Electro-Optical Assembly Technician

Bridger Photonics, Inc.; Bozeman (MT); On-site; USD 58,000 - 82,000; Full time

Job summary

Bridger Photonics, Inc. is seeking an outstanding Electro- Optical Assembly Technician to support the assembly, optical alignment, testing, and integration of advanced LiDAR sensor systems.

This role involves assembling PCBs and optical subassemblies, performing SMT and through-hole soldering to IPC standards, aligning detectors and fibers with precision stages, and conducting functional testing and calibration for development and production.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; technical certification or associate degree preferred.
• 2+ years electronics assembly or manufacturing experience.
• Proficiency in hand soldering to IPC-A-610 standards.
• Ability to read schematics, BOMs, and assembly drawings for electro-optic assemblies.
• Experience with small, delicate components requiring high precision.
• Comfort working under a microscope and with precision positioning equipment.
• Familiarity with ESD-safe practices and controlled manufacturing environments.

Responsibilities

• Assemble LiDAR sensor electronics, PCBs, optical subassemblies, and electro-mechanical components as per drawings.
• Perform SMT and through-hole hand soldering to IPC standards.
• Integrate lasers, photodetectors, lenses, and fiber with electronics.
• Assemble photodetector and optical receiver subassemblies into housings and interfaces.
• Conduct active/passive optical alignment using precision stages and real-time feedback.
• Bond optics with UV-cure/epoxies and verify alignment through cure and testing.
• Cleave/fusion splice/terminate optical fiber, manage routing within assemblies.
• Inspect optics and detectors, verify surface quality and end-face using fiber scope.
• Characterize subassemblies by measuring power, coupling, noise, and beam pointing.
• Perform functional testing, calibration, and basic troubleshooting of LiDAR units.
• Use oscilloscopes, multimeters, power supplies, and optical test equipment for verification.
• Document issues, defects, and process improvements; maintain travelers and records.

Skills

Electro-optical assembly

Soldering to IPC standards

Read schematics & BOMs

Microscope work

Precision alignment

ESD safety practices

Quality-controlled manufacturing

Fiber optic handling

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate degree in electronics or laser/photonics

Tools

IPC-A-610

Optical alignment equipment

Job description

Bridger has established strong competitive advantages with our Gas Mapping LiDAR™ technology and we are seeking an outstanding Electro-Optical Assembly Technician to support the assembly, optical alignment, testing, and integration of advanced LiDAR sensor systems.

About the role

This role is critical to ensuring high-quality and reliable electrical and electro-optical assemblies used in Bridger's Gas Mapping LiDAR™ sensors, including the photodetector and receiver subassemblies at the heart of each sensor. The ideal candidate has strong hands-on electronics assembly experience, thrives in a precision-driven environment, and is comfortable working with optical, electro-optical, and electro-mechanical components, including detectors, lasers, lenses, and optical fiber.

What you'll do

• Assemble LiDAR sensor electronics, including PCBs, optical subassemblies, and electro-mechanical components, following work instructions, schematics, and drawings
• Perform hand soldering (SMT and through-hole) to IPC standards
• Integrate optical components such as lasers, photodetectors, lenses, and fiber assemblies with electronics
• Assemble photodetector and optical receiver subassemblies, including mounting detectors, lenses, filters, and windows into housings and interfacing them with front-end electronics
• Perform active and passive optical alignment of detectors, lenses, collimators, and fiber components using precision positioning stages, alignment fixtures, and real-time signal feedback to optimize coupling and signal strength
• Bond and secure aligned optics using UV-cure and thermal epoxies, verifying that alignment is maintained through cure and after environmental testing
• Cleave, fusion splice, and terminate optical fiber; route and manage fiber within sensor assemblies without exceeding bend-radius limits
• Clean, inspect, and handle optical surfaces, detectors, and fiber connectors following established procedures, including fiber end-face inspection with a fiber scope
• Characterize electro-optical subassemblies by measuring parameters such as optical power, coupling efficiency, detector responsivity, dark current, noise, and beam pointing
• Conduct functional testing, calibration, and basic troubleshooting of assembled LiDAR units
• Use test equipment such as oscilloscopes, multimeters, and power supplies, along with optical test equipment such as optical power meters, beam profilers, optical spectrum analyzers, and IR viewers or cards
• Identify, document, and communicate assembly issues, defects, or process improvements
• Maintain accurate build records, travelers, and quality documentation
• Follow ESD, safety, and cleanroom procedures where required
• Work safely with laser sources, following laser safety procedures, controlled-area requirements, and appropriate eyewear and PPE use
• Support engineering and manufacturing teams during prototyping, NPI, and production ramp-ups
• Assist with rework, repairs, and failure analysis as needed

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; technical certification or associate degree in electronics, laser/photonics technology, or a related field preferred
• 2+ years of experience in electronics assembly or manufacturing
• Proficiency in hand soldering to IPC-A-610 standards
• Ability to read and interpret schematics, BOMs, and assembly drawings of electro-optic and optical assemblies
• Experience working with small, delicate components requiring high precision
• Comfort working under a microscope and with precision positioning equipment for fine assembly and alignment tasks
• Hands-on experience with optical or electro-optical components, or a demonstrated aptitude and strong willingness to learn precision optical alignment
• Familiarity with ESD-safe practices and quality-controlled manufacturing environments
• Strong attention to detail and manual dexterity

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience assembling LiDAR, optical, or photonics-based products
• IPC certification (e.g., IPC-A-610, J-STD-001)
• Hands-on experience with active optical alignment of detectors, lenses, or fiber components
• Experience assembling or testing photodetectors (e.g., InGaAs or Si photodiodes) and optical receiver modules
• Experience with fiber optic cleaving, fusion splicing, connectorization, and end-face inspection
• Experience with optical adhesives and precision bonding processes, including UV-cure epoxies
• Familiarity with laser safety practices (e.g., ANSI Z136.1) and working in laser-controlled areas
• Familiarity with ISO 9001, AS9100, or similar quality systems
• Experience supporting prototype builds and low-to-mid volume production