Manufacturing Engineer

Vector Atomic•Pleasanton, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Vector Atomic, an IonQ company, is building quantum technology to transform navigation, timing, geophysical exploration, and telecommunications. The team of engineers, scientists, software developers, and operations professionals works together to solve complex challenges and turn bold ideas into real-world solutions. The company values collaboration, curiosity, and diverse perspectives, and gives every team member the opportunity to make an immediate impact while growing their skills. The Manufacturing Engineer will play a critical role in transitioning quantum optical clock systems from prototype to scalable production. This role involves owning key portions of the manufacturing process for highly sensitive photonic and opto-mechanical assemblies, with a strong emphasis on automation, repeatability, and yield. It is a highly cross-functional, hands-on role where the engineer will work closely with physicists, optical engineers, and hardware teams to help turn cutting-edge lab systems into robust, manufacturable products.

Requirements

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Applied Physics, or related field
3+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering or hardware development in a deep-tech environment (photonics, quantum, semiconductors, aerospace, etc.)
Hands-on experience with precision assembly, including optics, fiber alignment, micro-mechanical systems, and UV-curable epoxies or precision bonding processes.
Experience developing or deploying process automation (robotics, motion stages, machine vision, or automated test systems)
Strong debugging and root cause analysis skills in complex physical systems
Comfortable working in a fast-paced, ambiguous startup environment
To comply with the US export control laws, you must be U.S. citizens (born or naturalized), lawful U.S. permanent residents (i.e. green card holders), and certain categories of refugees, and asylees.

Nice To Haves

Experience with frequency combs, ultra-stable lasers, atomic physics systems, frequency standards, or free space optical systems.
Familiarity with vacuum systems, thermal control, or vibration isolation
Programming experience (Python, LabVIEW, MATLAB, or similar) for automation and test
Experience with cleanroom or precision lab environments
Background in scaling low-volume prototypes to early production

Responsibilities

Develop and scale manufacturing processes for quantum photonics systems, including lasers, fiber assemblies, and precision opto-mechanical subsystems
Design and implement automated assembly, test, and inspection processes for high-precision optical systems.
Drive Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) in collaboration with R&D and physics teams
Lead new product introduction (NPI), transitioning lab prototypes into repeatable production builds
Build and maintain production tooling, fixtures, and automated test platforms
Identify and reduce process variability in critical optical alignment and packaging steps.
Implement data-driven process control (SPC) and continuous improvement methodologies
Troubleshoot complex integration issues spanning optics, electronics, vacuum systems, and controls
Develop clear documentation (SOPs, travelers, work instructions) in a rapidly evolving environment
Evaluate and qualify vendors for precision components and subassemblies, in collaboration with engineering and operations.