Remote Optical Coating Engineer Jobs in California

What MatX Is Building

MatX's mission is to make the world's best AI models run as efficiently as allowed by physics, bringing the world years ahead in AI quality and availability.

About the Role

We are seeking a hands-on Lab Manager to oversee daily operations, organization, and infrastructure for our high-speed electrical and optical test lab. This is an active role focused on maintaining equipment, board rework, bench organization, inventory, and remote support.The ideal candidate handles technical troubleshooting, logistics, and facilities management. You take pride in a clean, organized lab and are equally comfortable soldering fine-pitch components, managing procurement, or designing floor plans.This role supports engineers working on high-speed interconnects, signal and power integrity, and optical qualification using advanced lab equipment (oscilloscopes, BERTs, VNAs, etc.).

What You'll Do1. Hands-On Hardware SupportSoldering & Rework

• Perform precision hand soldering/rework on fine-pitch SMT components (0201, QFN, BGA/reballing, LCC, 0.4mm pitch BGAs, flex connectors, high-speed RF/coaxial connectors).
• Execute Engineering Change Orders (ECOs) on prototype PCBs and SVKs (component swaps, trace cuts, jumpers, test points).
• Conduct board-level failure analysis (solder joint, trace, pad, and ESD damage inspection) using stereo/digital microscopes.

Equipment Maintenance & Support

• Manage calibration kits and reference cable libraries; perform periodic VNA cable characterization.
• Provide first-line operation and support for lab instruments (oscilloscopes, BERTs, VNAs, optical power meters, spectrum analyzers, power supplies).
• Maintain calibration schedules, coordinate third-party servicing, and manage equipment database/records.

2. Remote Test Support

• Remote Setup: Configure instruments (GPIB/LAN/USB), validate automation scripts, and troubleshoot connectivity for remote engineers.
• Live Hardware Assist: Act as on-site support-connecting probes, swapping cables, changing DUT configurations, and cycling power.
• After-Hours Support: Coordinate scheduling for cross-timezone testing and maintain clear shift handoff logs.

3. Logistics & Inventory Management

• Source and procure lab equipment, parts, and consumables; manage POs, vendor quotes, and RMAs.
• Maintain a real-time inventory database of assets, serial numbers, and reorder thresholds.
• Stock critical consumables: solder, flux, IPA, cleaning supplies, and common SMT components.

What We're Looking For

• Associate's/Bachelor's in Electronics Technology, Electrical Engineering Technology, or related field; equivalent hands-on experience considered.
• 5+ years of experience in an electronics test lab, hardware prototyping lab, or equivalent environment.
• IPC-A-610 certification (Class 2 minimum, Class 3 preferred); J-STD-001 soldering certification a plus.
• Expert hand soldering/SMT rework and BGA reballing/inspection.
• Proficiency with bench instruments (oscilloscopes, power supplies, VNAs).
• Optical fiber handling (connector inspection/cleaning, polarity verification).
• Calibration database management and third-party service coordination.
• Proficiency with procurement (e.g., SAP, Coupa) and asset tracking tools.
• Knowledge of ESD and safety standards (OSHA/EHS).
• Strong communication skills; ability to manage multiple concurrent tasks.
• Customer-service orientation; proactive, solution-focused attitude.

Compensation

The US base salary for this full-time position is determined based on a variety of factors including role, experience, location, job related skills, and relevant education and training. Career length is only a guideline for compensation.

• Early Career - $120,000 - $250,000 + equity
• Mid Career - $175,000 - $362,500 + equity
• Senior Career - $250,000 - $475,000 + equity

What We Offer

• A Stake in our success A flexible cash equity compensation mix that fits your needs
• Heath & Wellness Company subsidized Health, Dental, Vision, and Life insurance; Pre-tax Health Savings Accounts with generous company contribution (even if you don't)
• Time To Recharge 4 weeks paid time off (accrued), 12 company holidays, and 3 weeks remote/flexible work per year
• Support to Parents Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave, regardless of your path to parenthood
• Learning & Development $1,500 yearly towards your professional development e.g. conferences, courses, and other learning opportunities
• Team Connection Team Lunches, quarterly off-sites, and regular town halls
• Financial Wellbeing 401K and/or Roth IRA, with 5% company contribution, even if you don't!
• Flexible Spending Accounts Pre-tax spend accounts for medical, dental/vision, dependent care, parking, and transit expenses
• Commute On Us For those commuting up to 1 hour, put your rideshare cost on our company card and reclaim the drive-time to get work done!
• MatX E[x]tras $50 per month to use on the perks you care about most 
• Remote Perks We work remotely Monday & Friday, supported by home-tech setup, and remote wifi expense reimbursement

As part of our dedication to the diversity of our team and our focus on creating an inviting and inclusive work experience, MatX is committed to a policy of Equal Employment Opportunity and will not discriminate against an applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, marital/domestic partner status, military and veteran status, genetic information or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances.

All candidates must be authorized to work in the United States and work from our offices in Mountain View Tuesdays-Thursdays.

This position requires access to information that is subject to U.S. export controls. This offer of employment is contingent upon the applicants capacity to perform job functions in compliance with U.S. export control laws without obtaining a license from U.S. export control authorities.

MatX does not accept unsolicited resumes from individual recruiters or third-party recruiting agencies in response to job postings. No fee will be paid to third parties who submit unsolicited candidates directly to our hiring managers or People team and any resumes submitted are deemed to be the property of MatX.