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Photonics Technician Jobs (NOW HIRING)

nEye.ai

Photonics Test Technician

Santa Clara, CA

$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 ...

nEye.ai

Photonics Test Technician

Santa Clara, CA · 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 ...

nEye.ai

Photonics Test Technician

Santa Clara, CA · 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 ...

IPG Photonics

R&D Production Technician

Marlborough, MA · 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

R&D Production Technician

Marlborough, MA · 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 ...

IPG Photonics

Cleanroom Technician

Oxford, MA · On-site

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

Cleanroom Technician

Oxford, MA · On-site

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

R&D Production Technician

Marlborough, MA · 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 ...

IPG Photonics

R & D Technician - Cleanroom

Oxford, MA · On-site

$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.
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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.

Photonics Test Technician

nEye.ai

Santa Clara, CA

$45 - $55/hr

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

About us

nEye.ai, a well-funded optical switch startup, is poised to revolutionize the future of data centers. nEye's MEMS-based silicon photonics optical circuit switches (OCS) eliminate critical bottlenecks in AI processing by enabling direct optical connections among thousands of GPUs and memory units. The company's OCS is an ultra-low power consumption, high radix, compact chip-scale design, offering hyperscale data centers enhanced performance, efficiency, and scalability.

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 rigor while also applying judgment to the data they observe.

You will be responsible for running wafer-level tests and operating advanced metrology systems, but just as importantly, you will serve as a first line of defense for data quality, for example identifying anomalies, spotting inconsistencies, and flagging issues to engineering.

This role is ideal for someone who has spent years working hands-on with high-end optical systems or metrology tools, understands the scale and precision involved, and knows when something "doesn't look right."

Key Responsibilities

  • Operate and support wafer-level test setups for silicon photonics and MEMS-based devices

  • Load wafers, execute test sequences, and ensure consistent, high-quality test execution

  • Work with high-precision optical and metrology equipment to collect measurement data

  • Perform optical alignment and fiber-based test setups as needed

  • Monitor test outputs and identify anomalies, drift, or unexpected behavior in data

  • Proactively flag irregularities to engineers, providing clear observations and context

  • Troubleshoot test setups and support root cause analysis of failures

  • Maintain and calibrate lab equipment to ensure accuracy and repeatability

  • Accurately document test procedures, results, and observations

  • Support engineers in debugging, validation, and test optimization efforts

  • Contribute to improving lab workflows, test processes, and overall data quality

Required Qualifications

  • Associate's degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, or related field (or equivalent hands-on experience)

  • Equivalent hands-on industry experience is highly valued; a formal degree is not required for this role

  • Strong hands-on experience with single mode fiber optics

  • Experience working in precision optical, photonics, or MEMS environments

  • Experience operating high-end metrology or measurement equipment

  • Background in wafer-level testing, semiconductor environments, or advanced hardware labs

  • Proven ability to execute structured test procedures with consistency and accuracy

  • Experience identifying test anomalies, system issues, or data inconsistencies

  • Familiarity with lab instrumentation (e.g., optical setups, oscilloscopes, power meters, etc.)

  • Comfortable working in cleanroom or controlled lab environments

  • Strong attention to detail and ability to follow complex procedures

Preferred Skills

  • Experience with silicon photonics or optical device testing

  • Experience working with laser systems, optical alignment, or fiber coupling

  • Familiarity with wafer probing, optical characterization, or MEMS devices

  • Experience supporting R&D or early-stage product development environments

$45 - $55 an hour
Starting salary and title will depend on, and be commensurate with, relevant industry experience, skills, training, education, market demands, and the ultimate job duties and requirements.
nEye.ai is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
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