Laser Technician / Electro-Optical Technician

Responsibilities

• Assemble, maintain, and operate laser systems and their subsystems.
• Collaborate with engineers and technicians to troubleshoot complex optical systems.
• Accurately interpret engineering/optical models, drawings, specifications, and test procedures.
• Work with a team of physicists and engineers to help specify optical system requirements.
• Lead hands-on integration, alignment, and testing of laser-optical systems.
• Maintain laboratory readiness, organization, and strict safety compliance within laser and cleanroom environments.
• Create and maintain SOPs, assembly procedures, and technical documentation.

Required Qualifications

• Associate's or bachelor's degree in optics, lasers, electro-optics, photonics, electronics, or directly related technical disciplines, or 2+ years of experience with laser systems and free space optics.
• Hands-on experience with optical system alignment.
• Competency with laser operations and general laser lab tools (such as but not limited to micrometers, optical power meters, alignment lasers, assembly tools, mounting and handling tools, and cleaning tools).
• Ability to maintain strict safety protocols while working in laser labs and cleanroom environments.
• Strong documentation discipline and attention to detail.
• Ability to work on-site in Austin, TX.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with high-power laser systems, preferably nanosecond pulsed or CW systems.
• Experience with optical measurement and alignment tools such as calipers, spectrometers, and oscilloscopes/multimeters, and with electrical diagnostic tools such as wavefront sensors and beam profilers.
• Experience working in research and development (R&D) environments or prototype hardware programs.
• Proficiency in CAD software, such as SolidWorks, for optical component design and integration.
• Proficiency with LabVIEW.
• Proficiency with Zemax for optical layouts.
• Laser Safety Officer (LSO) training or certification.
• Q/TS Clearance.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Collaboration across engineering, physics, and operations teams.
• Hands-on laboratory and hardware-focused role: Requires use of PPE, laser eye protection, laboratory safety discipline, and cleanroom protocols.
• Requires fine motor skills and dexterity necessary to carefully manipulate, install, and adjust precise instrumentation and delicate system components.
• Ability to bend, stoop, kneel, and work in confined or awkward spaces to integrate and repair hardware components.
• Ability to reach at and below shoulder level to make adjustments on optical table.
• Ability to lift/carry up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to stand for extended periods.
• Ability to climb ladders.

Schedule

• Typical working hours begin at 7:00 AM, Monday through Friday.
• This role may occasionally require off-hours work, weekend runs, and overtime to support experiments and system operations.

About Hexium

Hexium is an early-stage hardware company operating at the intersection of laser science, plasma physics, and atomic physics. We're developing advanced isotope separation systems rooted in AVLIS (Atomic Vapor Laser Isotope Separation) technology to address a critical bottleneck in the supply of isotopes used in clean energy, medical, and advanced industrial applications.

Benefits

• Stock Options
• Paid Time Off
• 401(k) Matching
• Medical, Dental, Vision insurance
• HSA & FSAs

Contact Information

To apply for this job, please visit our careers page and submit your application. For more information about Hexium, please visit our website.