Optical Systems And Laser Technician
Job Description
Company: Aetherflux
about the job
about aetherfluxaetherflux is solving the global energy crisis by building the infrastructure for abundant, resilient, and continuous space-based solar energy. we are tackling humanity’s most complex engineering challenge with a world-class team dedicated to delivering a revolutionary power platform. aetherflux is transforming how civilization powers, computes, and connects—from orbit to earth.. optical systems and laser technician(this is a full-time position based onsite out of our san carlos, california headquarters office). overviewthe laser engineer at aetherflux will play a key role in designing, developing, and optimizing high-power laser systems for our satellites. this role requires expertise in laser physics, optical engineering, and space systems, with a strong focus on integrating lasers into a spaceborne environment. you will collaborate with mechanical, electrical, optical, software, and systems engineers to push the boundaries of laser power beaming from space to earth.. key responsibilities:
- System Assembly & Integration: Assemble, test, and integrate high-power fiber laser systems and free-space optical systems into mechanical structures intended for space deployment
- Alignment and Testing: Align optical systems (lenses, mirrors) to meet wavefront and beam quality requirements
- Conduct final testing and validation of laser systems to ensure they meet performance specifications
- Maintenance & Troubleshooting: Perform routine maintenance on laser equipment
- Troubleshoot and resolve issues with the systems, including power supplies, optics, and controls
- Prototyping & Characterization: Support the development, assembly, and characterization of laser and optical systems in a laboratory environment
- Documentation: Maintain detailed records of equipment use, test schedules, maintenance reports, and performance assessments
- Safety & Compliance: Adhere to all safety protocols and procedures, including the use of protective equipment, to ensure a safe working environment
- Collaboration: Work closely with engineers and scientists from cross-functional teams (mechanical, electrical, thermal) to integrate components and deliver high-performance systems
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Qualifications & Skills: Experience: At least 2-3 years of hands-on experience with laser systems, preferably high-power, solid-state, fiber, or semiconductor lasers - Education: An Associate’s degree in photonics or optics is typical for a technician role, while Aetherflux’s engineer roles require a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD in Optical Engineering, Physics, or a related discipline
- Required Technical Skills:
- Proficiency with lab test equipment (eg
- Oscilloscopes, cameras, beam profilers, optical spectrum analyzers, power meters, wavefront sensors)
- Experience with fiber laser component integration and testing
- Experience with optical systems, imaging and non-imaging
- Experience with optical and laser diagnostic methods such as (knife edge test)
- Strong background in science, technology, mathematics, and electronics
- Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and blueprints
- Proficiency with specifications of optics and fiber optics
- Preferred Technical Skills:
- Experience with high power laser beams and high power laser diagnostics
- Proficiency with optical fiber cleaving and splicing
- Proficiency with linux, python, matlab, and/or labview
- Experience working in a clean-room environment
- Soft Skills: Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills to interact with diverse professional backgrounds
- Experience working in multi-disciplinary teams including software, electrical, hardware, optical, and non-technical specialties
- Strong technical presentation and communication skills
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Work Environment: Capability to work in a highly regulated, clean, and demanding R&D or manufacturing environment - ~
