Optical Instrument Technician

Boeing Commercial Airplanes is excited to offer opportunities for anOptical Instrument Technician to join ourMaterials 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. Employees in this position evaluate, by testing, software and equipment to meet Boeing standards. This role may require 20/20 vision. You’ll work closely with engineering and production teams to ensure the accuracy and reliability of measurement systems, contributing directly to the quality and safety of our aircraft. This position offers a dynamic environment where innovation, problem-solving, and attention to detail are highly valued, providing you with opportunities for growth and professional development.

You will play a critical role in upholding our commitment to safety and quality standards, ensuring that all operations meet regulatory compliance and operational excellence. If you are detail-oriented, possess strong technical skills, and thrive in a collaborative environment, we invite you to apply and be a part of our mission to deliver excellence in aviation.

Position Responsibilities:

• Receive and prioritize assignments based on area needs, priority lists, 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 (MP&P) 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:

• Perform physical tasks that include lifting weights ranging from 10-15 lbs to 15-35 lbs.

• Engage in various movements such as reaching, handling, turning, twisting, lifting, lowering, climbing, balancing, bending, kneeling, crouching, and squatting.

• Work in environments that may involve contact with metals, solvents, and coolants.

• Operate in proximity to moving parts and tools, sharp cutters, and potential slipping hazards.

• Adapt to varying noise levels and atmospheric conditions.

• Utilize personal safety gear to protect face/eyes, hands/arms, and feet while performing job duties. 

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. “U.S. Person” includes U.S. Citizen, U.S. National, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee.  

Resumes of current Puget Sound and Moses Lake Boeing employees submitted via “Find Jobs” in Boeing/Workday will be considered.

Basic Qualifications:

Relevant experience can include academic qualifications, military service, or other industry-related roles.

• 2+ years of experience with Conventional and Compute Numerically Controlled (CNC) machines.

• 1+ years of experience with optics, lasers, electronics, mechanical or instrumentation.

• 1+ years 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. 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, often working 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 like 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, extreme attention to detail.

Conflict of Interest:
Successful candidates for this position must successfully complete the Company’s Conflict of Interest (COI) assessment process.

Typical 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 where post offer applicants and employees are subject to testing for marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, PCP, and alcohol when criteria is met as outlined in our policies.

Union Representation Statement:

This is an hourly position governed by the International Association of Machinists (IAM-751) Collective Bargaining agreement.

Shift Work Statement: 

·This position is for a variety of shifts.

Total Rewards & Pay Transparency:

At Boeing, we strive to deliver a Total Rewards package that will attract, engage and retain the top talent.  Elements of the Total Rewards package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities.   

The Boeing Company also provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work.   

The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements. 

Pay: $37.32 hour, with potential to earn up to $64.0 hour in accordance with the terms of the relevant collective bargaining agreement.