Technical Associate R&D

MKS Instruments, Inc.; Milpitas (CA); On-site; USD 48,000 - 81,000; Full time

Job summary

MKS Instruments, Inc. in Milpitas, CA seeks a Technical Associate R&D to join Spectra-Physics. You will partner with Core Engineering to develop electronics assemblies for laser products and report to the Head of Electrical Engineering.

Responsibilities include assembling prototypes, performing measurements, debugging, and maintaining lab infrastructure to ensure high-quality, robust hardware before customer delivery.

Qualifications

• Associate degree or technical experience required.
• Soldering and cable assembly skills essential.
• Experience with lab equipment and basic CAD/ECAD is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Assemble, wire and solder high-precision prototypes.
• Plan and execute measurement series and verification tests.
• Troubleshoot and perform root-cause analysis at component level.
• Maintain state-of-the-art laboratory infrastructure and equipment.

Skills

Soldering

Cable assembly

Workshop machinery

Lab equipment handling

read technical drawings

CAD/ECAD basics

Root-cause analysis

Education

Associate Degree or equivalent

Tools

SolidWorks

Autodesk

Altium Designer

Job description

A Day in Your Life at MKS:

As a Technical Associate R&D at Spectra-Physics, you will partner within Core Engineering to develop electronics assemblies for cutting edge laser products. In this role, you will report to the Head of Electrical Engineering.

You Will Make an Impact By:

Breathing Life into Prototypes: You transform schematics into physical reality by independently assembling, wiring, and soldering high-precision prototypes and complex test setups.

Driving Verification: You plan and execute critical measurement series and verification tests. Your meticulous approach ensures our hardware meets the highest standards of performance and safety before it ever reaches a customer.

Mastering the Debugging Process: Through systematic troubleshooting and root-cause analysis at the component level, you identify hidden flaws early, directly contributing to the reliability and robustness of our next-generation products.

Optimizing the R&D Ecosystem: You take ownership of our laboratory infrastructure and measurement equipment, ensuring our development environment is always "state-of-the-art" and efficient.

Skills You Bring:

• Requires an Associate Degree or equivalent technical experience
• Minimum of 6+ years of related experience
• Advanced skills in soldering.
• Proficiency in manual cable assembly, including crimping, stripping, and labeling using specialized tools for various connector types.
• Proficiency in using workshop machinery (e.g. drills, mills) and hand tools for precise modifications of enclosures and parts.
• Hands‑on experience with lab equipment (oscilloscopes, power supplies, etc.).
• A solution‑oriented mindset and the drive to tackle technical challenges head‑on.
• Ability to read technical drawings and basic experience with CAD and ECAD software (e.g. SolidWorks, Autodesk, Altium Deisgner) to make minor design adjustments and create library parts.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions:

• Perform activities such as sitting, standing, or typing for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Regularly requires good manual dexterity and coordination.
• Frequently positions self to perform tasks and positions objects below, at, and above shoulder level.

Compensation and Benefits:

Hourly Pay Range: $35 - $59 per hour. This range is a good faith estimate of the expected salary range for this position, based on a wide range of factors including qualifications, experience and training, operational and business needs and other considerations permitted by law. At MKS, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for the role.

Bonus: This position is eligible for a discretionary annual bonus, in an amount to be determined by MKS [or as applicable].

Benefits: MKS offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance coverage (medical, dental and vision), 401(k) with company match, life and disability insurance, 12 paid holidays, sick time, 15 paid vacation days, [6 weeks fully paid] parental leave, adoption assistance and tuition reimbursement [and for participation in any stock programs, signing bonus, etc.].

We are interested in a qualified candidate who is eligible to work in the United States. However, we will not be sponsoring work visas for this position, at this time MKS is an equal opportunity employer, including disability, veteran status and all categories protected by law. Please review our EOE statements for additional details. #LI- TW1 Globally, our policy is to recruit individuals from wide and diverse backgrounds. However, certain positions require access to controlled goods and technologies subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) or Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Applicants for these positions may need to be “U.S. persons.” “U.S. persons” are generally defined as U.S. citizens, noncitizen nationals, lawful permanent residents (or, green card holders), individuals granted asylum, and individuals admitted as refugees. MKS Inc. and its affiliates and subsidiaries (“MKS”) is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer: diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.

We win as a team and are committed to recruiting and hiring qualified applicants regardless of race, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy‑related conditions), religion, age, ancestry, physical or mental disability or handicap, marital status, membership in the uniformed services, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, or any other category protected by applicable law. Hiring decisions are based on merit, qualifications and business needs. We conduct background checks and drug screens, in accordance with applicable law and company policies. MKS is generally only hiring candidates who reside in states where we are registered to do business. MKS is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process due to a disability, please contact us at: [e-mail] . If applying for a specific job, please include the requisition number (ex: RXXXX), the title and location of the role

At MKS, it's all about courage, big ideas, and a serious passion for innovation. Winning here is about exploring possibilities, taking action, and solving our customers’ toughest challenges. It's not just a job – it's what you make of it. While you shape your role and make it unique, we invest in you with on‑the‑job and formal training, as well as educational assistance. Curiosity is key at MKS - ask questions, own your path. Our success comes from celebrating the unique skills, diverse perspectives, and lived experience of employees from over 100 countries. The goal is to make sure that everyone feels that they belong. Diversity isn't just a nice‑to‑have; making sure everyone feels included is a big deal for us. Our group of ~10,000 employees serves semiconductor manufacturing, electronics and packaging, and specialty industrial markets. With over 3,800 patents, our products are enabling advancements in 5G, renewable energy & storage, artificial intelligence, cloud technology, and big data. We're the behind‑... (some truncated)

MKS Inc., Product Overview