Optical Technician

At Boeing, we innovate and collaborate to make the world a better place. We’re committed to fostering an environment for every teammate that’s welcoming, respectful and inclusive, with great opportunity for professional growth. Find your future with us. Optical Instrument Technician Boeing Commercial Airplanes is offering an opportunity for an Optical Instrument Technician to join our Materials Management & Tooling team in Auburn, Washington. In this role you will apply your technical expertise to maintain, calibrate, and repair precision optical instruments critical to aerospace manufacturing. You will evaluate, test software and equipment to ensure compliance with Boeing standards and work closely with engineering and production teams to uphold quality and safety of our aircraft. Position Responsibilities Receive and prioritize assignments based on area needs and direction from supervisors or team leaders. Review and utilize drawings, sketches, specifications, lab procedures, and technical documentation, including online systems, to perform work accurately. Inspect, set up, and repair electronic and optical units, identifying discrepancies and performing necessary adjustments, calibrations, and repairs. Operate and maintain a variety of test equipment and tools, including Universal Test Machines, voltmeters, collimators, interferometers, and computer‑aided optical instruments. Perform a wide range of tests such as proof load, static load, tensile/compression, shear, torque inspections, weld qualifications, and driveability tests on materials, parts, and assemblies. Clean delicate optical surfaces and components using appropriate solvents and materials. Fabricate, assemble, and test developmental and prototype mechanical, electrical, electromechanical, and optical assemblies, including software/firmware applications. Use mathematical computations (algebra, geometry, trigonometry) to calculate test parameters and support setup, repair, and calibration activities. Troubleshoot, repair, modify, and install electronic and computerized systems related to optical measuring equipment. Perform computer upgrades, configure, and maintain 3D measuring systems in compliance with QA and lab standards. Fabricate or replace parts such as mounts, gears, knobs, and shop aids to facilitate repairs and testing. Handle, align, calibrate, grind, polish, and coat optical components (lenses, prisms, mirrors) to meet engineering specifications. Maintain and adjust mechanical and electrical components (motors, bearings, leveling screws) to support optical systems. Operate fabrication equipment (lathes, mills, drill presses, grinders) to build test fixtures and accessories. Use precision measurement tools (micrometers, height gauges, dial indicators, depth gauges, tooling blocks) to ensure dimensional accuracy. Support Materials Process and Physics teams by designing, fabricating, assembling, and setting up accessories and mounts for new and existing systems. Collaborate with engineers to document and add new part designs to the Boeing Optical Tool catalog. Develop and implement methods and procedures for optical measurement processes used in repair and calibration. Coordinate procurement of optical equipment, accessories, and targets to support Boeing systems. Record test results, maintain documentation, and enter data into computer systems per QA and procedural requirements. Communicate and coordinate with internal and external stakeholders including tooling managers, engineering, technical support, suppliers, and vendors. Ensure all tools and test instruments are certified and maintained according to standards. Handle and dispose of hazardous materials safely, following SDS guidelines and using appropriate PPE. Perform configuration management, system backups, audits, and document installation processes to comply with quality assurance standards. Provide onsite and remote technical support and training as needed. Work independently to plan, sequence, and perform bench and machine operations to fabricate, assemble, and test optical instruments. Collaborate with Engineering on prototype development to prove, alter, or modify systems or components. Repair, rework, modify, and clean all optical instruments, ensuring compliance with specifications. Follow all safety, quality, and regulatory requirements throughout all tasks. Physical Demands and Potential Hazards Lifting 10–15 lbs to 15–35 lbs. Reaching, handling, turning, twisting, lifting, lowering, climbing, balancing, bending, kneeling, crouching, and squatting. Working in environments that may involve contact with metals, solvents, and coolants. Operating in proximity to moving parts and tools, sharp cutters, and potential slipping hazards. Adapting to varying noise levels and atmospheric conditions. Using personal safety gear to protect face/eyes, hands/arms, and feet while performing job duties. Work Location and Compliance This position is expected to be 100% onsite. The selected candidate will be required to work onsite at one of the listed location options. This position must meet U.S. export control compliance requirements; a “U.S. Person” as defined by 22 C.F.R. 120.62 is required. A “U.S. Person” includes U.S. Citizen, U.S. National, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee. Basic Qualifications 2+ years of experience with conventional and computer numerically controlled (CNC) machines. 1+ year of experience with optics, lasers, electronics, mechanical or instrumentation. 1+ year of experience in optical equipment assembly and repair. Preferred Qualifications 5+ years’ experience in high precision manufacturing, tool and die, or aerospace environments and computer‑aided design (CAD) for manufacturing. Ability to visualize a 3D object from a 2D drawing and experience with cognitive, software and other common tools that will aid in this 3D transformation. Prototype machinist, highly skilled in transforming engineering concepts into physical, functional parts from minimal sketches or verbal instructions. Completion of a formal apprenticeship program or an Associate’s Degree in Manufacturing Technology. Strong skills in programming and operating conventional and CNC lathes/mills and proficiency with software like Mastercam. In‑depth knowledge of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) and expert use of inspection tools such as CMMs, calipers, and micrometers to ensure accuracy within .0001 inches. Deep understanding of how to cut and handle various materials (steels, aluminum, composites, exotic alloys). Strong problem‑solving abilities and analytical thinking with extreme attention to detail. Conflict of Interest Successful candidates must complete the Company’s Conflict of Interest (COI) assessment process. Education & Experience High school graduate or GED preferred. Relocation This position offers relocation based on candidate eligibility. Drug Free Workplace Boeing is a Drug Free Workplace. Post‑offer applicants and employees are subject to testing for marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, PCP, and alcohol as outlined in company policies. Union Representation This is an hourly position governed by the International Association of Machinists (IAM‑751) Collective Bargaining agreement. Shift Work This position is for a variety of shifts and a variable shift. Total Rewards & Pay Transparency Compensation includes a base pay of $37.32 per hour, with potential to earn up to $64.00 per hour in accordance with the relevant collective bargaining agreement. EEO Statement Boeing is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law. Application Deadline Applications for this position will be accepted until Oct. 03, 2026. #J-18808-Ljbffr