Senior Integration and Test Engineer - Optics

Senior Integration and Test Engineer - Optics Job Location

Job Location s: US-AZ-Tucson
• Type:
Full Time

Integration and test (I&T) engineers work closely with systems engineers to develop, verify, and validate requirements for cutting‑edge complex systems that may involve optical, mechanical, electronic, and/or software elements. In the early phases of a project or program, they work to understand the customer’s needs and participate in technology readiness reviews to gauge the organization’s ability to produce the desired product.

I&T engineers are responsible for understanding all system interfaces and developing rigorous integration and test plans to ensure each system and subsystem requirement is appropriately addressed. Subsequently, they execute those plans by utilizing their extensive hands‑on assembly, integration, and testing skillsets. A Senior Integration and Test Engineer leads a wide variety of technical activities during the product realization process for assemblies and systems involving a high level of complexity.

In particular, they are charged with leading the planning and execution of AI&T activities for projects that may involve precision cleanroom assembly, specialized equipment/fixturing, and custom test‑bed development. They help in assessing existing AI&T equipment and processes to ensure requirements for a variety of products can be effectively verified. Additionally, a Senior Integration & Test Engineer plays an important role in training and mentoring more junior engineers.

With an optics focus, they are primarily tasked with hands‑on integration of optical components through assembly and precision alignment. They are well‑versed in optical metrology and proficient in a wide range of optical performance testing methods.

• Interface directly with customers to understand top-down technical and end‑user needs
• Assist systems engineers in the development of system and subsystem requirements
• Provide feedback to design engineers, customers, suppliers, and other key stakeholders regarding the feasibility of product assembly, integration, and test
• Assist systems engineers during the system readiness review process
• Assess assembly and testing capabilities and recommend equipment and tool acquisitions
• Understand system interfaces and the impact of each subsystem on top‑level system requirements
• Craft and communicate the integration plan to key stakeholders for different types of hardware and software into a variety of systems and environments
• Perform execution and oversight of critical system and subsystem integration activities
• Develop and document the assembly and test plan for each subsystem and system requirements as applicable
• Coordinate system test efforts by communicating the test plan and by training technicians
• Track, analyze, and document all verification and validation efforts
• Support root cause and corrective action processes as necessary
• Travel to customer sites to partake in process/knowledge transfers and perform on‑site I&T activities
• Facilitate the build and modification of test equipment to support short‑term project‑specific and long‑term strategic needs
• Assist in the training and development of more junior engineers
• Engage in process improvement efforts within the department
• Attend external training, seminars, and conferences to continue personal growth and further the technical exposure of the company
• Generate concepts and guide the development of optical alignment and test fixturing
• Perform optical alignment using a variety of equipment and techniques
• Test optical components, assemblies, and systems using a variety of optical measurement equipment

Required Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of key optical engineering concepts
• Experience assembling and aligning multi‑element optical systems
• Experience testing optical assemblies and systems (environmental, surface quality, imaging performance)
• Practical knowledge of precision optical alignment, test and calibration equipment and procedures
• Knowledge of interfaces (physical, electrical, and logical) between components, units under test (UUT) and test platforms
• Experience using basic laboratory…