Senior Manufacturing Technologist

Laser Thermal•Charlottesville, VA

About The Position

Laser Thermal is seeking a Senior Manufacturing Technologist to play a key role in our research, development, and manufacturing operations. Reporting to the Operations Manager and working closely with product owners across all product lines, this person will support product development and production. You’ll drive product development through hands-on prototyping, test system development, and the implementation of scalable manufacturing processes. Our systems are multidisciplinary, involving mechanical, optomechanical, electrical, and fiber-optic components. In addition to supporting R&D efforts, this role is critical to the production and assembly of Laser Thermal’s products. The ideal candidate is a self-starter who thinks critically and thrives in a dynamic, cross-functional environment. An initial onboarding period of approximately three months will provide time to become deeply familiar with our products, technologies, and operational workflows.

Requirements

Associate’s degree or equivalent experience in manufacturing, electronics, or a related technical field
2+ years of hands-on experience in manufacturing, prototyping, or test environments
Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, PCB schematics, and mechanical engineering drawings
Experience assembling cable harnesses, electrical enclosures, and PCBs (through-hole and surface mount)
Proficient in testing electrical systems and PCBs using standard laboratory equipment (e.g., power supplies, multimeters)
Experience working with both metric and imperial hardware
Comfortable using shop and hand tools (e.g., wire strippers, cutters, crimpers)
Ability to produce parts using in-house manufacturing tools such as 3D printers
Strong communication and interpersonal skills
Ability to lift 50 lbs., perform fine assembly work, and stand or sit for extended periods

Nice To Haves

5+ years of hands-on manufacturing experience, with leadership or mentoring experience
Familiarity with optomechanical systems
Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems (e.g., Odoo, NetSuite)
Experience developing SOPs and work instructions
Experience with fiber-optic systems, including reading and interpreting diagrams, assembling and testing assemblies/subassemblies using fusion splicing, and working with a variety of fiber-optic components and architectures
Familiarity with CNC milling operations for custom parts and assemblies

Responsibilities

Plan, coordinate, and execute manufacturing work orders across product lines, ensuring alignment with timelines and quality standards.
Assist with prototyping and design of R&D projects across all Laser Thermal products
Collaborate with engineers to ensure manufacturability of components and assemblies
Assemble systems and subassemblies across all Laser Thermal products
Conduct quality assurance on components and finished systems
Use ERP/MRP systems for inventory, production scheduling, and work order tracking
Create and maintain detailed manufacturing documentation in collaboration with engineers and product managers (e.g., BOMS, work instructions)
Operate in-house manufacturing tools
Work across disciplines: electrical, PCB, fiber-optic, and mechanical