Laser / Opto-Mechanical Engineer

Photon Systems Inc.; Pasadena (CA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hands-on learning and mentorship

Clear growth path into leadership

Competitive compensation and benefits

Job summary

Photon Systems Inc. is hiring a Laser/Opto-mechanical Engineer in Pasadena, CA. This role focuses on hands-on assembly and testing of advanced laser systems, supporting laser product manufacturing, and improving reliability. Ideal candidates possess a Bachelor's degree in a related technical field and a strong technical aptitude.

Join a dynamic team committed to innovation and personal growth, where mentorship from experienced engineers enhances your career development.

Qualifications

• 2–5 years of technical or engineering work experience preferred.
• Strong hands-on technical aptitude.
• Basic TIG welding and high temperature brazing (CuSiL).

Responsibilities

• Assist in the assembly, testing, and troubleshooting of laser and optical systems.
• Support manufacturing activities for high vacuum laser products.
• Perform hands-on work involving optics, lasers, and electronics.

Skills

Technical aptitude

Problem-solving

Attention to detail

Basic understanding of physics

Adaptability

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Physics, Optical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Chemistry

Tools

Precision equipment

Laboratory/manufacturing tools

Job description

Company Description

Photon Systems develops advanced analytical instrumentation for the pharmaceutical, semiconductor, and advanced manufacturing industries. Our technology foundation traces back to innovations originally created for NASA Mars life-detection missions and defense programs focused on chemical and environmental hazard detection. Today, we are transforming those cutting‑edge sensing technologies into practical commercial solutions that help customers solve critical measurement and process‑control challenges.

We combine the energy and opportunity of a high‑growth technology company with the stability of a proven business foundation. Our team values curiosity, technical excellence, hands‑on problem solving, and the drive to build something meaningful. At Photon Systems, employees have the opportunity to make a visible impact, shape products from concept to deployment, and help define the future direction of the company.

We’re looking for talented people who want more than a narrowly defined role at a large tech company—individuals who are excited to work alongside scientists and engineers, tackle real‑world challenges, and grow with a company that rewards initiative, creativity, and ownership.

Photon Systems Inc. is seeking a hands‑on, technically curious, Laser / Opto‑mechanical Engineer with a knowledge in high‑vacuum systems, to join our growing team. This role is ideal for someone early in their engineering career who enjoys solving practical technical problems, working with advanced laser systems, and learning directly from experienced engineers.

We are looking for someone who can grow into a Lead Laser Manufacturing Engineer role over time, helping scale production, improve processes, and lead manufacturing efforts for advanced photonic systems.

What You’ll Do

• Assist in the assembly, testing, alignment, and troubleshooting of laser and optical systems
• Support manufacturing and production activities for high vacuum gas discharge laser‑based products
• Work closely with engineering teams to improve system reliability, manufacturing efficiency and improve laser performance
• Perform hands‑on technical work involving optics, lasers, electronics, high‑end precision components
• Help document procedures, test results, and manufacturing workflows
• Learn and develop expertise in laser manufacturing processes involving vacuum technology and optical system integration

What We’re Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent experience) in Physics, Optical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Chemistry, or a related technical field
• 2–5 years of technical or engineering work experience preferred
• Basic understanding of physics and ideally some chemistry knowledge
• Strong hands‑on technical aptitude and attention to detail
• Comfortable working with precision equipment and laboratory/manufacturing tools
• Ability to learn quickly and adapt in a fast‑paced technical environment
• Strong problem‑solving mindset and willingness to be trained
• Working knowledge of materials and techniques of vacuum devices
• Basic TIG welding and high temperature brazing (CuSiL)

Nice to Have

• Experience with lasers, optics, photonics, or laboratory systems
• Manufacturing or production engineering exposure
• Experience with optical alignment, testing, or instrumentation
• Familiarity with clean room or precision assembly environments

Why Join Photon Systems?

• Opportunity to work with cutting‑edge laser and photonic technologies
• Clear growth path into a leadership role
• Hands‑on learning and mentorship from experienced technical staff
• Small, collaborative team with significant impact opportunities
• Competitive compensation and benefits

If you are technically driven, enjoy hands‑on engineering work, and want to grow into a leadership role in advanced laser manufacturing, we’d love to hear from you.