Engineering Technician - Optical - 085QE

Quartus Engineering; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 24,190 - 47,816; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance-based bonus

Employee stock ownership plan

Medical, dental, vision benefits

401(k) plan with company match

Job summary

Quartus Engineering in San Diego seeks an Engineering Technician to support the build, alignment, and testing of advanced optical systems. Candidates should possess experience in a cleanroom environment, and the role involves hands-on assembly and testing of components.

The ideal candidates will have a High School diploma and 2-5 years of related experience, with skills in optical alignment and lab tools. Competitive hourly rates range from $17.56 to $34.71 based on experience level.

Qualifications

• 2-5 years of experience with laser or optical systems.
• Experience in a cleanroom or controlled lab environment.
• Ability to lift up to 75 lbs occasionally.

Responsibilities

• Support production of optical systems parts and assemblies.
• Assist engineers in design and development.
• Follow laser safety standards and cleanroom protocols.

Skills

Optical alignment

Proficiency with lab tools

Attention to detail

Basic soldering skills

Education

High School diploma or GED

Tools

Zygo interferometer

Microscopes

Calipers

Job description

Engineering Technician – Optical (San Diego, CA)

Role Summary

Support the build, alignment, and test of advanced laser and optical systems in a hands‑on laboratory and cleanroom environment. Work closely with engineering teams to ensure precision, quality, and on‑time delivery of optical assemblies and subsystems.

Essential Job Functions

• Support production of optical, mechanical, and electrical system parts and assemblies by:
  • Assembling, integrating, and aligning laser and optical sub‑assemblies
  • Inspecting, cleaning, and bonding optical components using approved handling procedures
  • Setting up and executing optical and electro‑optical tests, recording and reporting data against specifications
  • Troubleshooting optical, electrical, and mechanical assemblies
  • Operating lab equipment such as the Zygo interferometer, the Trioptics OptiCentric, power meters, energy meters, oscilloscopes, microscopes, thermal chambers, bake‑out ovens, ultrasonic cleaners, and miscellaneous hand tools
  • Assisting in obtaining quotes for parts and assemblies
  • Ordering and receiving parts while tracking against Bill Of Materials (BOM)
  • Packaging parts and preparing and managing shipments
  • Managing and organizing inventory
• Assist engineers in the design, development, testing, inspection, installation, and operation of optical, mechanical, and electrical components and assemblies
• Build from detailed assembly drawings, schematics, and work instructions
• Perform evaluation and work with Engineering teams to complete departmental projects within budget and schedule constraints
• Follow laser safety standards and cleanroom protocols
• Contribute to the overall success and quality of Quartus services

Requirements

• High School diploma, GED, or equivalent
• 2‑5 years of hands‑on experience with laser, optical, or opto‑mechanical systems
• Experience working in a cleanroom or controlled lab environment
• Optical alignment, optics cleaning, and bonding experience
• Proficiency with lab and inspection tools (Zygo interferometer, Trioptics OptiCentric, microscopes, calipers, power meters, multimeters)
• Ability to read assembly drawings and technical documentation
• Basic soldering and wiring skills
• Strong attention to detail and mechanical aptitude
• Ability to stand continuously as well as bend, squat, and lift frequently
• Ability to lift up to 75 lbs occasionally
• Must be a U.S. Person (U.S. Citizen or Legal Permanent Resident)

Compensation & Benefits

• Engineering Technician I pay range: $17.56/hour – $28.69/hour*
• Engineering Technician II pay range: $21.24/hour – $34.71/hour*
• This range represents base pay. In addition, you may be eligible for additional benefits and compensation.

Referral eligibility: Tier 1

Quartus is an equal opportunity employer and we are committed to employing a diverse workforce, including, but not limited to, minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, and protected veterans. Quartus provides comprehensive benefits including competitive salary, discretionary performance‑based bonus, employee stock ownership plan, medical, dental, vision, and 401(k) plan with company match.