Photonics Integration Technician

About the role

The Photonics Integration Technician sits at the bench where engineering designs become working hardware. The role is responsible for precision optical and photonic assembly, alignment, and testing of the subsystems that make up Q‑Block’s quantum platforms, combining free‑space optics and fiber systems to meet tight specifications.

Key responsibilities

• Assemble, align, and secure free‑space optical components such as lenses, mirrors, beamsplitters, waveplates, filters, and modulators on optical breadboards and within hardware enclosures.
• Prepare, cleave, connectorize, splice, and terminate single‑mode and polarization‑maintaining optical fibers; perform fiber‑to‑free‑space coupling and pigtailing.
• Align optical assemblies to specified tolerances using precision stages, autocollimators, beam profilers, and power meters, documenting alignment metrics.
• Conduct functional and performance testing of assemblies, measuring insertion loss, return loss, extinction ratio, beam quality, and power throughput.
• Maintain and operate optical test equipment, including power meters, optical spectrum analyzers, spectrometers, photodetectors, and interferometric tools.

Required profile

• College diploma in Photonics Technology, Optical Engineering Technology, Electronics Engineering Technology, or related applied science program, or equivalent experience.
• 2+ years of professional experience in optical or photonic assembly, alignment, and testing.
• Hands‑on proficiency in precision optical alignment to tight tolerances.
• Practical experience with fiber‑optic preparation (cleaving, splicing, connectorization, polishing).
• Ability to read and interpret optical assembly drawings, engineering specifications, and component datasheets.

Required skills

• Precision optical alignment tools (autocollimators, beam profilers, power meters).
• Fiber‑optic preparation and splicing equipment.
• Optical test instruments: power meters, optical spectrum analyzers, spectrometers, photodetectors, interferometric tools.
• Laser safety compliance for Class 3B/4 systems.
• Cleanroom/clean‑bench protocols and contamination control.

What we offer

• Extended health care including dental and vision.
• Life insurance.
• Equal‑opportunity employment with accommodations available on request.