract‑to‑hire arrangement.

The pay range for this position is $50.00 - $60.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply…