Manufacturing Engineer

Vector Atomic, Inc.; Pleasanton (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Platinum-level family health coverage

Health and dependent care Flexible Spending Accounts

Employer 401(k) contributions

20 days of paid time off / 11 paid holidays

Paid parental leave

Job summary

A leading technology company based in Pleasanton, CA, is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer to transition quantum optical clock systems to production. The candidate will develop and scale manufacturing processes and automate assembly of high-precision optical systems. Key qualifications include a degree in a related field and 3+ years of experience in a similar environment. The role offers competitive pay and comprehensive benefits, including health coverage and a 401(k) plan.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering or hardware development in a deep-tech environment.
• Hands-on experience with precision assembly including optics and micro-mechanical systems.
• Experience developing or deploying process automation and strong debugging skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and scale manufacturing processes for quantum photonics systems.
• Design automated assembly, test, and inspection processes for high-precision optical systems.
• Implement data-driven process control and continuous improvement methodologies.

Skills

Manufacturing engineering experience

Precision assembly

Process automation

Debugging skills

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field

Tools

Python

LabVIEW

MATLAB

Job description

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 looking for a Manufacturing Engineer to play a critical role in transitioning our quantum optical clock systems from prototype to scalable production. You will own key portions of the manufacturing process for highly sensitive photonic and opto‑mechanical assemblies, with a strong emphasis on automation, repeatability, and yield.

This is a highly cross‑functional, hands‑on role where you will work closely with physicists, optical engineers, and hardware teams to help turn cutting‑edge lab systems into robust, manufacturable products.

What You'll Do:

• Develop and scale manufacturing processes for quantum photonics systems, including lasers, fiber assemblies, and precision opto‑mechanical subsystems
• Design and implement automated assembly, test, and inspection processes for high‑precision optical systems.
• Drive Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) in collaboration with R&D and physics teams
• Lead new product introduction (NPI), transitioning lab prototypes into repeatable production builds
• Build and maintain production tooling, fixtures, and automated test platforms
• Identify and reduce process variability in critical optical alignment and packaging steps.
• Implement data‑driven process control (SPC) and continuous improvement methodologies
• Troubleshoot complex integration issues spanning optics, electronics, vacuum systems, and controls
• Develop clear documentation (SOPs, travelers, work instructions) in a rapidly evolving environment
• Evaluate and qualify vendors for precision components and subassemblies, in collaboration with engineering and operations.

What We're Looking For:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Applied Physics, or related field
• 3+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering or hardware development in a deep‑tech environment (photonics, quantum, semiconductors, aerospace, etc.)
• Hands‑on experience with precision assembly, including optics, fiber alignment, micro‑mechanical systems, and UV‑curable epoxies or precision bonding processes.
• Experience developing or deploying process automation (robotics, motion stages, machine vision, or automated test systems)
• Strong debugging and root cause analysis skills in complex physical systems
• Comfortable working in a fast‑paced, ambiguous startup environment
• 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.

Preferred Experience

• Experience with frequency combs, ultra‑stable lasers, atomic physics systems, frequency standards, or free‑space optical systems.
• Familiarity with vacuum systems, thermal control, or vibration isolation
• Programming experience (Python, LabVIEW, MATLAB, or similar) for automation and test
• Experience with cleanroom or precision lab environments
• Background in scaling low‑volume prototypes to early production

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 leaveFully stocked kitchen

Pay Range

The approximate base salary range for this position is $110,000 to $135,000 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.