Job Description
About Bridger Photonics, Inc. Bridger has established strong competitive advantages with our Gas Mapping LiDAR™ technology and we are seeking an outstanding
Electro-Optical Assembly Technician to support the assembly, optical alignment, testing, and integration of advanced LiDAR sensor systems.
About the role This role is critical to ensuring high-quality and reliable electrical and electro-optical assemblies used in Bridger's Gas Mapping LiDAR™ sensors, including the photodetector and receiver subassemblies at the heart of each sensor. The ideal candidate has strong hands-on electronics assembly experience, thrives in a precision-driven environment, and is comfortable working with optical, electro-optical, and electro-mechanical components, including detectors, lasers, lenses, and optical fiber.
What you'll do - Assemble LiDAR sensor electronics, including PCBs, optical subassemblies, and electro-mechanical components, following work instructions, schematics, and drawings
- Perform hand soldering (SMT and through-hole) to IPC standards
- Integrate optical components such as lasers, photodetectors, lenses, and fiber assemblies with electronics
- Assemble photodetector and optical receiver subassemblies, including mounting detectors, lenses, filters, and windows into housings and interfacing them with front-end electronics
- Perform active and passive optical alignment of detectors, lenses, collimators, and fiber components using precision positioning stages, alignment fixtures, and real-time signal feedback to optimize coupling and signal strength
- Bond and secure aligned optics using UV-cure and thermal epoxies, verifying that alignment is maintained through cure and after environmental testing
- Cleave, fusion splice, and terminate optical fiber; route and manage fiber within sensor assemblies without exceeding bend-radius limits
- Clean, inspect, and handle optical surfaces, detectors, and fiber connectors following established procedures, including fiber end-face inspection with a fiber scope
- Characterize electro-optical subassemblies by measuring parameters such as optical power, coupling efficiency, detector responsivity, dark current, noise, and beam pointing
- Conduct functional testing, calibration, and basic troubleshooting of assembled LiDAR units
- Use test equipment such as oscilloscopes, multimeters, and power supplies, along with optical test equipment such as optical power meters, beam profilers, optical spectrum analyzers, and IR viewers or cards
- Identify, document, and communicate assembly issues, defects, or process improvements
- Maintain accurate build records, travelers, and quality documentation
- Follow ESD, safety, and cleanroom procedures where required
- Work safely with laser sources, following laser safety procedures, controlled-area requirements, and appropriate eyewear and PPE use
- Support engineering and manufacturing teams during prototyping, NPI, and production ramp-ups
- Assist with rework, repairs, and failure analysis as needed
Qualifications - High school diploma or equivalent; technical certification or associate degree in electronics, laser/photonics technology, or a related field preferred
- 2+ years of experience in electronics assembly or manufacturing
- Proficiency in hand soldering to IPC-A-610 standards
- Ability to read and interpret schematics, BOMs, and assembly drawings of electro-optic and optical assemblies
- Experience working with small, delicate components requiring high precision
- Comfort working under a microscope and with precision positioning equipment for fine assembly and alignment tasks
- Hands-on experience with optical or electro-optical components, or a demonstrated aptitude and strong willingness to learn precision optical alignment
- Familiarity with ESD-safe practices and quality-controlled manufacturing environments
- Strong attention to detail and manual dexterity
Preferred Qualifications - Experience assembling LiDAR, optical, or photonics-based products
- IPC certification (e.g., IPC-A-610, J-STD-001)
- Hands-on experience with active optical alignment of detectors, lenses, or fiber components
- Experience assembling or testing photodetectors (e.g., InGaAs or Si photodiodes) and optical receiver modules
- Experience with fiber optic cleaving, fusion splicing, connectorization, and end-face inspection
- Experience with optical adhesives and precision bonding processes, including UV-cure epoxies
- Familiarity with laser safety practices (e.g., ANSI Z136.1) and working in laser-controlled areas
- Familiarity with ISO 9001, AS9100, or similar quality systems
- Experience supporting prototype builds and low-to-mid volume production
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