Senior Optical Technician - Manufacturing

Vector Atomic, an IonQ company, is building quantum technology to transform navigation, timing, geophysical exploration, and telecommunications. Our team of engineers, scientists, software developers, and operations professionals works together to solve complex challenges and turn bold ideas into real-world solutions. We value collaboration, curiosity, and diverse perspectives, and we give every team member the opportunity to make an immediate impact while growing their skills. If you’re excited to work on breakthrough technology in a fast-paced, hands-on environment, we’d love to hear from you.

We are seeking a detail-oriented Senior Optical Technicians with hands-on experience in high-precision free-space optical assembly, testing, and manufacturing best practices. In this role, you’ll build, test, troubleshoot, and refine developmental and production optical/electronic systems while collaborating with engineers to execute detailed assembly workflows. Your contributions will directly advance the development of cutting-edge optical technologies. 

Requirements

What You'll Do:

• 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. 

What We're Looking For:

• Education & Experience: 2-year technical degree and 3+ years in electronics/optics manufacturing environment (or equivalent). Hands-on experience with active alignment for building fiber and free-space laser systems, micro-optics bonding, and photonic device pigtailing is highly preferred. 
• Technical Proficiency: Interpret CAD drawings, schematics, and SOPs with meticulous attention to detail. Proactively document process insights to drive improvement.  
• Instrument Proficiency: Experience with oscilloscopes, optical power meters, spectrometers, laser systems, imaging cameras, and photodiode detectors. 
• Process Discipline: Methodically follow workflows while contributing to new process development. 
• Adaptability: Quickly master evolving equipment/processes in dynamic technical environments. 
• 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.

Benefits

Vector Atomic values teamwork, open and honest discourse, and work-life balance. We offer competitive compensation and benefits including:

• 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

Pay Range

The approximate base salary range for this position is $85,000 to $110,000 per year. The total compensation package includes base, bonus, equity and benefits.  It's atypical to be hired at the top end of this range for the role, as actual pay is based on several factors, including job-related knowledge, skills, and experience level.

Vector Atomic is an equal opportunity employer and we welcome applications from all backgrounds regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, disability, or any other classification protected by law.

Vector Atomic does not accept unsolicited resumes from individual recruiters or third-party recruiting agencies in response to job postings. No fee will be paid to third parties who submit unsolicited candidates directly to our hiring managers or HR team.