Engineering Technician - Mechanical

Description We are Nightforce OpticsRUGGED. RELIABLE. REPEATABLE.™ Nightforce Optics is a leading manufacturer and marketer of premium sport optics products, including riflescopes, spotting scopes and accessories. Known for its rugged products designed for use in punishing conditions, Nightforce is the industry benchmark for high-quality, high-performance products. Nightforce Optics, Inc., was established in 1992 with one goal in mind: to build the finest riflescopes on the market. The same qualities that have made Nightforce the choice of professionals have now created a dedicated following among hunters and serious shooters. We want you to become part of our story! As part of the Nightforce R&D team within the Mechanical Engineering Group, you will provide hands-on technical support in the development and evaluation of new or existing Mil-Spec and Commercial products in the firearms and outdoor industry. Under general supervision, you will assemble and troubleshoot prototypes, set up and operate test equipment, and perform scope testing and other product evaluations using established procedures. This role includes recording and summarizing test data, verifying the functionality and performance of parts and assemblies, identifying issues, and assisting engineers with root cause analysis and potential design improvements. You will support the transition from development to production and provide guidance to entry level Engineering Technicians. You will independently handle routine and moderately complex tasks, resolve common technical issues, and refer complex or unfamiliar problems to senior technicians or Engineering staff. What you will be doing: Essential Job Duties

• Under general direction, assist engineers to create, modify, and test products and processes.
• Assemble, align, and test optical, opto-mechanical, and electro-optical systems, including lenses, prisms, windows, filters, polarizers, displays, illumination components, sensors, electronic boards, and associated wiring or flex circuits installed in mechanical housings.
• Perform optical alignment and verification using laboratory equipment such as interferometers, collimators, alignment telescopes, autocollimators, beam profilers, and other optical metrology tools.
• Set up and execute test procedures and engineering work instructions to verify optical, mechanical, and electro-optical performance.
• Identify root causes where mechanical design, electronic integration, or assembly processes impact optical or electro-optical performance and work with engineering to resolve them.
• Interpret engineering drawings and specifications.
• Provide clear, actionable feedback to optical, mechanical, and electrical engineers regarding housing design, alignment features, fixturing, cable routing, and manufacturability.
• Maintain laboratory equipment, test setups, tooling, and fixtures; follow optical handling, ESD, and contamination control practices.
• Ability to communicate independently and effectively with all levels of employees and management.
• Support production by troubleshooting issues related to optical alignment, display integration, illumination uniformity, electronic interfaces, tolerance stack-ups, fastener torque, retention methods, and assembly variation.
• Perform basic electrical testing (e.g., continuity checks, power verification, functional bring-up) under established procedures.
• Document test results, alignment data, electro-optical performance metrics, and non-conformances in lab or production records.

Non-Essential Duties:

• Additional Duties as Assigned.
• Create CAD lens models and drawings.
• Troubleshoot production issues.

Requirements

What we need from you: Required Minimum Qualifications

• Highschool diploma or GED.
• 2-4 years’ experience in a similar role.
• High degree of mechanical aptitude and proficient math skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to use hand tools and work with small optical, mechanical, and electrical components.
• Ability to work independently or in a team environment.
• High regard for confidentiality.
• Experience in reading and analyzing 2-D prints.
• Good working knowledge of MS Office applications.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including ability to keep accurate records.
• Positive attitude and be highly motivated.
• Excellent technical communication skills with engineers and manufacturing personnel.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of the Shooting Sport/outdoor Industry.
• Associate degree in an engineering or science discipline.
• Experience integrating optics with displays or electronically controlled optical components.
• Experience building opto-mechanical assemblies.
• Familiarity with polarization effects and alignment sensitivity in optical systems.
• Experience with ESD-controlled environments and electronics handling.
• Machining and fabrication experience.
• Mechanical design and drafting (CAD) experience.
• Metrology experience (optical comparator, height gauge, CMM, handheld measurement tools).
• Exposure to optical or mechanical design tools (e.g., Zemax, CAD drawings).
• Experience with data acquisition systems.
• Experience supporting production builds or new product introductions.

Physical Requirements:

• Required to LIFT/CARRY: Ability to lift up to 25 pounds and occasionally up to 50 pounds with or without accommodation
• Required to PULL/PUSH Frequently: up to 25 pounds
• Bend: Frequently
• Twist: Occasionally
• Squat: Occasionally
• Climb: Occasionally
• Kneel/Crawl: Rarely
• Reach/Reach Overhead: Occasionally
• Finger Dexterity/Fine Manipulation: Continuously
• Sit: Continuously
• Computer/Mouse Use: Continuously
• Drive: Occasionally
• Repetitive Motion: Substantial movements of the wrist, hands, and/or fingers

Desired Attributes:

• Professional Communication
• Attention to Detail
• Positive Attitude
• Adaptability
• Creativity
• Innovation
• Keen Observation
• Ability to see the big picture
• Ability to respect different viewpoints
• Willing to mentor and train

What Sets Us Apart?

• 100% paid benefits for the employee including: medical, dental, vision, short term disability, long term disability, and life insurance
• Paid Time Off Package - 60 hours your first year and increases year after year
• 10-13 paid holidays per year
• Matching 401k after one year of employment
• 4-day work week, who doesn't like 3-day weekends?
• Pride in our product
• Employee discount on scopes and Nightforce apparel

Nightforce Optics is an Equal Opportunity Employer All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race/ethnicity, color, religion, gender, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, disability or any other category protected by law.

Note: All job offers are contingent on passing pre-employment requirements, including a drug screen and criminal background check. Applicants must also be a "US Person" as defined by the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR).

Application Deadline: November 29, 2026