Senior Optical Technician - Manufacturing

Vector Atomic • Pleasanton, CA • 4d ago

Vector Atomic is building quantum devices for applications including GPS-free navigation and timing, geophysical exploration, and telecommunications. We are focused on delivering near-term products that take advantage of the exquisite properties of quantum systems. Our devices are designed with the form, fit, function, and cost for the real world.

We seek a detail-oriented Senior Manufacturing Technician with hands-on experience in high-precision free-space optical assembly, testing, and manufacturing best practices. In this role, you'll build, test, troubleshoot, and refine developmental and production optical/electronic systems while collaborating with engineers to execute detailed assembly workflows. Your contributions will directly advance the development of cutting-edge optical technologies.

We are seeking strong individual contributors that take ownership of their work while supporting overall team goals. Our rapidly growing team of 70 plus brings an innovative but practical approach to developing quantum devices. If you'd like to work on transformational technologies in a dynamic, team-oriented environment, come join our team!

Requirements

What You'll Do:

Build precision opto-electrical assembly: Collaborate with Manufacturing and Product Engineers to assemble and test ultra-precise devices, integrating optical sub-assemblies, electrical components, wire harnesses, and full product chassis while adhering to work instructions.

Execute specialized processes: Perform active optical alignment, epoxy application (UV/oven curing), fiber splicing/routing, and soldering/desoldering to achieve micron-scale tolerances.

Ensure quality & compliance: Inspect materials, conduct in-process checks, and validate device performance through functional testing (setup, execution, teardown).

Maintain Build Record: Update manufacturing databases with build records to ensure traceability and compliance with quality standards.?

Refine workflows: Improve assembly documentation and provide actionable feedback to optimize processes.

Manage equipment: Calibrate lab tools and document maintenance schedules to ensure operational readiness.

Uphold cleanroom standards: Adhere strictly to cleanliness protocols in controlled environments to minimize contamination risks.

What We're Looking For:

Education & Experience: 2-year technical degree and 3+ years in electronics/optics manufacturing environment (or equivalent). Hands-on experience with active alignment for building fiber and free-space laser systems, micro-optics bonding, and photonic device pigtailing is highly preferred.

Technical Proficiency: Interpret CAD drawings, schematics, and SOPs with meticulous attention to detail. Proactively document process insights to drive improvement.

Instrument Proficiency: Experience with oscilloscopes, optical power meters, spectrometers, laser systems, imaging cameras, and photodiode detectors.

Process Discipline: Methodically follow workflows while contributing to new process development.

Adaptability: Quickly master evolving equipment/processes in dynamic technical environments.

Compliance: Must meet U.S. export control requirements for "U.S. persons" (citizens, permanent residents, or protected individuals).

Benefits

Vector Atomic values teamwork, open and honest discourse, and work-life balance. We are an employee-owned company with competitive compensation and benefits including:

Platinum-level family health coverage (medical, dental, vision)

Health and Dependent care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)

Employer 401(k) contributions

20 days of paid time off / 10 paid holidays

Paid parental leave

Tuition reimbursement program

Fertility assistance program

Stock ownership plan

Fully stocked kitchen

Pay Range

Vector Atomic offers market-competitive compensation, encompassing base salary, a performance bonus, comprehensive benefits, and equity. The base salary range for this position, is $75,000 - $125,000 per year. Please note that it is less common for candidates to be hired at the top of this range, as final compensation is determined by factors such as job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

Vector Atomic is an equal opportunity employer and we welcome applications from all backgrounds regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, disability, or any other classification protected by law.

Vector Atomic does not accept unsolicited resumes from individual recruiters or third-party recruiting agencies in response to job postings. No fee will be paid to third parties who submit unsolicited candidates directly to our hiring managers or HR team.

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