Photonics Packaging Technician III

PHIX

Bozeman (MT)

On-site

USD 70,000 - 90,000

Full time

3 days ago

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Benefits offered by this job

Paid Time Off

401(k) plan with employer match

Comprehensive health insurance package

Exempt position under the FLSA

Collaborative, international, high-tek

Career progression and skill expansion

Job summary

PHIX in Bozeman, MT seeks an Optical Engineering Technician III to lead complex photonic assemblies with minimal supervision. This senior role covers optical alignment, die attach, wire bonding, metrology, and cleanroom processing in an ISO7 environment.

As a senior specialist, you mentor junior technicians, own equipment and documentation, drive process improvements, support trials, and ensure high-yield, reliable photonic products while maintaining safety and regulatory standards.

Qualifications

Associate degree or higher in optics, electronics, or precision engineering.
Hands-on background in high-precision optical and micro-assembly environments.
Experience with photonics, cleanroom processes, and documentation.
Ability to interpret drawings, schematics, and SOPs; strong problem-solving.
Exposure to Lean Manufacturing, 5S, SPC or continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

Perform advanced optical assembly and alignment of PICs, fibers, lenses and opto-mechanical parts.
Execute precise die-attach and wire-bonding; troubleshoot bond quality and tooling.
Lead hands-on assembly in ISO7 cleanroom; ensure ESD and contamination control.
Resolve complex assembly challenges; support prototypes and process validation.
Conduct metrology; interpret data and assist root-cause and capability analyses.
Own equipment and metrology systems; coordinate maintenance and calibration.
Maintain production documentation, travelers, SOPs and improvement actions.
Support cleanroom operations, inventory, facilities and environmental monitoring.
Contribute to safety, compliance and regulatory activities; mentor junior staff.

Skills

Optical assembly

Die attach

Wire bonding

Metrology

Cleanroom operations

Equipment ownership

Documentation/SOPs

Mentoring

Process optimization

Safety compliance

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Associate degree or higher in optics, electronics, or precision engineering

Hands-on high-precision optical/micro-assembly background

Tools

Measurement instrumentation

Lean tools (5S, SPC)

Calibration tooling

Job description

The Optical Engineering Technician III is a senior-level, highly versatile technical specialist responsible for executing complex photonic assembly processes with minimal supervision. This position requires mastery across multiple manufacturing steps, including optical alignment, die attach, wire bonding, metrology, equipment ownership, and cleanroom processing.

Technicians at Level 3 serve as process experts, equipment owners, mentors to junior staff, and key contributors to process optimization, cleanroom operations, and manufacturing support initiatives. The role involves resolving non-standard issues, supporting engineering trials, and ensuring high-yield, high-reliability photonic assemblies

Responsibilities:

Perform advanced passive and active optical assembly and alignment of PICs, optical fibers, lenses, and opto-mechanical components, ensuring robust optical performance and assembly quality.
Execute high-precision die-attach and advanced wire-bonding (ball and wedge), including troubleshooting bond quality, tooling, and process parameters.
Lead hands-on assembly activities in an ISO 7 cleanroom environment in compliance with ESD, contamination control, and the PHIX Management System.
Independently resolve complex assembly and alignment challenges and support engineering with prototype builds, trials, and process validation.
Conduct advanced optical, mechanical, and electrical metrology; interpret measurement data and support root-cause analysis and process capability assessments.
Own assigned assembly equipment, tooling, and metrology systems, including maintenance coordination, calibration, troubleshooting, and 5S compliance.
Establish and maintain accurate production and process documentation, including travelers, SOPs, measurement records, and improvement actions.
Support cleanroom operations, including inventory management, facility upkeep, environmental monitoring, and operational readiness.
Contribute to safety, compliance, and operational readiness by supporting chemical, laser, and workplace safety initiatives and assisting with regulatory and quality-system compliance activities
Act as a senior technical resource by mentoring and training junior technicians, supporting cross-functional collaboration, and contributing to continuous improvement initiatives.

Associate degree or higher in optics, electronics, or precision engineering.
Extensive hands-on background in high-precision optical and micro-assembly environments, including photonics and cleanroom manufacturing.
Strong practical understanding of photonic, optical, electronic, and opto-mechanical systems relevant to advanced assembly processes.
Demonstrated ability to independently operate, troubleshoot, and maintain complex manufacturing and alignment equipment.
Proven competence in working from engineering documentation, including drawings, schematics, work instructions, and SOPs.
Excellent manual dexterity, attention to detail, and analytical problem-solving skills.
Proficiency in digital documentation tools, production software, and structured reporting.
An associate degree or higher in optics, photonics, electronics, precision engineering, or a related technical field is considered an advantage.
Exposure to Lean Manufacturing, 5S, SPC, or continuous improvement practices in photonics, semiconductor, or electronics environments is a plus.