- Salary
- $33 – $45
- Location
- Santa Clara, CA,US, US
- Type
- Full-time
- Department
- Engineering
- Education
- Associate
- Source
- Eightfold
Description
## Position Summary
The Photonics/Optics Technician supports the development, characterization, and manufacturing of advanced optical and photonic devices, modules, and systems. This role involves hands-on work with optical components, lasers, fiber-optic assemblies, photonic integrated circuits (PICs), metrology equipment, and laboratory instrumentation. The technician will work closely with scientists and engineers to build, test, troubleshoot, and optimize optical systems used in telecommunications, datacenter interconnects, sensing, imaging, and next-generation photonics technologies.
## Key Responsibilities
### Optical Assembly and Integration
- Assemble and integrate optical and opto-mechanical systems according to engineering drawings and procedures.
- Perform precision fiber alignment, optical coupling, and packaging of photonic devices and modules.
- Install, configure, and maintain lasers, detectors, cameras, spectrometers, optical fibers, and associated hardware.
- Support wafer-level, die-level, and package-level optical device evaluation.
- Execute optical and electro-optical characterization experiments following established test plans.
- Measure device performance including: Optical insertion lossFiber-to-chip coupling efficiencyOptical powerSpectral responsePolarization characteristicsHigh-speed optical link performance
- Collect, organize, and document experimental data.
- Generate test reports and communicate results to engineering teams.
- Operate and maintain laboratory equipment including: Optical spectrum analyzersPower metersOscilloscopesProbe stationsLight sourcesImaging systemsEnvironmental test systems
- Perform routine calibrations and preventive maintenance.
- Ensure laboratory safety procedures and documentation are maintained.
### Troubleshooting and Process Support
- Troubleshoot optical, mechanical, and electrical issues in test setups and prototype systems.
- Identify root causes of performance deviations and recommend corrective actions.
- Support process development activities and engineering experiments.
- Assist with prototype builds and technology demonstrations.
### Documentation and Continuous Improvement
- Maintain accurate records of experimental procedures, test results, and equipment status.
- Develop and improve standard operating procedures (SOPs).
- Contribute to laboratory organization, efficiency improvements, and best practices.
- Support inventory management and procurement of laboratory materials and components.
## Required Qualifications
- Associate degree, technical certificate, or equivalent experience in: PhotonicsOpticsPhysicsElectrical Engineering TechnologyLaser TechnologyApplied Science
- 2+ years of hands-on laboratory, manufacturing, or testing experience in optics, photonics, semiconductors, or related fields.
- Experience with optical alignment and fiber handling.
- Familiarity with common optical laboratory equipment and measurement techniques.
- Ability to read engineering drawings, schematics, and technical procedures.
- Strong attention to detail and documentation skills.
## Qualifications
### Education:
Associate's Degree
### Skills
### Certifications:
### Languages:
### Years of Experience:
4 - 7 Years
### Work Experience:
## Additional Information
###
### Shift:
10-Day 8-Hr (United States of America)
###
### Travel:
No
###
### Relocation Eligible:
Yes
### Referral Payment Plan:
None
Salary Range:
$33.00 - $45.70
The salary offered to a selected candidate will be based on multiple factors including location, hire grade, job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and with consideration of internal equity of our current team members. In addition to a comprehensive benefits package, candidates may be eligible for other forms of compensation such as participation in a bonus and a stock award program, as applicable.
For all sales roles, the posted salary range is the Target Total Cash (TTC) range for the role, which is the sum of base salary and target bonus amount at 100% goal achievement.
Applied Materials is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law.