Technician

Job Title: Optics Technician

Job Description

This Technician role focuses on the fabrication, modification, assembly, installation, operation, repair, and maintenance of complex laboratory, experimental, and commercial equipment. The technician supports the design and setup of basic laboratory and test equipment, applies specialized technical knowledge to assigned projects or programs, and conducts complex experiments and tests while accurately recording, analyzing, and summarizing data. This position plays a key role in ensuring equipment reliability, experimental accuracy, and adherence to quality and safety standards in a controlled laboratory environment.

Responsibilities

• Fabricate, modify, assemble, install, and document complex laboratory, experimental, and commercial equipment to meet project and program requirements.
• Interpret general instructions, technical drawings, and plans to determine assembly sequences and ensure accurate and efficient build processes.
• Maintain quality documentation and prepare sketches or schematics as needed to support equipment fabrication and modification activities.
• Assist in the design and development of basic laboratory, experimental, or test equipment, contributing practical technical insights and recommendations.
• Operate specialized test equipment and laboratory tools, including optomechanical and optical test setups, in accordance with established procedures.
• Perform testing and measurements that require knowledge of relevant processes and procedures, ensuring accuracy and repeatability of results.
• Execute assigned laboratory experiments or support complex laboratory functions, including setup, calibration, and operation of equipment.
• Fabricate assemblies, fixtures, and optical assemblies to precise specifications, using micrometres and other precision tools while maintaining strict quality standards and documentation.
• Collect, record, reduce, and summarize experimental data in a clear and organized manner, using appropriate data recording tools and computer applications.
• Monitor equipment and test parameters during experiments and operations, recognizing and responding when measurements deviate from established limits.
• Troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, optical, and production-related issues with laboratory and test equipment, identifying root causes and implementing corrective actions.
• Read and interpret blueprints, technical drawings, and detailed specifications to ensure correct assembly, installation, and operation of equipment.
• Adhere to all applicable laws, regulations, and organizational policies related to laboratory operations, safety, and equipment use.
• Maintain a safe working environment by following established safety procedures, best practices, and contamination control guidelines, particularly in cleanroom or controlled environments.
• Perform routine laboratory support tasks, including housekeeping, cleanup, and basic maintenance of lab equipment and work areas.
• Collaborate with team members and other technical staff to support project goals, share technical information, and ensure smooth laboratory operations.
• Complete additional duties as assigned to support evolving project needs and laboratory requirements.

Essential Skills

• Associate degree or equivalent experience, typically with 5+ years of related technical experience in laboratory, experimental, or equipment-focused roles.
• Hands-on experience working in controlled environments, such as cleanrooms, with familiarity in handling practices and contamination control procedures.
• Proficiency with standard computer applications relevant to laboratory and technical work, including data entry, documentation, and basic analysis tools.
• Ability to read and interpret detailed technical instructions, blueprints, drawings, and specifications for mechanical, electrical, and optical assemblies.
• Demonstrated skill in using test equipment, including optomechanical and optical test setups, to perform precise measurements and evaluations.
• Experience working with laboratory equipment, production setups, and troubleshooting of mechanical, electrical, and optical systems.
• Ability to interpret and work from blueprints and technical documentation to build and modify equipment accurately.
• Mechanical aptitude and experience with mechanical assemblies, fixtures, and precision components.
• Electrical aptitude and experience working with electrical components and systems in laboratory or test environments.
• Experience with optical assemblies and optical test procedures, including alignment and inspection of optical components.
• Proficiency in using micrometres and other precision measurement tools to maintain tight tolerances and quality standards.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills to produce accurate documentation, reports, and technical notes.
• Familiarity with precision handling and tolerance requirements for delicate or high-accuracy components.
• Experience using specialized equipment or experimental techniques relevant to laboratory and test operations.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance is preferred.
• Experience supporting the design of basic laboratory, experimental, or test equipment.
• Background in optomechanical technology or related technical disciplines.
• Demonstrated ability to recognize deviations in test parameters and take appropriate corrective actions.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to maintaining quality documentation and records.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while also collaborating effectively within a technical team.

Work Environment

The work environment is primarily laboratory-based and may include controlled environments such as cleanrooms, where strict handling and contamination control practices apply. The technician works with a variety of laboratory and production equipment, including test equipment, optomechanical setups, optical test systems, and precision measurement tools such as micrometres. The role involves regular use of computers for documentation, data recording, and analysis. Work may require standing at benches, working with small components, and handling mechanical, electrical, and optical assemblies with precision. Safety procedures and organizational policies guide daily activities, and maintaining a clean, orderly workspace is an integral part of the role. The environment supports collaborative work with other technical staff while also requiring focused, independent execution of experiments, tests, and equipment fabrication tasks.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Acton, MA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $35.00 - $43.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Acton,MA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 10, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.