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Opto Alignment Technology Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Optical fiber, wireless technologies, and connectivity solutions to carry information and ideas at ... Company-wide bonuses and long-term incentives align with key business results and ensure you are ...

Optical fiber, wireless technologies, and connectivity solutions to carry information and ideas at ... Company-wide bonuses and long-term incentives align with key business results and ensure you are ...

Optical fiber, wireless technologies, and connectivity solutions to carry information and ideas at ... Company-wide bonuses and long-term incentives align with key business results and ensure you are ...

We continue to invest in capabilities, facilities and technology to bring leading edge HEL ... Opto-Mechanical Technicians provide assembly, integration, alignment and test in support of the ...

We continue to invest in capabilities, facilities and technology to bring leading edge HEL ... Opto-Mechanical Technicians provide assembly, integration, alignment and test in support of the ...

We continue to invest in capabilities, facilities and technology to bring leading edge HEL ... Opto-Mechanical Technicians provide assembly, integration, alignment and test in support of the ...

We continue to invest in capabilities, facilities and technology to bring leading edge HEL ... Opto-Mechanical Technicians provide assembly, integration, alignment and test in support of the ...

Sr. Opto Mechanical Engineer

Chandler, AZ · On-site

$102K - $135K/yr

With over seven decades of experience in optical coating technology, VIAVI OSP is a customer ... This role is crucial in ensuring precise alignment, stability, and thermal management to optimize ...

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Opto Alignment Technology information

See salary details

$30K

$45.9K

$77.5K

How much do opto alignment technology jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for opto alignment technology in the United States is $45,930.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37,500.00 and $48,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Opto Alignment Technology, and why are they important?

To excel in Opto Alignment Technology, you need a strong background in optics, photonics, precision engineering, and often a relevant degree in physics or engineering. Familiarity with laser alignment tools, optical metrology equipment, CAD software, and industry certifications such as those from SPIE or OSA are typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are valuable soft skills in this field. These competencies are essential for ensuring high-precision alignment, optimizing optical system performance, and maintaining quality in advanced photonics applications.

What is Opto Alignment Technology?

Opto Alignment Technology refers to the field and techniques used to precisely align optical components, such as lenses, mirrors, and lasers, within devices or systems to achieve optimal performance. This technology is essential in manufacturing processes for products like cameras, fiber optics, and laser systems. It combines knowledge of optics, precision engineering, and sometimes automation or robotics to ensure that light travels through components with minimal loss and distortion. Careers in this field often involve using specialized equipment and software to test, measure, and correct the alignment of optical elements. Mastery of Opto Alignment Technology is crucial for industries where high-precision optical performance is required.

What is the difference between Opto Alignment Technology vs Optical Alignment Technician?

AspectOpto Alignment TechnologyOptical Alignment Technician
CredentialsTypically requires technical certifications in optics or laser systemsRequires similar certifications in optics and alignment procedures
Work EnvironmentInvolves working with laser systems, precision instruments, and optical equipmentWorks in labs, manufacturing facilities, or field settings with optical and laser devices
Industry UsageUsed in industries like telecommunications, aerospace, and manufacturing for system calibrationCommonly employed in optical manufacturing, testing, and maintenance

Opto Alignment Technology and Optical Alignment Technician roles share similar skills and work environments, focusing on precision alignment of optical systems. While both require certifications in optics, Opto Alignment Technology often emphasizes advanced laser and optical system calibration, whereas Optical Alignment Technicians may focus more on hands-on assembly and testing. Both roles are vital in industries that depend on precise optical performance.

What are common challenges faced by professionals working in Opto Alignment Technology, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Opto Alignment Technology often encounter challenges such as maintaining high precision during component alignment, working with sensitive optical instruments, and troubleshooting complex systems under tight deadlines. Accurate alignment is critical to ensure optimal system performance, and even minor errors can cause significant issues. To address these challenges, it’s important to stay up-to-date with the latest alignment tools and calibration techniques, work collaboratively with engineers and quality assurance teams, and develop strong problem-solving skills. Continuous training and attention to detail can also help in overcoming these hurdles and advancing in this specialized field.
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Infographic showing various Opto Alignment Technology job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,930 per year, or $22.1 per hour.

Opto-Mechanical Engineer

Planet Labs PBC

San Francisco, CA • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Welcome to Planet. We believe in using space to help life on Earth.

Planet designs, builds, and operates the largest constellation of imaging satellites in history. This constellation delivers an unprecedented dataset of empirical information via a revolutionary cloud-based platform to authoritative figures in commercial, environmental, and humanitarian sectors. We are both a space company and data company all rolled into one.

Customers and users across the globe use Planet's data to develop new technologies, drive revenue, power research, and solve our world's toughest obstacles.

As we control every component of hardware design, manufacturing, data processing, and software engineering, our office is a truly inspiring mix of experts from a variety of domains.

We have a people-centric approach toward culture and community and we strive to iterate in a way that puts our team members first and prepares our company for growth. Join Planet and be a part of our mission to change the way people see the world.

Planet is a global company with employees working remotely world wide and joining us from offices in San Francisco, Washington DC, Germany, Austria, Slovenia, and The Netherlands.

About the Role:

The Electro-Optical Systems team at Planet is seeking an Opto-Mechanical Engineer to help drive the design of payloads in Planet's fleet of Earth-imaging satellites. Your mission will be to champion our payload design efforts, with a specific focus on opto-mechanical design and manufacturing. The ideal candidate will be a seasoned opto-mechanical designer who has led optical system engineering efforts across multiple programs from conceptual design through flight. As a member of the Electro-Optical Systems team within Planet's Space Systems division, you will be a key contributor and stakeholder in Planet's agile aerospace approach to spacecraft design, and will work hand-in-glove with optical engineering, structural analysis, thermal engineering, and reliability & qualification, as well as the rest of Planet's leading-edge spacecraft design and manufacturing teams.

This is a full-time, in-office position based in our San Francisco HQ 5 days per week.

Impact You'll Own:

  • Own the opto-mechanical manufacturing process of optical payloads on Planet's next-generation satellites
  • Design the manufacturing line for mid-volume production of optical payloads. Make first principle based, data-driven decisions throughout the design process to ensure efficient assembly and test processes
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams such as structural, thermal analysts and optical engineer groups to drive and perform analyses to ensure payloads meet stiffness, strength, thermal, and launch survivability requirements, as well as maintain on-orbit performance through STOP (Structural, Thermal, Optical Performance)
  • Drive part and assembly design, manage fabrication with key vendors, perform failure analysis, and execute tolerance stackup and GD&T analyses to ensure precision and reliability
  • Develop and maintain comprehensive design documentation
  • Lead technical presentations and reviews across all design review gates
  • Support test planning and qualification test campaigns
  • Be hands-on with flight and test hardware

What You Bring:

  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical field.
  • 4+ years experience owning the development of opto-mechanical products from requirements through conceptual design, testing and manufacturing
  • Experience designing for high-reliability space environments including launch survivability, vacuum conditions, on-orbit performance through thermal conditions (STOP)
  • Experience in the design and fabrication of optical assemblies, incorporating components made from glass, carbon fiber, metals, ceramics, epoxies, as well as mechanisms and electrical elements
  • Practical and direct engagement with hardware, from prototyping to production and testing phases
  • Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Experience working in a dynamic environment while driving projects to completion
  • Good verbal and visual communication skills

What Makes You Stand Out:

  • Expertise in optics / opto-mechanical manufacturing, metrology, alignment and calibration
  • Ability to build out the manufacturing line for precision optical systems
  • Experience with dynamic hardware builds, vibration and shock testing, telescope assembly, and optical performance testing
  • Experience applying systems engineering principles to optimize optical payload integration, focusing on requirements management, trade-off analysis, and balancing system-level constraints such as cost, schedule, and performance
  • Ability to drive manufacturers and DFM/DFA
  • Proficiency in SolidWorks, Zemax, Matlab, Visual Basic, Python and/or C/C++

Application Deadline:

July 1, 2026 at 11:59pm PT

EAR/ITAR Requirements:

This position requires access to export-controlled information, and as such, employment (or hiring of a contractor) is contingent upon the candidate's ability to access all applicable export-controlled information without additional export licensing being required by the Bureau of Industry and Security and/or the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls.

Benefits While Working at Planet:

These offerings are dependent on employment type and geographical location, based upon applicable law or company policy.

  • Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision plans
  • Health Savings Account (HSA) with a company contribution
  • Generous Paid Time Off in addition to holidays and company-wide days off
  • 16 Weeks of Paid Parental Leave
  • Wellness Program and Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Home Office Reimbursement
  • Monthly Phone and Internet Reimbursement
  • Tuition Reimbursement and access to LinkedIn Learning
  • Equity
  • Commuter Benefits (if local to an office)
  • Volunteering Paid Time Off

Compensation:

The US base salary range for this full-time position at the commencement of employment is listed below. Additionally, this role might be eligible for discretionary short-term and long-term incentives (bonus and equity). The final salary range is determined by job related experience, skills and location. The range displays our typical hiring range for new hire salaries in US locations only. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for your preferred location during the hiring process.

San Francisco Salary Range
$144,500—$180,600 USD

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Why we care so much about Belonging.
We're dedicated to helping the whole Planet, and to do that we must strive to represent all of it within each of our offices and on all of our teams. That's why Planet is guided by an ultimate north star of Belonging-dreaming big as we approach our ongoing work. If this job intrigues you, but you're thinking you might not have all the qualifications, please... do apply! At Planet, we are looking for well-rounded people from around the world who can contribute to more ways than just what is listed in this job description. We don't just fill positions, we aspire to fulfill people's careers, most excited about folks who are motivated by our underlying humanitarian efforts. We are a few orbits around the sun before we get to where we want to be, so we hope you're excited to come along for the ride.

EEO statement:
Planet is committed to building a community where everyone belongs and we invite people from all backgrounds to apply. Planet is an equal opportunity employer, and committed to providing employment opportunities regardless of race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding, age, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or any other protected classification, in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. Know Your Rights.

Accommodations:
Planet is an inclusive community and we know that everyone has their own needs. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation during the hiring process, please reach out to accommodations@planet.com or contact your recruiter with your request. Your message will be confidential and we will be happy to assist you.

Privacy Policy: By clicking "Apply Now" at the top of this job posting, I acknowledge that I have read the Planet Data Privacy Notice for California Staff Members and Applicants, and hereby consent to the collection, processing, use, and storage of my personal information as described therein.

Privacy Policy (European Applicants): By clicking "Apply Now" at the top of this job posting, I acknowledge that I have read the Candidate Privacy Notice GDPR Planet Labs Europe, and hereby consent to the collection, processing, use, and storage of my personal information as described therein.

AI in Our Interviewing Process: Planet is committed to providing an exceptional interview experience for all candidates. We currently use Metaview to better focus on candidates and less on trying to capture notes. As such, with the candidate's consent, select interviews may be recorded and include a "Planet AI Notetaker" for transcription and summarization purposes. Should an interview involve use of AI interview technologies, the candidate will receive notification and have the ability to opt out both in advance and/or real-time. Opting out will not affect one's candidacy.

Candidate AI Policy: Planet embraces Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools, and we encourage its responsible use. We understand that candidates may use various resources, including AI tools, to prepare for interviews and assessments. However, during any live interview stage or when actively completing assessments for this position, the use of AI tools-e.g. Large Language Models (LLMs), deep fake technology, etc.-is strictly prohibited unless explicitly prompted by an interviewer or assessment instructions. If you are unsure about acceptable use, please contact your recruiter for clarification. If an AI tool or similar technology is desired as an accommodation, please contact accommodations@planet.com with your request for assistance. Your message will be confidential, and we will be happy to assist you. Violation of this policy may result in disqualification of your application.