Senior Optical Assembler

Gooch & Housego PLC; Fremont (CA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Gooch & Housego PLC in Fremont, California is seeking a Prototype Assembler II. The role involves assembling optical components, performing tasks such as wire bonding, electrical testing, and using microscopes for quality control. The ideal candidate should have at least one year of related experience and good manual dexterity. This position ensures compliance with safety protocols and supports problem-solving initiatives in the cleanroom environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum one year of experience in a related field.
• Experience with optical assembly processes helpful but not a requirement.

Responsibilities

• Perform wire bonding, crystal attach, electrical testing, and soldering components.
• Maintain work travelers and logbooks.
• Interpret assembly documentation.
• Clean optical components using microscopes.
• Assist with optical alignment setups under guidance.

Skills

Good manual dexterity

Hand-eye coordination

Ability to work under a microscope

Ability to interpret technical documentation

Basic understanding of electronics

Computer skills including Microsoft Office

Job description

Description

ABOUT US

G&H is a world leader in optical designing, testing and manufacturing. As experts in the technology of light, G&H works with customers to provide optical systems, assemblies, and components for demanding applications.

Headquartered in Ilminster Somerset, UK with primary operations in the USA and Europe, G&H is recognized for the breadth of their acousto-optic, electro-optic, crystal-optic, fiber optic, and precision optic products. G&H is recognized as the preferred source for OEMs in the life sciences, industrial, and aerospace and defense industries, with a history of quality and excellence that dates back over seventy-five years.

ROLE

The Prototype Assembler II works under close supervision of the area lead or supervisor, performing a variety of processes relating to the assembly of optical components. Such tasks may include the consistent use of a microscope.

This role requires a wide variety of electronic and optical assembly operations on standard and non-standard assemblies or sub-assemblies. The ideal candidate determines and/or follows methods and sequence of operations in performing wiring, component installation, hand soldering, crystal attach, wire bonding, and use of oscilloscopes. Makes setups and adjustments while holding tolerances to print specifications. Performs in-process quality control (QC) of all work performed.

RESPONSIBILITIES & PERFORMANCE MEASURES

• Performs specific tasks including, but not limited to: wire bonding, crystal attach, electrical testing, and soldering components
• Maintains work travelers and logbooks
• Interprets assembly documentation
• Cleans optical components using microscopes and approved solvents
• Performs basic assembly of optical components using fixtures and hand tools
• Assists with optical alignment setups under guidance
• Applies adhesives (e.g., UV glue) and supports curing processes
• Conducts visual inspection for defects and contamination
• Follows standard work instructions and documentation procedures
• Performs data entry for production tracking
• Maintains cleanroom protocols and EHS compliance
• Performs in-process QC of all work performed
• Aligns goals with company core values: customer focus, integrity, action, unity, and precision
• Continuously improves performance and supports problem‑solving initiatives

QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS

• Minimum one (1) year of experience in a related field
• Good manual dexterity and hand‑eye coordination
• Ability to work under a microscope for extended periods
• Ability to interpret technical documentation and assembly instructions
• Basic understanding of electronics.
• Experience with optical assembly processes helpful but not a requirement.
• Fluent computer skills including Microsoft Office

SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

May handle hazardous chemicals including: Acetone, Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA), Ethyl Alcohol, Methanol, and Kester Rosin Flux 1544. Must follow all safety, cleanroom, and environmental health protocols.

NOTES

This job description is not intended to be exhaustive in every respect, but rather to clearly define the fundamental purpose, responsibilities and dimensions for the role. Employees are expected to undertake all other reasonable and related tasks assigned by their manager.

The Company is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants for employment and complies with all applicable export control and security regulations.

Potential candidates should be aware that many of the employment roles at Gooch & Housego are subject to government security and export control restrictions. These restrictions mean that factors such as your nationality, any nationalities that you may have previously held and your place of birth, could restrict the roles you are eligible to perform within the organisation.

All UK applicants must, as a minimum, be able to successfully complete security vetting to the UK government’s Baseline Personnel Security Standard, which includes a criminal record check being performed. Many roles may also require higher levels of security vetting to be completed, where applicants must typically have been continuously resident within the UK for the past five to ten years.