Description
Senior Assembly Technicians at Photonic take ownership of assembling and integrating complete quantum control systems from tested subassemblies through fully built, deployable racks.
This role is part of the Operations Team and is responsible for the physical realization of our quantum control infrastructure. The control system includes MicroTCA-based platforms with custom FPGA firmware, as well as custom optical control units, microwave control assemblies, and optical detector readout hardware including SNSPD interfaces. These systems are modular, scalable, and deployed in standard 19-inch equipment racks, often spanning multiple racks per system.
From early in the role, you will be responsible for full-rack and multi-rack builds, working closely with Hardware Controls Engineering, Logistics and Warehousing, and other Operations teams including cryogenics, machine shop, facilities, and IT. This position is hands-on, system-focused, and central to turning engineering output into working quantum computers.
Please include a cover letter with your resume (in one file) describing how you would be a great fit at Photonic and what attributes you could bring to our growing team.
WHAT WE NEED YOU TO DO
Own Full-Rack and Multi-Rack Builds
- Assemble, integrate, and verify complete 19-inch rack and multi-rack quantum control systems
- Rack tested MicroTCA assemblies alongside custom optical, microwave, and detector control hardware
- Install power distribution, grounding, cooling interfaces, and system-level interconnects
- Route, dress, label, and secure RF, microwave, optical fiber, low-noise analog, and digital cabling
- Ensure build quality, mechanical integrity, serviceability, and consistency across systems
- Perform controlled power-up, sequencing, and basic bring-up checks following defined procedures
Work Deeply with Engineering and Operations
- Partner with Hardware Controls team to understand system architecture, tolerances, and integration intent
- Provide hands-on design-for-assembly, serviceability, and integration feedback during design reviews
- Coordinate with Logistics and Warehousing to ensure accurate kitting, staging, and traceability of components
- Collaborate with other Operations team members including cryogenic technicians, machine shop, facilities, and IT to support deployment and integration
Build Documentation and Process Ownership
- Execute builds using travelers, rack layouts, wiring diagrams, and assembly documentation
- Actively refine and improve build documentation based on hands-on experience
- Identify gaps, ambiguities, or inefficiencies in assembly instructions and propose clear improvements
- Help establish standard build practices, checklists, and quality gates for repeatable system assembly
Help Build the Assembly Function
- Contribute to defining roles, responsibilities, and workflows for the Assembly function within Operations
- Support onboarding and mentoring of new assembly technicians as the team grows
- Provide input on tooling, workspace layout, and process improvements to scale assembly capacity
- Help set expectations for build quality, consistency, and craftsmanship across the team
System-Level Responsibility
- Support installation and integration of control systems into laboratory and cryogenic environments
- Troubleshoot mechanical, cabling, and integration issues in coordination with engineering
- Contribute to the end-to-end build and integration of complete quantum computing systems
WHAT YOU BRING TO OUR TEAM
- Seven or more years of hands-on experience in electronics, electromechanical, or system-level assembly
- Experience with 19-inch rack systems, telecom equipment, or data center infrastructure
- Demonstrated experience owning full-rack or multi-rack system builds
- Strong mechanical aptitude and high standards for workmanship and cable management
- Ability to read, interpret, and critique wiring diagrams, mechanical drawings, and build documentation
- Experience working in laboratory, prototype, or production environments with complex hardware systems
- Comfortable providing structured feedback to engineering teams based on build experience
- Strong sense of ownership, accountability, and attention to detail
An exceptional candidate will bring:
- Familiarity with MicroTCA, ATCA, PXI, or similar modular hardware platforms
- Familiarity with PLM and ERP systems (e.g. Arena and Oracle Netsuite)
- Demonstrated knowledge of AC power line systems including 3-phase 120/208 and single-phase 208
- Demonstrated knowledge of EMI , including the impact of cable routing practices on EMI and overall performance.
- Experience assembling or integrating custom optical and microwave hardware
- Experience handling RF, microwave, and optical fiber interconnects
- Exposure to cryogenic systems, scientific instrumentation, or physics-driven hardware
- Experience contributing to design reviews or design-for-manufacturing processes
WHY YOU SHOULD WORK WITH US
- Work closely with some of the brightest innovators in quantum technologies to drive breakthroughs that redefine computing
- Take ownership of full‑rack and multi‑rack quantum control system builds from early in your role
- Help shape how assembly is done, not just execute builds, as we continue to refine and improve our processes
- Play a meaningful part in growing and defining the Assembly function within Operations as our systems scale
- Work directly with engineers and scientists in an inclusive, collaborative environment where your input influences how systems are designed, built, and deployed
- Build technically demanding systems where high‑quality assembly makes a tangible impact on system performance
The description above is what we think an ideal candidate would look like for this role. At Photonic, we understand that everyone has a different work and life journey. If you feel your experience is close to what we've described, but you might not meet all the requirements, please still apply! All roles listed are for current vacancies. While artificial intelligence (AI) tools may be used to assist in reviewing applicant profiles, they do not determine candidate outcomes. Our hiring decisions are made by people, not algorithms. We are committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion. We embrace and encourage our employees’ differences, knowing that these very differences inspire innovation and build better teams. If there are any accommodations our team can make throughout our hiring process, please let us know.
