Laser Systems Specialist

Responsibilities

• Execute assembly work in both "cold" and "hot" status: cold assembly covers passive optical builds (mounts, beam routing, fiber connections) without live laser power; hot assembly involves working on or near optically charged systems, requiring heightened safety awareness, beam hazard discipline, and close coordination with Laser Systems Engineers
• Prepare assembled subsystems for shipment to international sites (Japan, UK, and future locations): packaging for vibration and humidity sensitivity, export compliance support (ITAR/EAR documentation), and coordination with logistics and receiving teams to ensure systems arrive integration-ready
• Install and integrate laser subsystems across platforms: optical tables, rack-mounted enclosures, and custom integration hardware; support alignment and system verification in both powered-down and live-laser conditions
• Execute small-batch prototype builds with fast turnaround, handling components that are too small in volume or too time-sensitive for contract manufacturing
• Handle high-value and fragile optical components with appropriate care, cleanliness, and anti-static protocols
• Document all build steps, component configurations, and revisions in internal systems (Confluence, JIRA)
• Support on-site troubleshooting and maintenance of installed laser systems across the machine fleet
• Contribute to improvement of assembly procedures, fixtures, and tooling

Qualifications

• S., B.S., or equivalent hands-on technical training in optics, photonics, precision assembly, or a related field
• Demonstrated experience assembling and aligning free-space optical systems (mirrors, lenses, beam splitters, waveplates, AOMs/EOMs, or similar)
• Advanced PM fiber splicing expertise: fusion splicing, PM axis alignment, loss measurement, and splicer qualification
• Broadened fiber-optic proficiency: connectorization, FC/APC/PC polishing, fiber routing, and power measurement
• Proven ability to handle fragile, high-value, and long-lead optical components with zero-defect discipline
• Ability to work from engineering drawings, optical layouts, and assembly procedures independently
• Rigorous documentation habits — build steps, serial numbers, and configuration states recorded as a matter of course

Preferred Qualifications

• Background in a laser lab, photonics manufacturing, or precision optical assembly environment
• PM splicing experience extending into active fiber signal chains (amplifier seed delivery, pre-amplifier interconnects)
• Laser safety discipline for hot assembly work: comfort operating near live high-power beams, familiarity with interlocked enclosures, beam dump practices, and Class 3B/4 laser handling procedures
• Ability to read optical and mechanical CAD drawings (Zemax, SolidWorks, or equivalent)
• Exposure to laser characterization equipment: power meters, beam profilers, optical spectrum analyzers
• Experience in a prototype or R&D build environment (university lab, national lab, or early-stage company)