About this role
We are seeking a Focal Plane Packaging Technician to apply microelectronics assembly skills to build custom focal planes and prototype hardware. This is a dynamic, hands‑on role working across a wide range of detector technologies, including ultraviolet, visible, near‑infrared, short‑wave infrared, mid‑wave infrared, and long‑wave infrared architectures. Your contributions will directly enable mission‑critical capabilities for Civil, Defense, and Tactical customers. This position is part of the Detector Technology Center within the Payload Engineering department of the Engineering, Science and Analysis (ESA) Strategic Capabilities Unit at BAE Systems Space & Mission Systems (SMS). The ESA organization brings together the technical expertise and leadership needed to deliver high‑impact, discriminating technologies with a commitment to innovation, integrity, continuous learning, and disciplined execution. The Engineering, Science and Analysis (ESA) Strategic Capabilities Unit comprises the technical talent and organizational leadership that enables the successful delivery of high-impact discriminating technologies for our customers’ missions. Our collaborative, cross-functional teams are committed to innovation, integrity, continual learning and strong execution. What You’ll Do: Play a key role in assembling and packaging custom focal planes and prototype hardware as part of a multidisciplinary team of technicians and engineers. Assemble custom hybrids, focal plane assemblies, and prototype detector hardware in a cleanroom environment, working both independently and in small teams. Perform a broad range of hands on microelectronics and precision assembly tasks, including mechanical assembly, staking and potting, critical cleaning, optical element alignment, optical bonding, precap inspections, device level inspections, and work to NASA soldering standards. Participate in team meetings to plan processing operations, coordinate workflow, and support investigations into hardware anomalies. Maintain a regular and predictable work schedule. Establish and maintain effective working relationships within the department, the Strategic Business Units, Strategic Capabilities Units and the Company. Interact appropriately with others in order to maintain a positive and productive work environment. Perform other duties as necessary. On-Site Work Environment: This position requires regular in-person engagement by working on-site five days each normally scheduled week in the primary work location. Travel and local commute between company campuses and other possible non-company locations may be required. Working Conditions: Work is performed in an office environment, laboratory, cleanroom, or production floor.