Optical Lab Technician

Elio; San Mateo (CA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

Opportunity to work on cutting-edge T&

Job summary

Elio is seeking an Optical Lab Technician to join our on-site R&D team in San Mateo. The ideal candidate will perform optical assembly, alignment, and testing, with hands-on microscopy skills and programming as a plus.

You’ll support experiments, data collection, and collaboration with engineers in a fast-paced environment. The role requires a Bachelor's in physics/optics and 2+ years in an optical lab, with a strong eye for detail and teamwork.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in physics, optics, or related field is required.
• 2+ years of experience in an optical lab.
• Hands-on optical assembly and alignment experience.
• Understanding of optical and mechanical principles.
• Experience with microscopy imaging and analysis is a plus.
• Programming skills in Python/MATLAB are a plus.
• Flexible and able to adapt in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Build, assemble and align optical components and modules.
• Conduct optical experiments and tests.
• Perform microscopy imaging and analysis.
• Work with motorized precision motion control stages for automation and data collection.
• Handle and prepare microscopy slides and samples.
• Maintain and calibrate optical and mechanical equipment.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues.
• Collaborate with scientists and engineers to develop optical technologies.
• Document procedures and results.

Skills

Optical lab experience

Optical assembly

Optical alignment

Microscopy imaging

Python

MATLAB

Strong attention to detail

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in physics/optics

Tools

Python

MATLAB

Job description

Elio is building next-generation sensing systems that combine advanced optics with AI to turn light into structured, actionable information. Our platform uses real-time machine learning to extract rich physical signals beyond traditional imaging, enabling deeper insight and better decision-making. While our first applications are in biology and drug discovery, the technology is designed to extend across industries and advanced systems, where understanding complex physical environments is critical.

Join Elio, where innovation meets impact. As a leader in AI-driven optical sensing, we’re redefining how machines understand the physical world. At Elio, you’ll work alongside a team of curious, driven builders pushing the boundaries of what sensing systems can do. We’re looking for people who embrace complexity, move fast, and want to shape technologies that unlock new capabilities across industries. If you’re ready to build something fundamentally new in a dynamic, hands-on environment, Elio is your next great adventure.

Job Description:

We are looking for a skilled Optical Lab Technician to join our dynamic R&D team. An ideal candidate will have a solid track record of optical lab work, hands-on optical assembly and alignment skills, knowledge of microscopy techniques, resourcefulness and ability to adapt in a fast paced environment with a high degree of uncertainty. Programming skills are a plus. This is a full-time on site position in our San Mateo office.

Responsibilities:

• Build, assemble and align optical components and modules
• Conduct optical experiments and tests
• Perform microscopy imaging and analysis
• Work with motorized precision motion control stages for system automation and data collection
• Handle and prepare microscopy slides and samples
• Maintain and calibrate optical and mechanical equipment
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues
• Collaborate with scientists and engineers to develop optical technologies
• Document experimental procedures and results

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in physics, optics, or a related field
• 2+ years of experience working in an optical lab (education or industry)
• Hands on experience with optical assembly and alignment
• Fundamental functional understanding of optical and mechanical principles
• Experience with microscopy imaging and analysis
• Programming skills in Python/MATLAB (a plus)
• Strong attention to details
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills
• Flexible and capable of adjusting to evolving requirements in dynamic settings.

Our ideal candidate loves working in a fast paced environment, has the urge to solve problems and is eager to learn and grow with the company. If you believe you are that kind of person - Elio is looking for you!

Elio offers a fast-paced, creative, and inspiring environment with talented teammates and strong compensation and benefits

• Competitive salary and benefits package including medical, dental & vision
• Opportunity to work on cutting-edge technologies
• Chance to make a significant impact in the field of advanced sensing and AI