Manufacturing Technician

About the role

You will assemble, test, troubleshoot, and support the build of complex capital equipment used in high-precision applications. This highly hands-on role requires strong technical aptitude, careful attention to detail, and the ability to follow detailed work instructions in a cleanroom or precision manufacturing environment. You will operate with moderate independence, contribute to continuous improvement and quality initiatives, and collaborate closely with cross-functional engineering and production teams.

Responsibilities

• Perform mechanical, electrical, and optical assembly of complex equipment and subassemblies with a high level of precision and quality.
• Interpret and work from engineering drawings, schematics, bills of materials (BOMs), and detailed work instructions to complete assemblies and builds.
• Support the integration of major subsystems, including motion stages, optics, and electronics, into complete systems.
• Perform system-level calibration, functional testing, and system verification using appropriate test equipment and tools.
• Troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, and software-related issues at the component and system level, using diagnostic tools and structured problem-solving methods.
• Identify root causes of issues, document findings, and escalate problems appropriately to engineering or leadership when necessary.
• Follow ISO and internal quality procedures to ensure consistent build quality and compliance with standards.
• Accurately record build data, non-conformances, test results, and any deviations in the appropriate documentation systems.
• Ensure strict adherence to ESD controls, cleanliness protocols, and safety standards while working on optical and electronic assemblies.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements and efficiency gains in assembly, test, and troubleshooting activities.
• Support Lean manufacturing initiatives such as 5S, standard work, and error-proofing to improve workflow and reduce waste.
• Provide clear feedback on documentation gaps, build challenges, and design issues to help improve product manufacturability and reliability.
• Collaborate with engineering, quality, and production teams to resolve technical issues and support new product introductions.

Requirements

• 3–5 years of experience in manufacturing optical systems or in assembly and/or test roles in a precision manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency in mechanical assembly of complex equipment and subassemblies.
• Experience with electrical assembly, including working with wiring, connectors, and electronic modules.
• Hands-on experience with optical assembly or handling of precision optical components.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, electrical schematics, bills of materials (BOMs), and detailed work instructions.
• Strong troubleshooting skills for mechanical, electrical, and software-related issues.
• Experience using electronic test equipment such as oscilloscopes and other diagnostic tools.
• Practical soldering skills appropriate for electronic assemblies and rework.
• Familiarity with cleanroom or controlled-environment manufacturing practices.
• Understanding of ISO and internal quality procedures and how they apply to manufacturing and testing.
• Ability to follow and maintain ESD, cleanliness, and safety standards consistently.
• High attention to detail and accuracy in recording build data, non-conformances, and test results.
• High school diploma or equivalent.

Additional Qualifications

• Experience working with products used in aerospace, aviation, optics manufacturing, or precision machining environments.
• Exposure to Lean manufacturing concepts, including 5S, standard work, and error-proofing.
• Comfort working in a cross-functional environment with engineering, quality, and production teams.
• Demonstrated ability to support continuous improvement initiatives and suggest process enhancements.
• Strong communication skills for providing feedback on documentation gaps and design issues.
• Interest in gaining hands-on engineering and technical experience with complex capital equipment.

Work Environment

You work in a clean, climate-controlled manufacturing and laboratory setting where technicians assemble, test, and inspect precision optical and electronic equipment. The environment resembles a high-tech engineering lab more than a traditional industrial manufacturing floor, with a strong emphasis on cleanliness, ESD protection, and careful handling of sensitive components. You regularly use electronic test equipment such as oscilloscopes and other diagnostic tools, as well as mechanical and optical assembly tools. Work typically involves standing or sitting at workstations, following structured work instructions, and collaborating closely with engineering and production personnel in a professional, process-driven setting.

Pay

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $28.00/hr. Individual compensation offered within this range will depend on qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Benefits

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital insurance
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Schedule

This is a Contract to Hire, fully onsite position based in Tucson, AZ.