Optics R&D Technician

Job Description

Job Title: Optics R&D Technician. Location: Albuquerque, NM, USA

The role involves setting up and maintaining a photonic and optics lab, building experimental apparatus, and collaborating with engineers, physicists and technicians to advance quantum hardware research.

Duties:

• Set up, design, test, and align optical systems including lasers, imaging systems, and free-space or fiber optics.
• Collaborate with R&D colleagues to plan, develop, and maintain a new laboratory facility;
• Provide technical support for lab equipment, resolving issues and implementing corrective actions.
• Prepare detailed engineering specifications, standard operating procedures, and other documentation for lab operations.
• Support procurement and materials management to track and acquire technical equipment;
• Ensure compliance with environment, health, and safety protocols, including monitoring lab metrics such as temperature and humidity.
• Assist in mechanical design or CAD tasks as needed.
• Lift up to 25 pounds and work safely in a lab environment.

Qualifications:

• Associates degree minimum, preferably in optics, engineering, instrumentation, or physics.
• 2+ years hands-on experience in optics, engineering, or laboratory environments;
• Strong understanding of lasers, micro-optics, imaging systems, and experimental setup.
• Experience following work instructions, drawings, and test protocols.
• Organized with attention to detail in both administrative and technical tasks.
• Proficiency in Excel, Word, and Outlook;
• U.S. person eligibility required; must meet national security requirements regarding nationality.
• Bachelor’s degree and 2+ years optics lab experience preferred.

Benefits and Instructions:

• Salary range: $65,000–$82,000 annually.
• Flexible work schedule with employer-subsidized health, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) match, equity, paid holidays, vacation, sick time, and parental leave;
• Employee discounts and other workplace benefits;
• Equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and compliance with all labor and safety laws.