Electro-Optical Assembly Technician

Bridger Photonics•Bozeman, MT

About The Position

This role ensures the quality and reliability of electrical and electro-optical assemblies used in Bridger’s Gas Mapping LiDAR™ sensors, including photodetector and receiver subassemblies. The position is suited to someone with hands-on electronics assembly experience who can work precisely with optical, electro-optical, and electro-mechanical components such as detectors, lasers, lenses, and optical fiber. The technician assembles, aligns, tests, and troubleshoots sensor electronics and optical subassemblies. The work includes soldering, optical alignment and bonding, fiber preparation and routing, electro-optical characterization, functional testing, documentation, and adherence to ESD, safety, cleanroom, and laser-safety procedures. The technician also supports engineering and manufacturing through prototyping, new product introduction, production ramp-ups, rework, repairs, and failure analysis.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
At least 2 years of experience in electronics assembly or manufacturing.
Proficiency in hand soldering to IPC-A-610 standards.
Ability to read and interpret schematics, bills of materials, and assembly drawings for electro-optic and optical assemblies.
Experience working with small, delicate components requiring high precision.
Comfort working under a microscope and with precision positioning equipment for fine assembly and alignment tasks.
Hands-on experience with optical or electro-optical components, or demonstrated aptitude and strong willingness to learn precision optical alignment.
Familiarity with ESD-safe practices and quality-controlled manufacturing environments.
Strong attention to detail and manual dexterity.

Nice To Haves

Technical certification or an associate degree in electronics, laser/photonics technology, or a related field.
Experience assembling LiDAR, optical, or photonics-based products.
IPC certification, such as IPC-A-610 or J-STD-001.
Hands-on experience with active optical alignment of detectors, lenses, or fiber components.
Experience assembling or testing photodetectors, such as InGaAs or Si photodiodes, and optical receiver modules.
Experience with fiber-optic cleaving, fusion splicing, connectorization, and end-face inspection.
Experience with optical adhesives and precision bonding processes, including UV-cure epoxies.
Familiarity with laser safety practices, such as ANSI Z136.1, and working in laser-controlled areas.
Familiarity with ISO 9001, AS9100, or similar quality systems.
Experience supporting prototype builds and low-to-mid volume production.

Responsibilities

Assemble LiDAR sensor electronics, including PCBs, optical subassemblies, and electro-mechanical components, following work instructions, schematics, and drawings.
Perform SMT and through-hole hand soldering to IPC standards.
Integrate lasers, photodetectors, lenses, and fiber assemblies with electronics.
Assemble photodetector and optical receiver subassemblies, mounting detectors, lenses, filters, and windows into housings and interfacing them with front-end electronics.
Perform active and passive optical alignment of detectors, lenses, collimators, and fiber components using precision positioning stages, alignment fixtures, and real-time signal feedback.
Bond and secure aligned optics using UV-cure and thermal epoxies, verifying alignment during curing and after environmental testing.
Cleave, fusion splice, and terminate optical fiber; route and manage fiber within sensor assemblies without exceeding bend-radius limits.
Clean, inspect, and handle optical surfaces, detectors, and fiber connectors according to established procedures, including fiber end-face inspection with a fiber scope.
Characterize electro-optical subassemblies by measuring optical power, coupling efficiency, detector responsivity, dark current, noise, and beam pointing.
Conduct functional testing, calibration, and basic troubleshooting of assembled LiDAR units.
Use electrical and optical test equipment, including oscilloscopes, multimeters, power supplies, optical power meters, beam profilers, optical spectrum analyzers, and IR viewers or cards.
Identify, document, and communicate assembly issues, defects, and process improvements.
Maintain accurate build records, travelers, and quality documentation.
Follow ESD, safety, and cleanroom procedures where required.
Work safely with laser sources by following laser safety procedures, controlled-area requirements, and appropriate eyewear and PPE requirements.
Support engineering and manufacturing teams during prototyping, NPI, and production ramp-ups.
Assist with rework, repairs, and failure analysis as needed.