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Photonics Technician Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Engineering Technician C

Carlsbad, CA ยท On-site

$62K - $116K/yr

L3Harris has an immediate need for a Photonics Technician to join our talented team and support our customers. We are seeking a technical professional to help build, integrate, and test photonic ...

New

Job Overview We are looking for a highly skilled photonics test technician with experience in precision optical, photonics, or MEMS environments: someone who can execute wafer-level testing with ...

Job Overview We are looking for a highly skilled photonics test technician with experience in precision optical, photonics, or MEMS environments: someone who can execute wafer-level testing with ...

Photonics Test Technician

Santa Clara, CA ยท On-site

$45 - $55/hr

Job Overview We are looking for a highly skilled photonics test technician with experience in precision optical, photonics, or MEMS environments: someone who can execute wafer-level testing with ...

R&D Production Technician

Marlborough, MA ยท On-site

$18 - $22.25/hr

IPG Photonics is revolutionizing the laser industry as the pioneering developer and leading ... Technician performs advanced hands-on optical and electro-optical assembly, testing ...

R&D Production Technician

Marlborough, MA ยท On-site

$19.56 - $25.96/hr

... Technician performs advanced hands-on optical and electro-optical assembly, testing ... Experience: * 2-4 years of relevant experience in fiber optics, photonics, lasers, electronics ...

IPG Photonics is revolutionizing the laser industry as the pioneering developer and leading ... Job Summary IPG Photonics in Oxford, MA is looking for an R&D technician to assist its daily ...

IPG Photonics is revolutionizing the laser industry as the pioneering developer and leading ... Job Summary IPG Photonics in Oxford, MA is looking for an R&D technician to assist its daily ...

R & D Technician - Cleanroom

Oxford, MA

$19.75 - $26.25/hr

IPG Photonics is revolutionizing the laser industry as the pioneering developer and leading ... Job Summary IPG Photonics in Oxford, MA is looking for an R&D technician to assist its daily ...

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Photonics Technician information

What is a photonics technician?

As a photonics technician, your duties and responsibilities are to build, test, maintain, and repair optical equipment, such as lasers, microscopes, camera lenses, or other fiber optics equipment and cabling. You use a number of specialized tools, such as spectrometers and interferometers, to complete your tasks. Your role as a technician also requires strong computer proficiency to perform tests on the equipment, collect technical data, assess any issues with mechanical or electronic systems, and assemble new equipment, and assess manufacturing equipment that uses optical components.

What are some common challenges faced by photonics technicians in maintaining and troubleshooting optical systems?

Photonics Technicians often encounter challenges such as diagnosing alignment issues in intricate optical setups, handling delicate fiber optics without causing damage, and ensuring lasers operate within strict safety guidelines. Troubleshooting can require a strong understanding of both electronics and optics, as problems may stem from hardware, software, or environmental factors like temperature fluctuations. Effective communication with engineers and scientists is crucial for resolving complex issues quickly and ensuring minimal downtime in research or manufacturing environments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a photonics technician, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Photonics Technician, you need a solid understanding of optics, electronics, and laser systems, typically supported by an associate degree or technical certification in photonics or a related field. Familiarity with equipment such as optical benches, spectrometers, laser alignment tools, and relevant software is essential. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective problem-solving are important soft skills that set top candidates apart. These competencies ensure precise assembly, testing, and maintenance of photonics equipment, which is critical for safety and performance in industries like telecommunications, manufacturing, and healthcare.

What is the difference between Photonics Technician vs Optical Technician?

AspectPhotonics TechnicianOptical Technician
CredentialsAssociate degree or technical certification in photonics or opticsAssociate degree or certification in optics or optical technology
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, manufacturing, research facilitiesOptical labs, manufacturing plants, healthcare settings
Industry UsagePhotonics, telecommunications, laser systemsOptical systems, eyewear, medical optics
Job FocusDesign, testing, and maintenance of photonic devicesAssembly, calibration, and repair of optical components

Photonics Technicians and Optical Technicians share similar skills and work environments, often overlapping in optics and laser systems. However, Photonics Technicians typically focus on advanced photonic devices and systems, while Optical Technicians concentrate on optical components and assemblies. Both roles are essential in industries like telecommunications, manufacturing, and healthcare.

Is photonics a good career?

Photonics technicians work with optical systems, lasers, and photonic devices, often requiring technical training or certifications. The field offers opportunities in manufacturing, research, and telecommunications, with steady demand for skilled workers. It can be a rewarding career for those interested in science and technology with good job prospects and competitive salaries.

What cities are hiring for Photonics Technician jobs?

Cities with the most Photonics Technician job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Photonics Technician jobs?

The most popular types of Photonics Technician jobs are:

What states have the most Photonics Technician jobs?

States with the most job openings for Photonics Technician jobs include:

Infographic showing various Photonics Technician job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Engineering Technician C

Carlsbad, CA โ€ข On-site

$62K - $116K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

Job Title: Engineering Technician C

Job Code: 43279

Job Location: Carlsbad, CA

Job Schedule: 9/80 - Employees work 9 out of every 14 days - totaling 80 hours worked, and have every other Friday off.

Job Description:ย 

L3Harris has an immediate need for a Photonics Technician to join our talented team and support our customers. We are seeking a technical professional to help build, integrate, and test photonic components into larger system assemblies. This is an on-site position supporting precision lab work at our Carlsbad, CA location.ย 

Essential Functions:

  • Execute fabrication, assembly, integration, test, or inspection processes in accordance with detailed work instructions and drawings, such as:
      • Optical Fiber Splicing and Recoatingย 
      • Fabrication, assembly, and inspection of photonic circuitsย 
      • Mechanical Builds and Assembliesย 
      • Metal Solderingย 
      • Microscopy and Profilometry
  • Integration of COTS optical equipment (power meters & monitoring equipment, optical laser sources, etc.) per detailed architecture block diagrams and wiring diagrams
  • Assistance with equipment calibration in accordance with vender or custom calibration procedures
  • Communicate regularly with management to ensure team is meeting expectations for cost, schedule, and quality
  • Ensure preventative maintenance is performed regularly in accordance with documentation
  • Maintain and operate wire bonding, photomasking, epoxy application, and other systems commonly used for optical device fabrication
  • Maintain a high standard for cleanliness, workspace organization, and reliabilityย 
  • Ability to obtain a TS/SCI Clearance

Qualifications:

  • Requires a High School Diploma or equivalent and a minimum of 8 years of prior relevant experience or 2 years post-Secondary/Associates degree with a minimum of 4 years of prior related experience

Preferred Additional Skills:

  • Active TS/SCI clearance
  • Experience with optical fiber handling, components, terminations, and measurements
  • Experience with machining parts with standard tooling and shop equipment
  • Experience with alignment, testing, and inspection of precision optical systems
  • Experience with optical microscopy and metrologyย 

In compliance with pay transparency requirements, the salary range for this role in California is $62,500 - $116,500. This is not a guarantee of compensation or salary, as final offer amount may vary based on factors including but not limited to experience and geographic location. L3Harris also offers a variety of benefits, including health and disability insurance, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, EAP, education assistance, parental leave, paid time off, and company-paid holidays. The specific programs and options available to an employee may vary depending on date of hire, schedule type, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.

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