Senior Optical Technician - Manufacturing
About The Position
Vector Atomic, an IonQ company, is building quantum technology to transform navigation, timing, geophysical exploration, and telecommunications. Their team of engineers, scientists, software developers, and operations professionals collaborates to solve complex challenges and turn bold ideas into real-world solutions. The company values collaboration, curiosity, and diverse perspectives, offering every team member the opportunity to make an immediate impact while growing their skills. They are seeking a detail-oriented Senior Optical Technician with hands-on experience in high-precision free-space optical assembly, testing, and manufacturing best practices. In this role, the technician will build, test, troubleshoot, and refine developmental and production optical/electronic systems while collaborating with engineers to execute detailed assembly workflows. Contributions will directly advance the development of cutting-edge optical technologies.
Requirements
- 2-year technical degree and 3+ years in electronics/optics manufacturing environment (or equivalent).
- Interpret CAD drawings, schematics, and SOPs with meticulous attention to detail.
- Proactively document process insights to drive improvement.
- Experience with oscilloscopes, optical power meters, spectrometers, laser systems, imaging cameras, and photodiode detectors.
- Methodically follow workflows while contributing to new process development.
- Quickly master evolving equipment/processes in dynamic technical environments.
- 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 to comply with the US export control laws.
Nice To Haves
- Hands-on experience with active alignment for building fiber and free-space laser systems, micro-optics bonding, and photonic device pigtailing.
Responsibilities
- 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.
Benefits
- 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 / 11 paid holidays
- Paid parental leave
- Fully stocked kitchen
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
Associate degree
