Associate Engineer

Opticore; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

Opticore, headquartered in Berkeley, CA, is seeking an Associate Engineer to join our R&D team. You will support PCB layout, final-stage assembly, packaging, and testing, as well as mechanical design and lab fixtures.

The role suits detail-oriented individuals who enjoy working with delicate components and advancing photonic computing hardware. The position emphasizes hands-on assembly, wirebonding, CAD-driven mechanical design, and close collaboration with project managers and test engineers to

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or 2+ years in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• Experience with CAD and mechanical design essential.
• Familiarity with PCBs assembly, soldering, or rework may be beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Assemble, package, and perform final-stage processing of PCBs and silicon photonic chips.
• Wirebonding for PCBs and chips; experience preferred but not required.
• Design mechanical components, fixtures, and enclosures using CAD software.
• Assemble/modify mechanical parts and lab fixtures.
• Support PCB design and layout activities.
• Coordinate with vendors and test teams to meet project goals.
• Conduct initial electrical and optical testing of components and assemblies.
• Maintain laboratory equipment and ensure a clean, safe workspace.
• Record procedures, measurements, observations, and results accurately.
• Analyze data and prepare plots, reports, and documentation.
• Collaborate with project managers and engineers to achieve objectives.

Skills

CAD software

Mechanical design

PCB assembly

PCB layout

Electrical test equipment

Engineering reporting

Technical communication

Detail‑oriented

Education

Bachelor’s degree or 2+ years in EE/Physics/Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Autodesk Fusion

Job description

Opticore is developing photonic computing systems that accelerate artificial intelligence workloads with exceptional speed and energy efficiency. Opticore is headquartered in Berkeley, California.

Associate Engineer

About Opticore

Opticore is developing photonic computing systems that accelerate artificial intelligence workloads with exceptional speed and energy efficiency. Opticore is headquartered in Berkeley, California.

About the Position

Opticore is seeking a hands-on Associate Engineer to join our research and development team. This role will support the printed circuit boards (PCBs) layout and final-stage assembly, packaging, and testing, as well as the design and assembly of mechanical components and laboratory fixtures.

The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, comfortable working with delicate components, and interested in supporting the development of advanced photonic computing hardware.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Perform hands-on assembly, packaging, and final-stage processing of PCBs and silicon photonic chips. Including but not limited to conducting PCB assembly, soldering, wiring, and troubleshooting activities.
• Perform wirebonding for PCBs and chips. Experience preferred but not required.
• Design mechanical components, fixtures, and enclosures using CAD software.
• Assemble and modify mechanical parts and laboratory test fixtures.
• Assist PCBs design and layout
• Coordinate with vendors.
• Conduct initial electrical and optical testing of components, assemblies, and devices.
• Operate, maintain, and organize optical, electrical, and mechanical laboratory equipment.
• Record test procedures, measurement results, observations, and assembly information accurately.
• Analyze test data and prepare plots, reports, and technical documentation.
• Collaborate with project managers, test engineers, and other team members to complete project objectives efficiently.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe laboratory workspace.
• Willing to learn new things.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree or at least two years of post-secondary education in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, Mechanical Engineering or a related technical field.

Preferred Experience

• At least one year of relevant experience.
• Hands‑on experience with electrical or optical test equipment.
• Experience working in a lab.

Skills and Qualifications

• Proficiency with CAD software, such as Autodesk Fusion.
• Experience with mechanical design and assembly.
• Familiarity with PCBs assembly, soldering, or rework.
• Experience with PCBs design and layout.
• Familiarity with common electrical test equipment, such as oscilloscopes, multimeters, power supplies, and signal generators.
• Ability to prepare engineering reports, analyze data, and create clear technical plots.
• Strong engineering written and verbal communication skills.
• Attention to detail and ability to work carefully with small, fragile components.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively in a team‑oriented environment.

Working Conditions

• Work is primarily performed in an engineering laboratory and office environment.
• Regular use of computers, laboratory equipment, hand tools, and other office equipment is required.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to occasionally lift and carry equipment or materials weighing up to 40 pounds.