Free-Space Optical Lab Manager / Technician

Basic Qualifications

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:

Bachelor's or Technology degree in Engineering or a related specialized area/field, or equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience, plus 2 years of relevant experience; or Master's degree.

CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS:

Department of Defense TS/SCI with Polygraph security clearance obtainable within reasonable time based on requirements. Applicants selected will be subject to a U.S. Government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information. Due to the nature of work performed within our facilities, U.S. citizenship is required.

Responsibilities for this Position

ROLE AND POSITION OBJECTIVES:

General Dynamics Mission Systems is seeking a self-directed FSO Lab Manager / Technician to support our Free-Space Optical (FSO) communications and electro-optical development programs. Consistent with the Engineering Technician role, this person provides technical assistance, troubleshooting, and support to the engineering team — performing research and laboratory functions (layout, building, testing, troubleshooting, and repair of devices, assemblies, subsystems, and systems) while owning day-to-day operation of the FSO lab. This includes performing solder operations at a production level quality per IPC requirements.

This is a dual-scope role: the person both owns the lab and performs hands-on technician work at the bench. The ideal candidate takes full ownership of lab responsibilities with minimal direction, anticipates program needs, and keeps the lab ready to support engineering and test schedules.

Key Responsibilities:

• Own the FSO lab: layout, readiness, cleanliness, and configuration control of the bench setups.
• Equipment management: inventory, calibration tracking/scheduling, and coordination of repairs; ensure test equipment is in-cal and available when programs need it.
• Consumables and supplies: track and replenish fiber, connectors, solder, optics, and lab consumables; interface with purchasing/vendors.
• Laser and lab safety: maintain a safe optical lab environment, support laser safety practices (LSO coordination, signage, PPE, controlled access), and manage ESD controls.
• Scheduling / prioritization: coordinate shared lab and equipment use across multiple engineers and programs.
• Maintain lab documentation, equipment records, and as-built configuration.

What sets you apart:

• Hands-on use of specialized optical equipment: e.g. fusion/mechanical fiber splicers, theodolites/autocollimators, interferometers, beam profilers, spectrum/optical spectrum analyzers.
• Experience in free-space optical communications or laser/electro-optical systems.
• IPC certification (e.g., IPC J-STD-001, IPC-A-610); fiber optic certification (e.g., FOA CFOT) a plus.
• Familiarity with calibration management and lab equipment tracking systems.
• Experience supporting a controlled lab environment.
• Laser safety training or LSO/Deputy LSO experience.
• Comfort operating independently.

Our Commitment to You:

• An exciting career path with opportunities for continuous learning and development.
• Research oriented work, alongside award winning teams developing practical solutions for our nation’s security.
• Flexible schedules with every other Friday off work, if desired (9/80 schedule).
• Competitive benefits, including 401k matching, flex time off, paid parental leave, healthcare benefits, health & wellness programs, employee resource and social groups, and more.
• See more at gdmissionsystems.com/careers/why-work-for-us/benefits.

Workplace Options:

• This position is fully on-site with occasional Hybrid/Flex available.
• While on-site, you will be a part of the Annapolis Junction Team.

#LI-Hybrid

Salary Note

This estimate represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors (geographic location, etc.). Actual pay may vary. This job posting will remain open until the position is filled.

Combined Salary Range

USD $82,015.00 - USD $88,743.00 /Yr.

Company Overview

General Dynamics Mission Systems (GDMS) engineers a diverse portfolio of high technology solutions, products and services that enable customers to successfully execute missions across all domains of operation. With a global team of 12,000+ top professionals, we partner with the best in industry to expand the bounds of innovation in the defense and scientific arenas. Given the nature of our work and who we are, we value trust, honesty, alignment and transparency. We offer highly competitive benefits and pride ourselves in being a great place to work with a shared sense of purpose. You will also enjoy a flexible work environment where contributions are recognized and rewarded. If who we are and what we do resonates with you, we invite you to join our high-performance team!

Equal Opportunity Employer / Individuals with Disabilities / Protected Veterans