Optical Fabrication Technician

Montana Photonics & Quantum Alliance; Bozeman (MT); On-site; USD 42,000 - 68,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

Job summary

AdvR Inc. seeks an Optical Fabrication Technician in Bozeman, MT to fabricate and characterize optical waveguides for nonlinear photonics. You will perform chemical processing, operate multiple fabrication tools, and maintain detailed records in a collaborative environment.

The role supports R&D and production, requiring meticulous attention to detail, safety compliance, and strong teamwork to drive quality and process improvements.

Qualifications

• Requires ability to handle small and delicate optical materials.
• Experience working in a chemistry laboratory environment.
• Familiarity with safety protocols when handling chemicals and equipment.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow precise procedures.
• Organized and dependable with good communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Fabricate non‑linear optical waveguides using established and new processes.
• Perform chemical processing, potentially including HF etching.
• Follow SOPs, process travelers, and safety protocols; maintain fabrication records.
• Operate, monitor, and maintain fabrication tools (dicing, polishing, microscopes, ovens, hotplates, cameras).
• Characterize fabricated devices via microscopy and performance testing; ensure quality targets.
• Identify defects or deviations and communicate findings to engineers and scientists.
• Support process development and continuous improvement efforts.
• Train new technicians on key processes.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to meet schedules and quality goals.
• Organize data using Microsoft Office; adapt to evolving business needs.

Skills

Detail-oriented

Safety-conscious

Analytical thinking

Team collaboration

Equipment operation

Education

Associate or bachelor’s degree in optics/photonic/s or related field

Tools

Dicing equipment

Polishing equipment

Microscopes

Ovens

Hotplates

Cameras

Job description

Company

AdvR Inc.

Job Type

Full Time

Location

Bozeman, MT

Position Summary

AdvR designs and manufactures advanced electro-optic and non-linear photonics components for high-performance commercial and government applications. Our work spans research and development through production, requiring close collaboration across disciplines. As part of the Hawthorn Photonics Group, which also includes Covesion (Southampton, UK) and Radiantis (Barcelona, Spain), AdvR benefits from shared expertise and a broad technology portfolio across the photonics industry.

The Optical Fabrication Technician is responsible for the hands‑on fabrication, processing, and characterization of optical waveguides used in non-linear photonic devices. This role supports research, development, and production activities by executing precision fabrication processes, maintaining fabrication equipment, and ensuring high-quality, repeatable results. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, technically curious, and comfortable working in a cleanroom or laboratory environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Fabricate non‑linear optical waveguides using newly developed and established processes
• Perform chemical processing, potentially including concentrated hydrofluoric acid etching
• Follow detailed process travelers, SOPs, and safety protocols while maintaining accurate fabrication records and logs
• Operate, monitor, and maintain fabrication tools (e.g., dicing equipment, polishing equipment, microscopes, ovens, hotplates, and cameras)
• Perform routine optical and physical characterization of fabricated devices (e.g., microscope inspection, waveguide performance testing, characterization for quality of dicing, polishing, and angle of polish, fidelity to processing targets).
• Identify process deviations or defects and communicate findings clearly to engineers and scientists
• Support process development, optimization, and continuous improvement efforts
• Dice and polish various optical materials
• Train new technicians on key processes
• Assist with facilities and tools upkeepCollaborate cross-functionally with engineering and technology teams to meet project and production schedules and quality goals
• Organize and communicate data using Microsoft Office Suite of programs.
• Additional responsibilities may be assigned as business needs evolve, consistent with the scope of the role

Required Qualifications

• Ability to handle small and delicate optical materials for processing
• Ability to work in a chemistry laboratory environment
• Comfortable working with chemicals and equipment while adhering to safety requirements
• Strong attention to detail
• Ability to follow precise written and verbal procedures
• Strong attention to detail
• Organized and dependable
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to work with diverse teams

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience fabricating optical or photonic devices, particularly waveguides or nonlinear optical components
• Familiarity with optical testing or characterization techniques
• Associate or bachelor’s degree in optics, photonics, or a related field
• Lean Manufacturing experience

Benefits

• AdvR offers flexible schedules and competitive benefits including medical, dental, vision insurance, and retirement accounts.