Engineering Technician IV (T3/T4)

Applied Materials • Santa Clara, CA

4d • $33 - $46 • Onsite

About The Position

The Photonics/Optics Technician supports the development, characterization, and manufacturing of advanced optical and photonic devices, modules, and systems. This role involves hands-on work with optical components, lasers, fiber-optic assemblies, photonic integrated circuits (PICs), metrology equipment, and laboratory instrumentation. The technician will work closely with scientists and engineers to build, test, troubleshoot, and optimize optical systems used in telecommunications, datacenter interconnects, sensing, imaging, and next-generation photonics technologies.

Requirements

• Associate degree, technical certificate, or equivalent experience in: Photonics, Optics, Physics, Electrical Engineering Technology, Laser Technology, Applied Science
• 2+ years of hands-on laboratory, manufacturing, or testing experience in optics, photonics, semiconductors, or related fields.
• Experience with optical alignment and fiber handling.
• Familiarity with common optical laboratory equipment and measurement techniques.
• Ability to read engineering drawings, schematics, and technical procedures.
• Strong attention to detail and documentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Assemble and integrate optical and opto-mechanical systems according to engineering drawings and procedures.
• Perform precision fiber alignment, optical coupling, and packaging of photonic devices and modules.
• Install, configure, and maintain lasers, detectors, cameras, spectrometers, optical fibers, and associated hardware.
• Support wafer-level, die-level, and package-level optical device evaluation.
• Execute optical and electro-optical characterization experiments following established test plans.
• Measure device performance including: Optical insertion loss, Fiber-to-chip coupling efficiency, Optical power, Spectral response, Polarization characteristics, High-speed optical link performance.
• Collect, organize, and document experimental data.
• Generate test reports and communicate results to engineering teams.
• Operate and maintain laboratory equipment including: Optical spectrum analyzers, Power meters, Oscilloscopes, Probe stations, Light sources, Imaging systems, Environmental test systems.
• Perform routine calibrations and preventive maintenance.
• Ensure laboratory safety procedures and documentation are maintained.
• Troubleshoot optical, mechanical, and electrical issues in test setups and prototype systems.
• Identify root causes of performance deviations and recommend corrective actions.
• Support process development activities and engineering experiments.
• Assist with prototype builds and technology demonstrations.
• Maintain accurate records of experimental procedures, test results, and equipment status.
• Develop and improve standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Contribute to laboratory organization, efficiency improvements, and best practices.
• Support inventory management and procurement of laboratory materials and components.

Benefits

• Supportive work culture that encourages learning, development, and career growth.
• Empowerment to push boundaries and learn every day in a supportive leading global company.
• Programs and support for personal and professional growth.
• Comprehensive benefits package.
• Eligibility for other forms of compensation such as participation in a bonus and a stock award program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree